Festive cheer: The Christmas market season kicks off across Belgium

If Christmas markets first made their appearance in Germany, Belgium has fully adopted the tradition with festive gatherings brightening city and town squares all around the country.

A winter highlight, they blend centuries of history with modern-day holiday spirit. From timber chalets festooned with twinkling lights to frosty ice rinks and the spicy scent of mulled wine, these seasonal markets serve as a perfect antidote to the lengthening nights.

Alongside winter wonderland extravaganzas, there are plenty of smaller under-the-radar events for a more authentic experience.

BRUSSELS

The capital’s spectacular Winter Wonders transforms the city centre into a vast Christmas village. This year’s theme “Weaving Winter” draws together culture, creation and encounters emphasising the importance of solidarity and connectivity during the festive season. The medieval Grand Place is home to a traditional tree, nativity scene and evening sound and light show, while some 238 wooden chalets, a Ferris wheel, ice and curling rinks (in Place de Brouckère) are enhanced by a packed programme of cultural activities. In addition to multiple illuminations, the immersive Morphosis light installation in the City Hall courtyard invites visitors to dwell on the encounter of nature and society. As ever, goblets of spiced mulled wine and lashings of Belgian and alpine specialities ensure warming winter cheer. 28 December to 1 January (until 4 January Place de Brouckère), across the city centre

Escape city-centre crowds and enjoy more than 80 stands overflowing with artisan gifts and eco-friendly and zero-waste items at Ixelles Christmas Market. The gathering under a heated big tent at Flagey gives pride of place to craft products from Belgium and Europe. A lovely range of quality seasonal bites – tartiflette, pancakes, oysters, Thai food – plus hot drinks and an entertainment programme also await. 28-30 November, Place Flagey (Ixelles)

Welcome to a feminist festive wonderland at The Nine Winter Market as the women’s clubhouse showcases its vendors and artisans who are all female or individuals from marginalised genders. The design market is perfect for picking up an original gift for all the family, and the elegant venue is awash with seasonal bonhomie. Registration required. 28-29 November 17.00-22.00, Rue Archimède 69

Snag an original gift at the Brussels Women's Club Christmas Fair, offering a feast of yuletide specialties such as mince pies, home-made cakes, jams and chutneys, hand-made Christmas table decorations and wreaths, craft items, jewellery and cards. The clubhouse cafe serves lashings of tea and refreshments to keep you fuelled. 29 November 10.00-14.00, Rue au Bois 509 (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)

The Association Femmes d'Europe’s annual Christmas Bazaar raises funds for humanitarian projects. Located in the Atrium of the European Commission building, it sells a wide range of seasonal gifts and items, including regional foods, clothes, jewellery, artisanal soaps and more. Don’t miss the tombola draw at 15.00. Refreshments also available. 29 November 10.00-17.00, Rue Joseph II 79 

Auderghem hosts a Christmas market – Marché de Noël à Saint Julien in its usual weekly market spot as well as a second one dedicated to Food and Gifts. The latter is graced by a visit by Father Christmas. 28-29 November to 1 December, Rue Valduc (Saint Julien); 7 December 11.00-18.00 (Food and Gifts), Boulevard du Souverain, Auderghem

This Christmas creative and sustainable market is a bonanza for artisan and designer gifts organised by the nonprofit Fais le toi-même. Some 115 artisan stands sell local sustainable crafts, ceramics and decor, while a jolly winter bar supplies mulled wine, food trucks are parked up, and fun activities fill the programme. 12-14 December, UR Square, Avenue de la Couronne 227 (Ixelles)

The Tram Museum runs its fourth Christmas Market with local artisans plying quality decorative objects, tasty treats and a tram ride. Mulled wine and ‘cougnous’ await at the Tram-O-Bar, while there are decorated buses taking visitors on trips between the museum and the European quarter, plus tram trips to Tervuren and Stockel. Free entrance for market and museum; €5 for historic rides (free under age of 6).  13-14 December 10.30-18.30, Musée du Transport Urbain Bruxellois, Avenue de Tervuren 364b (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)

The Continental Winter Market returns to Place de Brouckère for its third edition. Local and artisan products, original sustainable hand-made jewellery and ceramics, knitted accessories, chocolate and tasty winter drinks and snacks are sure to attract city-centre crowds. 12-14 December, Place de Brouckère (next to ice rink)

