Brussels Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
The capital of Belgium comes alive during the Christmas season when the Christmas markets light up the streets and people get into a festive spirit. Brussels Christmas Market is the biggest in the city, and there are several other markets throughout the city that are a little quieter. With so many Christmas markets, your Christmas shopping will be a breeze!
Visit a Christmas market in Brussels to find unique gift ideas for friends and family. Many times, you will luck out and find a wonderful gift for those on your list that are hard to shop for. Sip on mulled wine as you enjoy a sound and light show that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
When visiting Brussels, do so when the biggest Christmas market is in full swing with its wooden chalets selling pretty much everything under the sun. Not far from city hall, most of the Christmas markets are within walking distance of each other.
Leave your bags and excellent holiday finds at a Bounce storage locker in Brussels so you can stroll through the crowds without lugging heavy bags with you. Bring along a couple of empty shopping bags so you can easily carry your finds from the Brussels Christmas markets. Keep reading for the best Brussels Christmas market guide!
Brussels Christmas Market
The Brussels Christmas Market, also called the Winter Wonders Festival, is held in the Grand Place, one of the most breathtaking squares in the world. This market is the main Christmas market for Brussels and about two million people come out to enjoy the festivities each year. This amazing winter event is held beginning in November and goes through December.
As you stroll through the Christmas market you will see about 240 wooden chalets set up throughout Grand Place as well as Bourse, Marché aux Poissons, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Place de la Monnaie. Each chalet is decorated with a Christmas tree, usually twinkling lights, and a Nativity scene. Even if you do not buy anything at the market, see the city center transformed into a winter wonderland.
The Grand Place light show during the holiday season is exceptional and draws a big crowd. Christmas time in Brussels is not complete without a visit to one of the biggest Christmas markets in the city center. Christmas market 2022 dates are still being finalized, so be sure to check their website for actual dates.
The life-size Nativity scene is beautiful and the perfect backdrop for photos, as is the glamorously decorated Christmas tree. Kids will love the old-fashion carousel, and everyone will want to ride the giant Ferris wheel or skate on the covered skating rink. Brussels Winter Wonders is one of the best Christmas markets. Remember to visit Brussels Christmas Market at least once!
What to do near Brussels Christmas Market
After exploring this extensive Christmas market, head out along the streets leading out of Grand Place and enjoy the street art that decorates many of the buildings along the side streets. Also located within walking distance of the Christmas market are the Museum of Chocolate, Stad Museum, and the Music Museum.
Christmas Market at Place de la Monnaie
Located in the Place de la Monnaie square near the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie, this small Christmas market is an ideal place to visit in the morning. And you can come back in the evening and enjoy one of the most breathtaking opera houses in Europe. It is especially breathtaking when decked out in Christmas lights.
You will be charmed by the vibrant Christmas decorations and variety of wares offered by the different sellers. Come hungry, you will be able to sample nougat, waffles, and even chocolates. Bring your ice skates or rent a pair and try out the ice skating rink in the square.
What to do near Christmas Market at Place de la Monnaie
Wander over to the western side of Place de la Monnaie in the Monnaie Center where the Mint Gallery is housed. The Mint Gallery is a covered shopping center where you can do a little more shopping or check out the fabulous window decorations. The administrative offices of the City of Brussels and the Brussels town hall are also located here.
The Anspach Gallery, another shopping mall is just to the left of the Monnaie Center. Stroll over to the Place de Brouckère for more shopping opportunities or to find delicious restaurants. As you make your way through the streets, keep your eyes open and admire the street art along the way.
Marché aux Poissons
Spend time in Place Saint Catherine near Sainte Catherine Cathedral and Marché aux Poissons. This Christmas market is held at the former fish market and there are several wonderful restaurants offering some of the tastiest seafood in Brussels. You will also find some of the best Christmas trees on display here.
This is part of one of the biggest Christmas markets in Brussels, with a beautiful water feature and light show along Quai Aux Brigues and Quai Au Bous A Bruler. Here, you will find terrific vendors offering gift items that range from jewelry and leather goods to crafts and art including hand-painted Christmas ornaments. The market stalls each have something different.
Place Saint Catherine, connected to other Christmas markets is what makes this so great. Enjoy delicious food at one market, then easily stroll through others and visit a few stalls looking for those perfect stocking stuffers.
What to do near Marché aux Poissons
The Brussels Christmas Market or Winter Wonders is just a short walk from here, as well as St. Gudula Cathedral. The Black Tower is another interesting sight you do not want to miss when in the area. La Tour Noire is a big draw when in Brussels and is within walking distance of Brussels Central Station.
The Centrale for Contemporary Art is another interesting thing to check out that is not far from Sainte Catherine and Marché aux Poissons. The Brussels Stock Exchange is a few streets over. If you did not stop at any of the food stalls, there are plenty of restaurants along the way.
Do your shopping at the Christmas Markets
One of the nicest things about the Christmas markets in Brussels is they are all not far from the Central Train Station. You may want to download a Christmas market map to help you navigate through the streets and be sure to note the Christmas market dates, there are different beginning and end dates.
You are sure to find gifts and decorations for your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. Mark your calendar with the Brussels Christmas Market dates (and the other markets too) once they become available and visit a delightful Brussels Christmas market to find everything you need! The Brussels Christmas Market location makes it easy to get to, especially if you take the metro.