Is Brussels worth visiting in December?

Yes, Brussels is definitely worth visiting in December, primarily for its world-class "Winter Wonders" festival, one of Europe's best Christmas markets. The city is magical, featuring a spectacular light show at the Grand Place, ice skating, a Ferris wheel, and festive stalls throughout the city center.

Is December a good time to visit Brussels?

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 around eight hours of daylight. Key Events: Brussels Winter Wonders (Late November to early January)

Is Brussels a good place to visit at Christmas?

Christmas in Brussels is pure magic. The whole city glows with twinkling lights, cosy markets, and that unmistakable festive buzz you can feel the moment you arrive. If you're planning a winter getaway, here are the 8 unmissable experiences that make Brussels one of Europe's best Christmas destinations.

Where is the most Christmassy place in Belgium?

Bruges Christmas Market

The UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Bruges has intimate cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque bustling squares. Add to this an abundance of twinkling lights and impressive Christmas decorations and you've got one magical city.

Is Bruges or Brussels better at Christmas?

As Bruges is a small city, you won't find the big fairground attractions that you would at the Brussels Christmas market. But you will, however, find in Bruges the most Christmassy, cosy and intimate atmosphere of all the Belgium Christmas markets.

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Belgium

Is 3 days in Brussels too much?

Three days in Brussels is a good amount of time to see the main sights, enjoy the food (chocolate, beer, waffles, frites), explore key areas like the Grand Place and Art Nouveau districts, and even fit in a popular day trip to nearby cities like Bruges or Ghent, making it generally not too much time, but perfect for a thorough, relaxed visit or a busy mix of city exploration and day trips. 

Why is Bruges called the dead city?

Bruges is called the "Dead City" primarily because of Georges Rodenbach's influential 1892 novel Bruges-la-Morte (Bruges-the-Dead), which portrayed the decaying, melancholic city as a perfect setting for a widower's obsessive grief, making it a symbol of death and lost glory for Symbolist artists and a morbid tourist attraction for romantics seeking atmosphere, even as the city's importance declined historically due to its silting Zwin channel.
 

What is the most magical Christmas town in the world?

Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)

Often called the best Christmas town in the world. Village Inspiration: Snowy rooftops, log cabins, Santa's Workshop.

Does Brussels do a Christmas market?

The Brussels Christmas Market is a real-life Winter Wonderland. Held annually in the Place Saint Catherine, this charming market offers a glimpse into Christmas Past with over 200 traditional wooden chalets filled with local treasures and gifts that are perfect for the holidays.

What is the most beautiful town in Belgium?

1. Bruges. This city is on top of most visitors' lists for a reason: it is without a doubt one of Europe's most picturesque towns. A medieval fairy-tale town with cobblestone lanes and charming canals, hordes of visitors from all over the world rightly come to admire its photogenic and romantic beauty.

What is the number one thing to do in Brussels?

The number one thing to do in Brussels is visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt), a stunning UNESCO World Heritage square known as one of Europe's most beautiful, with ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall, serving as the heart of the city and a perfect starting point for exploring.
 

Where is best to stay in Brussels for Christmas markets?

Top Brussels Christmas Market Hotel Reviews

• Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place. 10/10 Excellent. ...
• Warwick Grand-Place Brussels. 10/10 Excellent. ...
• Cardo Brussels, Autograph Collection. 10/10 Excellent. ...
• Saint Gery Boutique Hotel. ...
• Aris Grand-Place Hotel. ...
• Novotel Brussels City Centre. ...
• The Hotel. ...
• Aparthotel Adagio Brussels Grand Place.

How to dress for Brussels in December?

Packing Checklist for a Trip to Brussels in Winter

1. Heavy winter coat.
2. Thermal underwear.
3. Warm sweaters.
4. Long-sleeve shirts.
5. Jeans or heavy trousers.
6. Warm hat.
7. Gloves.
8. Scarf.

How many days does Brussels need?

You can see Brussels' main sights in 1-2 days, but 3 days is ideal for a comfortable pace and exploring deeper, including potential day trips to other Belgian cities like Ghent or Antwerp. A longer stay (4+ days) allows for more museums, leisurely exploration, or side trips, but 2-3 days covers the core landmarks like the Grand Place, Atomium, and Belgian chocolate/beer. 

What to know before going to Brussels?

11 things to know before visiting Brussels

• There are two Brussels and yes, it's confusing. ...
• Double check your airport. ...
• Ditch the car. ...
• Use the metro, trams and buses to explore the city. ...
• The train is a great option for getting around. ...
• Don't plan a museum trip or fancy dinner on a Monday. ...
• Everything is bilingual in Brussels.

Is Brussels Christmas Market worth it?

It's worth a visit for a couple nights. 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.

Which is better, Bruges or Brussels Christmas Market?

Neither Brussels nor Bruges Christmas market is definitively "better" as they offer different experiences: Brussels' "Winter Wonders" is larger and flashier with a big wheel and fairground rides, ideal for a big city festive spectacle, while Bruges' "Winter Glow" is more intimate, fairytale-like, and cozy, set amidst canals with a light trail and artisanal focus, perfect for a charming, slower-paced visit. Brussels offers scale and variety; Bruges offers atmosphere and picturesque charm.
 

What are the top 5 Christmas markets in Europe?

Europe's top Christmas markets often include Germany's festive staples like Cologne (Cathedral) and Berlin (Gendarmenmarkt), France's enchanting Strasbourg and Colmar, Austria's grand Vienna (Rathausplatz), the fairytale setting of Prague's Old Town, and Belgium's sprawling Brussels (Winter Wonders), each offering unique charm, crafts, lights, and seasonal treats like mulled wine and pastries.
 

Is Brussels nice over Christmas?

Discover the city's festive markets, indulge in Belgian waffles and chocolates, and marvel at the grandeur of the illuminated Grand Place. A magical holiday experience awaits you. Christmas in Brussels is one of the most beautiful moments of the year, which peaks in the event known as "Winter Wonders".

Which European city is best for Christmas?

You'll see destinations like Vienna, Strasbourg, Hallstatt, Tallinn, and Gdańsk — each with its own way of celebrating the holidays. Whether you love Christmas markets, peaceful old towns, or just that winter atmosphere, these are the towns you'll want to add to your 2025 travel list.

What is the #1 best Christmas town?

Solvang has been named the #1 Best Christmas Town in the U.S. in the 2025 TZR (The Zoe Report) Jet-Set Readers' Choice Awards, earning the top spot among festive destinations nationwide. Solvang has been named the #1 Best Christmas To...

What is the most magical Christmas town in Europe?

The 10 Most Magical Christmas Towns in Europe

1. Strasbourg, France. ...
2. Vienna, Austria. ...
3. Prague, Czech Republic. ...
4. Cologne, Germany. ...
5. Budapest, Hungary. ...
6. Tallinn, Estonia. ...
7. Basel, Switzerland. ...
8. Edinburgh, Scotland.

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).

What is the prettiest city in Belgium?

❣️Bruges is the most beautiful city in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you will be attracted by its long history. There are many ancient buildings and charming streets here.

Why is Jesus blood in Brugge?

Legend has it that Count Thierry of Alsace, after an adventurous Second Crusade, brought the Holy Blood to Bruges in 1150. He received the relic as a gift from Jerusalem, as a treasure for the city and a sign of his heroism.