Complete Guide to Bruges Christmas Market (2025)

Thinking of adding Bruges to your European Christmas market itinerary, but not sure if it’s worth the hype? I get it.

With so many markets to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones truly deserve a spot on your winter travel list.

When I spent a few days in Brussels at the start of my Christmas market trip last year, I decided to take a day trip to Bruges—and I’m so glad I did. From the gingerbread-like buildings in the main square to the quiet, charming canals just around the corner, this little village totally won me over. It felt like walking through a fairytale.

In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Bruges Christmas market in 2025—the exact dates, opening times, what to eat and drink, where to find the cutest mugs, and tips to make the most of your time there.

Whether you’re coming for a day or staying overnight, you’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect and how to have the best experience possible.

Is Bruges Christmas Market worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely!

Bruges is one of the cutest places you can visit at Christmas. It’s often called the Venice of the North thanks to its canals, and the whole town looks like something out of a fairy tale—cobblestone streets, old buildings that look like gingerbread houses, and twinkly lights everywhere you turn.

There are two main Christmas markets in Bruges, and they’re super easy to walk between. Both feel small and intimate, which is really nice if you don’t love big crowds.

Compared to the Brussels Christmas Market, it’s a lot more relaxed and has a slower, cozier vibe. The main square is especially adorable and, honestly, one of the most photogenic spots I visited during my trip.

If you’re staying in Brussels or nearby, Bruges makes a perfect day trip. Just grab a hot drink, stroll the narrow streets, and enjoy the quaint village vibe.

Bruges really is that adorable!

When is The Bruges Christmas Market

The Bruges Christmas market runs from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

It’s open daily—from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and stays open a bit later until 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (starting at 10:30 am those days).

So no matter when you plan to visit during the season, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, shop, and soak in this adorable little Christmas village.

And if planning your trip feels a little overwhelming, my guide on how to plan a Christmas market trip breaks it all down super easy, so you can just enjoy the experience.

All About The Christmas Market in Bruges

The Bruges Christmas market might be smaller than some of the big-name markets in Europe, but what it lacks in size, it totally makes up for in charm. It’s cozy, festive, and set right in the heart of one of the most picturesque towns in Belgium.

Actually, There Are Two Markets in Bruges

Bruges has two Christmas markets, and each one is set up in a different town square. They’re only a few minutes walk apart, so it’s super easy to visit both on the same day.

Grote Markt Christmas market: 

The main event is the Grote Markt Christmas market, right in the center of town.

This is where you’ll find rows of festive wooden stalls selling all sorts of Christmas goodies, warm drinks, and local Belgian treats. My favorite part is that the square is lined with gingerbread-like buildings that look especially magical once the lights come on in the evening.

And the Belfry tower stands tall over the square and makes the whole setting feel even more dramatic and photogenic.

Simon Stevinplein Christmas market:

Just a few minutes away is the Simon Stevinplein market, which has a quieter, more local feel.

This one focuses more on handmade gifts and artisanal crafts, so it’s a great spot to pick up unique presents.

The square itself feels more cozy and less crowded, with a slower pace that lets you really enjoy browsing the stalls. It’s the perfect little contrast to the energy of the main market.

The Cutest Mugs

One of my favorite things about the Bruges Christmas market was the mugs. There were actually three or four different designs to choose from, and they were all super cute. I also really loved that they didn’t use those cheap plastic reusable cups you see at a lot of markets outside of Germany.

Here’s how it works: when you order a hot drink like glühwein or hot chocolate, you’ll pay a mug deposit, usually around €5. If you give the mug back when you’re done, you’ll get your deposit refunded. But if you want to keep it as a souvenir (and honestly, it’s hard not to), then just hang onto it.

I’ve started collecting mugs from every market I visit, and Bruges has some of the cutest ones so far.

Pro tip: Before you decide to keep one, check out all the stalls first—some sell different mug designs. That way, you can pick your favorite and don’t end up with three mugs in your backpack, wondering how you’re going to get them all home. (Been there!)

The Tree

If you’re expecting a huge Christmas tree right in the middle of the market square, you might be disappointed.

The main squares in Bruges are pretty small and cozy, and instead of a big tree, you’ll find a gazebo with tables where people gather to eat and drink. It actually gives the market a more relaxed, local feel.

That said, there is a gorgeous Christmas tree over in Burg Square.

When I visited, there weren’t any market stalls set up in that area, but the tree was decorated beautifully with the grand town hall in the background.

It’s definitely worth a quick walk over—such a pretty spot for a mini photo shoot or just to take in the view.

The Delicious Food

The food scene at the Bruges Christmas market is smaller than some of the bigger markets, but what they do have is really good.