This popular Auderghem seasonal market can be found in the lovely setting of the ancient abbey farm of Rouge-Cloître. Its Christmas Village with 40 stands is stuffed with artworks and artisan goodies. Don’t miss the craft skills on display and entertainment activities designed for all ages. Father Christmas arrives on his sled carriage each day at 17.00. 13-14 December 11.00-18.00, Rouge-Cloître art centre and farm (Auderghem)

FLANDERS

Bruges

Winter Glow is a full-on festival with a new 3.5km light trail experience - Machina Lumina, an artificial ice rink, a winter bar, Christmas concerts and not one but two Christmas markets. The Koning Albert Park is also atmospherically-decorated for the occasion for the first time. Grote Markt hosts the biggest market and boasts a traditional flavour, with chalets, gifts and all the usual festive trappings. Simon Stevenplein offers more handmade crafts and artisanal delicacies – as does the Midwinterfeest, an atmospheric market for one day only (7 December) in Ball Street. It’s little surprise Bruges was ranked one of the 25 best Christmas markets in Europe by Big 7 Travel in 2023.  Until 4 January, across Bruges

Hasselt

Winterland opened in mid-November, one of the biggest, loudest and most jovial holiday events in Belgium. For its 17th edition, not only is there a Christmas market, indoor ice skating rink and fun fair – complete with a giant wooden slide and Grand Carrousel for children – there’s a giant Ferris wheel and several cosy winter bistros and bars waiting to welcome you. Dance in the mirror tent or pretend you’re on ski holiday in the Aspen Lounge. Santa Claus makes his grand entrance on 7 December; he will feel right at home amid the Christmas Flight, Santa’s Labyrinth and Santa’s Ghost Village attractions. Check the full programme of DJs, concerts and club nights, including events on the ice. Until 4 January, across central Hasselt

Ostend

The coast’s biggest city celebrates with a full winter programme including a Christmas market and ice skating on the Wapenplein with its landmark 19th-century music pavilion, plus a market in Leopold Park. In-between the two markets lies the city’s traditional tunnel of light in Adolf Buylstraat with an impressive 230,000 coloured LED lamps and two light shows a day. Among the many activities for children is a magical Christmas tree labyrinth on Mariakerke beach. Additional highlights are firework displays on the beach on 31 December and 3 January. 28 November to 4 January, across central Ostend

Leuven

The city promises to ward off the cold dark days of winter with its beautifully-illuminated Christmas market and Winter Garden. Leuven is big on moody atmosphere at this time of year, with its famed beguinage bathed in candlelight on 13 December. Meanwhile, the city’s Christmas market (9-21 December) boasts some 120 chalets in Ladeuzeplain and Hooverplein. The Winter Garden on Grote Markt is where you’ll find the nativity and giant Christmas tree. Wintertijd also includes holiday concerts and winter walks. St Peter’s Church hosts English carol concerts on 11, 18, 23 & 29 December. Over at Park Abbey you’ll hear carillon concerts (10-31 December) and concert, sing-along and violin folk project on 14 December. These pretty grounds are also home to a Christmas market. 9 December to 10 January, across Leuven

Ghent

Ghent’s Christmas market, part of the historic city’s extensive winter festivities, features plenty of holiday-themed fun fair attractions. Step into a human-sized ornament on the Christmas tree merry-go-round or soar above the Corn Market in a Ferris wheel and hit the ice as a traditional skating rink makes its return to the city. There are winter bars among countless other stalls with oodles of seasonal specialities and a smaller, cosier market over on Veerleplein. There’s also lots of free activities! Check out the full programme. 4-31 December, across central Ghent

Antwerp

The port city offers an action-packed Winter experience. Belgium’s most sprawling Christmas market winds through streets and squares. If you start your visit from the Central Station, pretty lights will lead you to all the festive action. Don’t miss Hendrik Conscienceplein with its magical fountain, while from Operaplein to Koningen Astridplein, there’s carousels and a Ferris wheel, chalets and tempting seasonal specialities. An entertainment programme includes musical performances and a firework display over the river Scheldt on New Year’s Eve. New features this year include a light installation trail, from Handschoenmarkt to Operaplein and new winter bars in many of the city’s squares.  5 December to 5 January, across Antwerp

Mechelen

Mechelen Houdt Je Warm (Mechelen Keeps You Warm) lives up to its name with a series of Fire and Flame festivals in the centre of town and in outlying districts at weekends. Mechelen has forgone the notion of a traditional Christmas market, but chalets are dotted in various locations and include stands set up by local community initiatives. Don’t miss the weekend of 12 to 14 December when a number of additional markets enliven the centre. They include a gathering of local creators, the WinterbazART art event and a Global Christmas Market. Naturally, there are also plenty of winter bars and winter walks along the river and in local parks. 28 November to 23 December, across Mechelen

