BRUGES, BELGIUM: A COMPLETE CHRISTMAS MARKET TRAVEL GUIDE

If smaller Christmas market towns are your jam, look no further than Bruges. Affectionately known as the Venice of the North, this charming Old Town is home to two Christmas markets during the holiday season. The markets are small compared to other European markets like Munich and Strasbourg, but completely festive and utterly charming set amongst the Flemish cookie cutter architecture. Below is my complete travel guide to Bruges during the holiday season including the Christmas markets, places to visit, viewpoints, hotels, restaurants, travel tips and more.

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The Market Square is home to the largest Christmas market in Bruges.

WHEN TO VISIT BRUGES

LATE NOVEMBER TO EARLY JANUARY. For the purpose of the Christmas markets, you’ll want to time your visit to Bruges between the end of November and early January to coincide with the holiday festivities. Detailed market schedules listed below.

My perfect morning in Bruges is one with fresh waffles and teddy bear houses.

HOW MANY DAYS IN BRUGES

It’s possible to fit the two Bruges Christmas markets, Winter Glow activities and general sightseeing in Old Town into one very packed day. Alternatively, I suggest staying in Bruges for a few days and using it as a base to leisurely experience the Christmas markets in Bruges, as well as Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels. The other cities are easily accessible by train, and Bruges is a lovely place to settle down for a few nights.

BRUGES TRAVEL TIPS

• WHAT IS WINTER GLOW? – Winter Glow is the name of the Bruges festival that transforms all of Old Town into a winter wonderland. It includes the two Christmas markets, an outdoor ice rink, the festive decor, a winter bar and a holiday lights trail.
• ARE THE MARKETS FREE? – Yes, the Christmas markets are completely free to visit! You only pay for souvenirs, food and drinks.
• CHRISTMAS MARKET MUGS – When you visit the Christmas markets, you’ll notice every town has signature mugs that you receive with a hot drink. You pay a small deposit for the mug that you keep for drinking throughout the day. At the end of your visit, you can redeem the mug for a refund, or keep it. If you plan to visit multiple markets in Europe, it’s fun to collect a mug from each destination as a souvenir.
  

BRUGES CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

ICE RINK

Koning Albert I Park is home to a festive ice rink during the holiday season. The rink is filled with twinkling lights and holiday decor. Ice skates are available to rent.

• 2025 ICE RINK DATES: November 21 to January 4, 2026
• 2025 ICE RINK HOURS: 10 AM-10 PM (daily), 10 AM-6:30 PM (December 11, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve), 12 PM-10 PM (Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)

LIGHT TRAIL

This is the seventh year the Winter Glow has lit up a 3.5-km trail through Old Town Bruges. Machina Luminais is the theme, and the trail includes 10 dazzling light installations set at historic venues throughout town.

• 2025 Light Trail Dates: November 21 to January 4, 2026
• 2025 Light Trail Hours: 5:30 PM-11 PM Sunday to Thursday) 5:30 PM-12AM (Friday and Saturday) and 5:30 AM-midnight (December 22 to January 4)

MARKT CHRISTMAS MARKET

Markt is the main Christmas market in Bruges, located in the Market Square in Old Town. Colorful Flemish houses serve up a picturesque backdrop for the dozens of wood chalets selling Glühwein (mulled wine), waffles, chocolate, Christmas ornaments, frites, wood crafts, scarves and more. This market might be small compared to some of its European neighbors, but the atmosphere is warm, cozy and festive.

• 2025 Markt Dates: November 21 to January 4, 2026
• 2025 Markt Hours: 11 AM-8 PM (Sunday to Thursday and New Year’s Eve), 11 AM-9 PM (Friday and Saturday) and 11 AM-5 PM (Christmas Eve)

SIMON STEVINPLEIN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Simon Stevinplein is the smaller of the two Christmas markets in Bruges, located just a short stroll away on another small square. The wood chalets here focus on handicrafts, artisanal goods and local delicacies. This Christmas market has a small carousel for children.

