Is it worth visiting Belgium in December?

Yes, visiting Belgium in December is highly worthwhile for its festive atmosphere, world-famous Christmas markets, and cozy, romantic charm. While cold and rainy with average temperatures around 1 ∘ C 1 ∘ C to 6 ∘ C 6 ∘ C , the cities are filled with lights, ice skating rinks, and holiday cheer.

Is it good to visit Belgium in December?

Winter: December to February

While winter brings colder temperatures and shorter days, it also turns Belgium into a winter wonderland filled with festive cheer. It's the best time to visit Belgium if you want to experience the magic of European Christmas markets.

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 Belgium expensive in December?

December in Belgium

Visiting Belgium in early December lets you enjoy a cheaper vacation. However, tourists start coming in mid-December for Christmas celebrations. So, you can expect crowds and higher prices.

Does it snow in Belgium at Christmas?

On 25 December 2010, the maximum temperature in Ukkel was -0.7 degrees. There were also 16 centimetres of snow. Since then, we have not had a single official White Christmas in Belgium. To be considered a White Christmas, strict rules apply in Belgium.

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Belgium

Is Belgium colder than the UK?

The climate may be described as temperate and approximating to that of southern England, but it is a little colder in winter. In the Ardennes, owing to the greater elevation, the winters are more severe. Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with moderate temperatures in both summer and winter.

Does it rain a lot in Belgium in December?

December is typically the wettest month in Belgium. On average, there will be 10 rainy days during the month, amounting to 109.7mm in total. That's a significant amount of rain.

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).

How many days are enough for Belgium?

Belgium is a relatively small country, so one week is a comfortable amount of time to see most of the highlights. You won't be too rushed, but you can still maximize your stay. This seven-day itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the country's most iconic cities, including Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.

What to wear in Belgium in December?

Packing Checklist for a Trip to Brussels in Winter

• Heavy winter coat.
• Thermal underwear.
• Warm sweaters.
• Long-sleeve shirts.
• Jeans or heavy trousers.
• Warm hat.
• Gloves.
• Scarf.

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.

Is 4 days in Belgium enough?

Spending four days in Belgium, you can easily explore Brussels for two days and take two day trips to Ghent and Bruges. If you have additional time, head over to the capital for diamonds: Antwerp. I dare you not to fall in love with Belgium.

Is it worth going to Bruges in December?

Is Bruges worth visiting at Christmas? Yes, because it is so beautiful, especially at Christmas time. In fact, it's hard to stop waffling on about Bruges - the medieval architecture, winding canals, bridges and perfectly preserved buildings seem to take you back in time.

Where to go in Belgium for the first time?

What to see in Belgium

• The Grand-Place in Brussels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Brussels' central plaza, the Grand-Place is an exceptional example of Belgian architecture and history. ...
• Manneken Pis. ...
• Minnewater Lake. ...
• The Flemish béguinages in Bruges.

Is it better to stay in Bruges or Brussels?

GENERAL CONCLUSION: If you have but one day, head to Bruges. The city is smaller and easier to navigate in a day. Brussels has more to offer tourists but requires at least two days to properly delve into the city and get a feel for its beauty.

Where can I go in Belgium for 3 days?

THREE DAYS IN BELGIUM | If you have but three days to explore the city I would focus on Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp. This will give you a good first feel of what Belgium has to offer. FOUR DAYS IN BELGIUM | With four days you have enough time to explore Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp at a leisurely pace.

Is Belgium budget friendly?

Because while Belgium isn't the cheapest destination in the world, there are still ways to stay on budget and save money.

How much vacation do you get in Belgium?

Annual leave in Belgium. Full-time workers in Belgium are usually entitled to 4 weeks of annual leave (in French). However, the calculation of the number of days' leave and holiday pay is different for blue-collar workers, white-collar workers, apprentices, workers in the arts and civil servants.

How much cash can I bring to Belgium?

Cash. You may move freely within the EU with a sum of money below € 10,000.

Is Belgium nice to visit in December?

Yes, Belgium is ideal for a romantic winter getaway with its fairytale towns, candlelit restaurants, and cosy cafés. How do I travel between Belgian cities in winter? Travelling between Belgian cities in winter is easy thanks to the country's efficient train network, which runs reliably even in colder months.

Is English widely spoken in Belgium?

As around 55% of the Belgium population can understand English, some areas are comfortable with English while some prefer official languages only. People working in hospitality and other touristy sectors will speak English.