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 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.

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 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.

Which Christmas market is best in Belgium?

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Belgium

Is Ghent Christmas market worth visiting?

At Christmas, the streets around Saint Nicholas' Church fill up with stalls selling food, drink, clothes and crafts. This is a must-see area when visiting Ghent, with the Christmas market having little to compare it with the Saint Catherine's square market in Brussels.

Is Ghent nice at Christmas?

And Ghent is the perfect place for cocooning, as the historic centre turns into a wonderland full of winter scents and colours in December. Take a dip in Ghent's winter to warm up from head to toe! Wintery conviviality does not only mean cuddling up on the sofa under a fleece blanket with a cup of hot chocolate.

Is Brussels worth visiting at Christmas?

Some even say it is the most beautiful in the world. Around 250 wooden chalets are set up in the city's historic centre. There is nothing more fun than wandering around and browsing through the treasures on display. Winter Wonders runs from 24 November to early January.

Is Bruges or Brussels cheaper?

In Brussels, you can easily find affordable accommodations, dining options, and a range of activities to suit various budgets. Bruges, on the other hand, tends to be pricier due to its popularity among tourists, making it a bit more challenging to find budget-friendly alternatives.

What is Belgium like at Christmas?

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.

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.

Does it snow in Belgium at Christmas?

There's little temperature variation in winter and it's rare you'll see much higher than 4°C on holiday. Snowfall is more likely in the hills on the east of Belgium, but you could still have a few light snow showers in December. Temperatures are very low in December with a daily average of just 4°C.

Is Belgium worth visiting in December?

Belgian Christmas markets, delicious food, beautiful decor, and magnificent cities are just a few of the many reasons to visit Belgium in winter!

What is the most picturesque town in Belgium?

Dinant has some of Belgium's most picturesque buildings, many of them overlooking the River Meuse. This clifftop village's landmark is the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dinant, a Gothic cathedral with a unique pear-shaped bell tower.

Where is the prettiest place in Belgium?

What is the most magical Christmas town in the world?

Why is Bruges so famous?

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.

What is Bruges like in December?

Bruges in the winter is cold, and there's definitely a chance of snow around Christmas (if you're lucky!). You'll want to layer up every day.

Should I go to Brussels or Antwerp?

The choice between Antwerp and Brussels depends on your personal preference. If you prefer a city with a rich heritage and historical and political importance, go to Brussels. If you prefer a city with a vibrant atmosphere and lively energy, Antwerp is your best bet.

What is there to do in Brussels at Christmas?

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).

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.

Should you go to Ghent or Bruges?

Belgian beer, canal tour, chocolate shops, lively city center, beautiful city – all of the above, to both. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences: Ghent provides a more modern, eclectic experience, while Bruges immerses you in a timeless, romantic setting.

Which city is more beautiful Ghent or Bruges?

Overall, Bruges is more memorable, the tourist zone is bigger with more to do, and the food is better. Ghent has one small area that is breathtaking...but it's small and can be seen in about two to three hours. Beyond that, it's not nearly as picturesque as Bruges. Save Ghent for your second trip to Belgium.

Is Ghent safe to walk at night?

Safety overview

Ghent is generally a safe city, even at night. It is well lit and often bustling with all the students who live there. Public transportation ceases around midnight but taxis are readily available.