• 2025 Simon Stevinplein Dates: November 21 to January 4, 2026
• 2025 Simon Stevinplein Hours: 11 AM-8 PM (Sunday to Thursday and New Year’s Eve), 11 AM-9 PM (Friday and Saturday) and 11 AM-5 PM (Christmas Eve)

WINTER BAR

The IJsgloed Winter Bar is also located in Koninh Albert I Park with a fabulous view of the ice rink. The festive chalet-style bar serves local drinks, mulled wine and delicious snacks – a popular spot in the evenings.

• 2025 WINTER BAR DATES: Novemebr 21-January 4
• 2025 WINTER BAR HOURS: 10 AM-12 AM (daily), 10 AM-6:30 PM (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) and 12 PM-10 PM (Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Nothing better than Christmas markets with the family.

The massive tree in Old Town is located on the historic Burg Square.

PLACES TO VISIT IN BRUGES

BASILICA OF THE HOLY BLOOD

This ornate Catholic church set in Old Town is home to the Relic of Holy Blood, a vial containing a cloth stained with what is believed to be the blood of Christ. The church is home to two distinct chapels built one above the other. The Lower Chapel of St. Basil is 12th century Romanesque architecture, and above is the Upper Chapel of the Holy Blood, a stunning 15th century Gothic creation.

BELLFREY TOWER

The iconic medieval bell tower sits in the heart of Bruges in Market Square, overlooking the Christmas market. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries that houses a carillon and its 47 bells. The tower offers one of the best views of the Christmas market. Visitors can climb the 350+ steps to the top for a sweeping panorama of Old Town. If you’re visiting on a weekend, I suggest booking a ticket in advance (they do sell out).

BURG SQUARE

There are two main squares in Bruges. One is the Market Square where the market takes place. The other is Burg Square. This historic center features a range of architecture including both Gothic and Neo Classical wonders. Famous buildings on Burg Squqre – Bruges City Hall, Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Old Civil Registry.

CANALS

Bruges is often called the Venice of the North thanks to the network of canals that run through Old Town. These historic waterways connect the medieval city to the North Sea, important for trade in the 12th to 15th centuries. Now the canals serve as an iconic tourist attraction that can be experienced by a canal boat tour. There are several boat trips available throughout Bruge – they are the same 30-minute tour with the same pricing. No need to book in advance, but on weekends do the tour early to avoid a long wait in line.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY

The Church of Our Lady set in the heart of Old Town Bruges is dazzling. It’s a Gothic church that dates back to the 13th and 15th centuries featuring gorgeous period details including flying buttreses, ribbed cross-vaults and stained glass windows. It’s also home to a looming brick tower that is the second highest in the world.

OLD TOWN

The medieval setting of Old Town is an impeccably preserved historic center that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Christmas market is located in the main square of Old Town, but make a point to explore the surrounding labyrinth of cobbled streets lined with canals, Flemish homes, bell towers and gabled buildings. Bruges feels otherworldly, and it’s one of the prettiest Old Towns in all of Belgium.

ROZENHOEDKAAI (ROSARY QUAY)

This is the prettiest canal viewpoint in Bruges, popular with photographes, Instagrammers and tourists alike. The picturesque setting overlooks the Dijver Canal where gabled stone buildings rise up out of the water. It paints the perfect medieval postcard – loveliest early in the morning when the town is still asleep.

CHRISTMAS MARKET DAY TRIPS FROM BRUGES

• Antwerp (80 minutes by train)
• Brussels (60 minutes by train)
• Ghent (20 minutes by train)

There are dozens of fine chocolate shops scattered across Bruges.

BEST BRUGES HOTELS

BED & BREAKFAST CANAL DELUXE

Bed & Breakfast Canal Deluxe is a lovely 17th century townhouse that sits on one of the canals in Bruges. The charming property offers a selection of suites that are rustic, but elegant with Old World details like exposed wood and open fireplaces. Location in Old Town is wonderful.

RELAIS BOURGONDISCH CRUYCE

This might be the loveliest stay in Bruges. The boutique hotel sits in a historic building at the Roszenhoedkaai viewpoint, the famous intersection of Old Town’s most scenic canals. Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce feels like a step back in time – a timbered facade, stained glass windows, antiques, rich art and exposed wood. Several rooms overlook the canal, as does the breakfast room. This is a Relais and Chateaux property.