WALLONIA

Charleroi

More than 50 chalets fill the city’s traditional Christmas Village that is accompanied by a busy entertainment calendar. A series of Pop Up Chalets invites new artisans to ply gifts and delicious fare each week, from Christmas cookies and home-made chocolate to pastries and charcuterie. An ice rink graces Place Verte and offers skating lessons plus initiation to artistic skating. The rink also welcomes 20 chalets, adding to the festive bonhomie. Until 24 December, Place de la Digue (Christmas village); Until 4 January, Place Verte (ice skating), Charleroi

Liège

Reputed to be the oldest winter market in Belgium, Liège’s Christmas Village is a convivial feast of attractions modelled on German and Alsatian markets. It is also one of the biggest with some 150 gift and food chalets plus 300 craft stands spread over five areas. The ardent city attracts more than 1m visitors each year to its end-of-year festivities. Place Cathédrale hosts the popular light-festooned skating rink and the big wheel is conveniently located in Place Saint-Lambert for a glittering panoramic view. Liège folk have an endless appetite for cold-busting dishes such as raclette, tartiflette and fondue. Naturally, local alcohol pekèt will be flowing along with other winter-warming liquid refreshments. Check out the extensive programme for DJ sets, music and dancing in Place Saint-Lambert. 28 November to 3 January (market until 30 December), across Liège

Durbuy

The popular Ardennes tourist destination is a perfect backdrop for winter festivities with Durbuy Christmas Market specialising in artisan goodies and decorative crib scenes. Among its popular gourmet treats, and not for the faint-hearted, are hot potatoes served with melting foie gras. For the holiday season, a covered ice skating rink is set up in Roi Baudouin park. The narrow cobbled streets of Belgium’s smallest town are also peppered with tempting restaurants offering plenty of Ardennes specialities. 21 November to 4 January, Place aux Foires & Parc Roi Baudouin, Durbuy (Luxembourg province)

Namur

The Walloon capital sparkles with festivities as 100 wooden chalets offer food, drinks, and handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts. Its traditional Christmas market occupies two areas: Place d’Armes (with a toboggan run and nativity scene) and Place de l’Ange (home to an illuminated statue of an angel. Fairground rides and musical performances will liven the city, delighting visitors of any age. 28 November to 31 December, Namur city centre

Christmas at the Gardens of Annevoie is an invitation to immerse yourself in a magical world with illuminations, a seasonal market with some 50 artisan chalets, a hunting horn concert and delicious bites and tipples. The festivities at the heritage site on the Meuse river are staged over two weekends, kicking off on Friday evening. Entrance €7; children under 12 free. 21-23 & 28-30 November, Rue des Jardins, 37a, Annevoie (Namur province)

Mons

Hainaut capital Mons celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Cœur en Neige. The medley of festive hotspots is spread across three zones in the historic city (Grand-Place, Marché aux Herbes, Place Léopold). Around 50 chalets occupy the Grand Place with winter culinary specialities as well as gifts. The surrounding cobbled shopping streets are all illuminated and a covered ice-skating rink graces the Marché aux Herbes, under its twinkly sky installation. Place Léopold hosts a covered ice rink and 15 new wooden chalets. A new festive train will take visitors with no additional price between the three zones on certain days of the week. 6-31 December, across Mons

Ciney

Les Féeries du Parc is a magical event that draws crowds to the castle domain of Parc Saint-Roch, near the market town of Ciney. The idyllic park comes alive at night with glowing trees, illuminated chalets and fairy lights lining winding paths and grand facades. For the eighth edition, 80% of the nearly 300 stalls are devoted to artisan gifts, from jewellery and candles to Christmas decorations, textiles and gourmet specialities. One favourite is mulled wine pimped with flambéed apple brandy! Entertainment includes colourful parades. 4-8, 11-15 & 18-22 December, Ciney (Namur province)

Gembloux

Restaurant Hors-Champs loves green activities, including its three-day creative and sustainable Christmas market. Staged in a grange, the event is a platform for some 35 local designers and artisans, offering decor, tableware, slow fashion, wine and produce. On the culinary front, you’ll need to reserve in advance for wood-fire cooked flammekueche: info@hors-champs.be. 5-7 December, Chaussée de Wavre 170, Gembloux (Namur province)

Photos: (main image) Winter Wonders ©City of Brussels; Bruges Winter festivities ©jandarthet;Marché de Noël aux Jardins dAnnevoie ©WBT-Christophe-Vandercam