Is Brussels worth visiting in Christmas?

Every year, our capital pulls out all the stops to offer them an unforgettable experience. Cosy Christmas markets, magical illuminations and crazy attractions transport the public to a winter wonderland. A destination worthy of the finest fairy tales, Brussels is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas.

Is December a good time to visit Brussels?

The winter weather is wet and chilly (though it rarely snows), but prices still rise in time for the holidays. The months between November and February are a great time to visit the city's many Christmas markets. Unfortunately, there is also less sun with fewer than eight hours of daylight.

Is Brussels Christmas market worth it?

All displays and yummy food and drinks were satisfying! The decorations and festivities are lovely, however, it is mostly food with very little traditional Christmas crafts to purchase. We did enjoy walking around and seeing the vendors and riding the Ferris wheel at night. It gets rather crowded after 7pm.

Is Belgium good for Christmas?

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. Bruges has it all.

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).

Brussels Travel Guide 🍺 Christmas Markets in Brussels Belgium

Does it snow in Brussels in Christmas?

We rarely have snow over Christmas. You should be really very lucky. Mulled wine, a Christmas market, ice-skating rink, etc. will all be available, though. Brussels is indeed very nice at Christmas.

What do Belgium do on Christmas Day?

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.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Belgium?

Liège is proud to be the very first Belgian city to feature a Christmas market, also claiming to have the largest in the country. Downtown Liège transforms into a Christmas village during the holiday season where little wooden chalets let you shop to your heart's content.

Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Belgium?

If you're looking for the most festive place in Belgium, that place is probably Bruges. There's something special about this city that makes it the perfect destination for spending the Christmas holidays. It could be the abundance of chocolate shops, the charming streets, or the ice rinks nestled in the woodlands.

Where is the best place to go for Christmas in Belgium?

The best things to do in Belgium at Christmas

The best places to visit during winter in Belgium are Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Liege, Leuven, and Antwerp.

Is Brussels or Bruges Christmas market better?

Bruges has a fairytale feel, with lots of cosy Christmas markets prettily situated in ornate squares alongside the picturesque canals. Their beautiful ice rinks perfectly nestled amongst the festive atmosphere of the market, it will be hard to resist enjoying a skate.

Is Brussels too expensive?

Is Brussels expensive to live in? Being the European Union's capital city, Brussels isn't a cheap place to live in. However, compared to other major European cities, the cost of living in Brussels, Belgium can be considered quite average.

How many days in Brussels is enough?

3 days is enough time to see all of the main sights in Brussels. You can visit the European Parliament, the Atomium and the numerous museums in the city. You might also have time to venture to a nearby city such as Antwerp and spend half a day or a day there.

How cold is Brussels at Christmas?

Brussels is inland, so it has more of a continental climate than coastal cities like Bruges or Antwerp, but it still doesn't experience freezing temperatures. Brussels sees an average high of 43°F (6°C) in December and a low of 35°F (2°C).

Is 4 days in Brussels too much?

With four days to explore Brussels, you'll get a taste of everything the Belgian capital has to offer, plus you'll be able to visit other sites in Belgium. The Belgian capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Is there a Christmas market in Brussels?

The Brussels Christmas market, over 250 wooden chalet stalls, is spread out over the capital between Grand Place, Rue de la Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine and Marché aux Poissons.

Where is the prettiest place to spend Christmas?

Which city is most Christmassy?

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, has become synonymous with Christmas and Santa Claus. The town of Rovaniemi is known as the "Official Hometown of Santa Claus," and visitors to the charming Santa Claus Village can meet St. Nick himself, visit the post office, go to elf school at SantaPark, and more.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

Are things open in Belgium at Christmas?

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.

Is Bruges nice at Christmas?

Bruges, Belgium is possibly the most ridiculously adorable medieval town in Europe. Christmas in Bruges is a magical land of swans, horse-drawn carriages, chocolate shops, little lace shops, and Christmas Markets. Bruges in winter takes charm to a level we never knew was possible!

Where is Brussels Christmas Market 2023?

This event has already passed

From 24 November to 31 December 2023, in the centre of Brussels. The Winter Wonders event takes place before and during the Christmas holidays, at the Grand-Place and city centre of Brussels. Winter Wonders includes: Christmas market with more than 200 chalets.

What happens on Christmas Eve in Belgium?

On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, a special meal is eaten bringing together extended family for a magical celebration. A traditional Belgian Christmas dinner starts with a drink and 'nibbles' followed by a three-course meal. The main meal is usually roast stuffed turkey or other game or seafood.

What do Belgians call Santa?

On 6 December, Sinterklaas or "de Sint" in Flemish and Saint-Nicolas in French, brings presents to well-behaved children in Belgium. He can be described as a more serious version of Santa Claus. The character has its origins in Nicholas of Myra, a Greek bishop from Myra who lived in the fourth century AD.

What is Belgian Christmas fun facts?

Children leave out their shoes or baskets beside the door for their gifts. They may also leave back some hay for his horse. Children who were naughty receive warnings from their parents that they will receive a bunch of wooden sticks.