HOTEL TER DUINEN

This family-run boutique hotel is located in an Old Wold building along the serene Langerei Canal. Hotel Ter Duinen is lovely and home to cozy rooms, several with views of the canal. The neighborhood is quiet and removed from the bustle of central Bruges, but a 10 minute walk to the heart of Old Town.

HOTEL VAN CLEEF

Another option for canal lodging, this one in an 18th century Italian mansion on the Sint-Annarei canal. Hotel Van Cleef is an upscale boutique hotel that offers fine luxurious rooms. The hotel interiors are super chic and upmarket – this is one of the nicest lodging options in Bruges. Everything in Old Town is walking distance.

THE PAND

The Pand is a small boutique hotel located in a former 18th century building, close to the Rosary Quay. It’s a lovely property that has the charm of an English country house, but with luxurious details including rich fabrics, antique accents and fine linens.

WHERE TO EAT IN BRUGES

AMUNI

Pizza and pasta spot in Bruges. Classic pizzas on the menu include marinara, Margherita, Siciliana, Napoli, Proscuitto and mushroom and more, as well as bruschetta and pastas.

BIJ KOEN & MARIJKE

Bij Koen & Marijke serves up meats cooked on an open-air wood-fired grill in a cozy setting near Market Square. It’s renowned for its smoky flavors and seasonal dishes including roasted peppers, fresh bread & homemade butter, lightly smoked pork tenderloin, bavette, ribeye, salmon and more. The grilled meats are expertly paired with a hand-picked menu of Belgian craft beers. Reservations highly recommended.

CASA DI KASPI

Casa di Kaspi transforms into a teddy bear restaurant during the holiday season. The exterior of the restaurant is adorned with dozens of hanging teddy bears, reminiscent of the teddy bear houses in Strasbourg during Christmas.

DE GASTRO

For an evening of Belgian and French cuisine, De Gastro is conveniently located near Market Square. The contemporary restaurant serves both a multi-course tasting menu, as well as an a la carte menu that is seasonal. Offerings include croquettes, goat cheese salad, mussels, filet mignon, stews, salmon and more.

HIDE

Hide is the best breakfast spot in Bruges. The delicious menu offers both buffet and a la carte options that include avocado toast, shakshuka, brioche, Turkish eggs and more. A little pricey, but the food is artful and quite tasty. They don’t take reservations, and the restaurant is small.

PIETER POVRBVS

Pieter Povrbvs is one of the coziest restaurant in Bruges. It’s set in a 16th century historical house, tucked away on a quiet street in Old Town. The restaurant serves both Belgian and French cuisine including grilled garlic prawns, a variety of croquettes, pan fried cod, bouillabaisse, fillets and more.

SOUP

This is a fabulous little lunch spot that serves homemade hearty soups and flatbread. The menu is ever-changing, but tomato, leek & celery and cauliflower frequent the menu. Soup is an amazing little spot to grab lunch on a cold Christmas market day. It’s quick, cozy and budget-friendly.

THAT’S TOAST

That’s Toast is another popular brunch spot in Bruges best known for its selection of savory toasts, French toast, coffee and fresh juices. The restaurant is small, and the handful of tables fill up quickly.

GET TO BRUGES

• CAR – Bruges is reachable by car, but within Old Town a vehicle isn’t necessary.
• FLIGHT – The closest airport to Bruges is Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST), but only a handful of airlines operate limited flight schedules from this here. The Brussels Airport (BRU) is a larger airport option that connects Belgium to cities around the world, and it’s a 90-minute drive or train ride.
• TRAIN – Bruges is easily reached by train that connects the city to dozens of destinations in the Netherlands and throughout Europe.

GET AROUND BRUGES

Bruges is best explored on foot. Much of the historic city center is pedestrian only. It’s especially crowded during the Christmas market season, and driving in most areas of Old Town requires a special permit. Also, parking during the holidays can be tricky.