Bruges doesn't shut down on Christmas Day to the extent places do here in the UK. Public transport was running, the horse and carriages were out and about, and the bars and restaurants were largely open and welcomingly busy. This gave us plenty of opportunities to sample the fantastic food and drink on offer.
There's a reason why this fairytale city is a favourite winter destination, as Bruges in winter is remarkable, with the best Christmas market in Belgium and some wonderful Christmas festive traditions, from St Nicolas arriving by boat to the traditional Yule Christmas chocolate log.
Is everything closed on Christmas Day in Brussels?
As Christmas Eve took place on a Sunday this year, shops and services will remain closed on Monday for Christmas Day. While those who celebrated may still be recovering from food comas, most shops will reopen on Tuesday (Boxing Day).
A biting, occasionally cruel, and tragic black comedy about two lonely hitmen might not be anyone's idea of a holly, jolly Christmas movie –alas, and against all odds, In Bruges is just that. Why? Well, for starters, it's set on Christmas. However, the film's holiday connections run deeper than just that.
Christmas in Bruges - What to See & Eat + Where to Stay
What is Bruges like at Christmas?
Bruges at Christmas time is beyond magical and feels like a fairytale. Charming Christmas markets, rich hot cocoa, warm Liege waffles, festive hotels, and beautiful canal walks... Bruges in December offers plenty to see and do!
December is one of the coldest months of the year and the possibility of heavy snowfall is quite high towards the end of the month. Cold winds and rainfall are also common, so make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes including a waterproof coat.
From 24 November through 7 January 2024, a unique light experience walk, an artificial ice skating rink, a cosy winter bar, two Christmas markets and some atmospheric Christmas lights will make Bruges a fairy-tale city.
Bruges Christmas Market is an annual event. Some names, locations, and decorations differ from year to year, but it's always nice and well worth visiting Bruges during the winter season. This winter, Bruges Christmas Market & Bruges Winter Glow light festival will be open from November 24, 2023, until January 7, 2024.
As a former Christian nation, Belgium used to celebrate in a very traditional way with a multi course dinner on Christmas Eve, attendance at midnight mass and a visit to the greater family on Christmas Day. But young families tend to view Christmas more and more as a cosy gathering rather than a religious feast.
Christmas Day is not dissimilar to a Sunday, public transport runs to a Sunday timetable for example, but many shops that normally open for part of the day on Sunday won't open on Christmas Day (but some will). Almost all tourist attractions will be closed, it is a Monday so many would be closed anyway.
Are Christmas markets open on Christmas Day Belgium?
Anyway, no such worries in Belgium – most Christmas Markets in Belgium remain open during the entire holiday season. Just note that some markets will have shorter opening hours on the 24th, 25th, and 31st of December.
Bruges is a peaceful city and highly respectful towards women. Instances of street harassment are significantly low. The locals are polite and helpful. It's generally very safe to walk around, even at night.
Bruges is a “touristy” destination so prices are higher than what you'll find in the rest of Belgium—most notably food and accommodation. In this travel price guide, we'll cover typical Bruges travel costs for food, accommodation, sights, and extras so you can better budget your trip.
Known for its picturesque streets, stunning architecture, delicious food, and famous Christmas market, there are loads of things to do in Bruges that make it a very popular holiday destination, which is why so many people visit each year. Find out for yourself what makes Bruges so magical.
2 Days in Bruges is the perfect amount of time to really enjoy the medieval town and visit the top sites. However, if time allows, an extra day or two is well worth it. Below are some additional options for a 3rd or 4th day in Bruges.
Most shops in Bruges open their doors at 10.00 hrs and close at 18.00 hrs Mondays to Saturdays. On shopping Sundays, most shops are open from 13.00 to 18.00 hrs. Check the Visit Brugge website for current opening hours.
There is an abundance of food and drink stalls, where you can enjoy a warm cup of mulled wine, Belgian chocolate delicacies, and traditional festive treats such as baked gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Whatever you're looking for, Bruges Christmas market has it all!
What do they drink at Christmas markets in Belgium?
Some people will enjoy a gin mixture called jenever, while others will enjoy a gluhwein – a spiced hot wine drink usually served at Christmas markets. You might also find something called a 'Three Wise Men Pie' or bread called a 'galette des rois' which is decorated with a gold paper crown.
There are taxi stands at the Markt (tel 050/334-444) and outside the rail station on Stationsplein (tel 050/384-660). Is Bruges a walking city? Bruges is a great walking town. The historical center is compact and filled with cobbled pedestrian-only streets, which makes walking the best way to get around.
Layers are a great solution for coping with changes in temperature e.g. jacket, sweater, shirt, t-shirt – especially in Spring and again in Fall. In the winter months of December, January and February dress warmly, with layers, and take a warm smart coat, scarf and gloves.
The wettest month in Bruges is December where a typical day has a 42% chance of precipitation and gets 0.13 inches (3.3 mm) of precipitation, while the dryest month in Bruges is April where a typical day has a 19% chance of precipitation and gets 0.15 inches (3.7 mm) of precipitation.