I’d say the focus here is more on the drinks—there were way more glühwein and hot toddy stands than actual food stalls. But don’t worry, you’ll still find a few solid options to keep you warm and full.

One thing you have to try is the hot chocolate from the main square. It comes with a big chunk of chocolate that you stir into hot milk yourself, and it’s seriously the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had. I got mine spiked with amaretto, and it was so freaking good. Totally worth it.

You’ll also see a few stalls serving up sausages and other easy bites—nothing fancy, but tasty and perfect for eating while you walk.

PS. If you want to see more of my favorite treats from Christmas markets across Europe, check out my post on the must try Christmas market foods.

Ice Skating Rink

Bruges has a floating ice skating rink set up on the Minnewater (Lake of Love), and it’s one of the most scenic spots in the city. The rink is lit up with tons of twinkling lights, making it a really festive place to skate.

If you’d rather stay off the ice, you can still enjoy the view from the nearby Winter Bar, where you can grab a drink and take it all in.

Tickets are €8.00 per person, and kids under 3 skate for free.

Other Things to See & Do in Bruges at Christmas

While the Christmas markets are the main draw, there’s a lot more to enjoy in Bruges during the holiday season. From cozy canal cruises to festive lights and chocolate shops, the whole town gets into the spirit.

A canal cruise

Bruges is often called the Venice of the North, and once you see the canals, you’ll get why. Even in winter, you’ll spot plenty of boats out on the water.

Taking a canal cruise is a great way to see the city from a different angle and take in the beautiful architecture from the water—just bundle up, because it can get chilly out there!

The Chocolate Museum:

Bruges is known for its amazing chocolate, so a stop at the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum is a fun way to learn a bit more about it—and sample some along the way.

After your visit, head just around the corner to the Old Chocolate House, which proudly claims to serve the best hot chocolate in town (you’ll see the canopy out front).

Trust me, it lives up to the hype.

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Okay, yes, this is totally touristy—but I’m a sucker for a horse-drawn carriage ride in winter. Bruges is the perfect place for it, especially with the cobblestone streets and twinkling lights.

If you decide to go, I recommend waiting until the evening, after the day-trippers have cleared out. It’s quieter, cozier, and the whole town looks extra magical when it’s all lit up at night.

Visit Burg Square

Just a short walk from the main market, Burg Square feels a bit more upscale and grand compared to the cozy vibe of Grote Markt.

There’s a beautiful Christmas tree here during the holidays, and the square is lined with impressive buildings—including the stunning City Hall, which makes a great photo backdrop.

Also, don’t miss the little ornate skybridge tucked along the side alley—it’s easy to overlook but totally worth a quick detour for the view.

Wander the Village

One of the best things to do in Bruges—especially at Christmas—is to just wander. The narrow alleyways are full of charm, with decorated storefronts, cozy little cafés, and waffle shops that smell amazing. The buildings all have that classic gingerbread look, and you’ll find photo spots around every corner.

My favorite find was the gorgeously decorated Hotel De Castillion. Its storefront was done up like a giant Christmas tree, and it made for such a fun and festive photo stop.

If you have time, make sure to explore streets like Blinde-Ezelstraat, Wollestraat, and Stoofstraat—some of the prettiest in town.

You don’t need a set route here. Just walk, get a little lost, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the city.

Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay)

If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Bruges, there’s a good chance it was taken here.

Rozenhoedkaai is hands-down the most photographed spot in the city. The view of the canal lined with historic buildings, with the Belfry peeking in the background, is pure storybook charm.

Just know that if you don’t get to this spot early, you will be sharing it with A LOT of visitors. I mean, it’s the prettiest spot in the village after all.

Winter Glow light experience trail

If you’re still in town after dark, the Winter Glow light trail is such a fun way to end the day.

It’s an awe-inspiring 3 km walk (or 1.9 miles) that takes you past ten different light installations, all set up in unexpected corners of the city.

The locations and themes change every year, so it always feels fresh and creative.

For 2025, it runs from November 21 to January 4, and the lights are on daily from 5:30 p.m. to midnight, giving you plenty of time to catch some of the displays.

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Where is Bruges

Bruges is a small city in the northwest part of Belgium, not too far from the coast. It’s known for its pretty canals, old buildings, and that cozy, storybook feel—especially around Christmas.

Most people visit Bruges as a day trip from Brussels, which is what I chose to do. The train ride only takes about an hour, so it’s super simple to add it to your travel plans.

How to Get to Bruges

The easiest way to get to Bruges is by train, and honestly, train travel in Europe is my favorite way to get around. It’s clean, efficient, affordable, and way less stressful than flying between cities.

The closest major airport is Brussels, which is only about 1 hour from Bruges by train.

You can also reach Bruges from Paris in about 3 hours or from Amsterdam in just over 3 hours, both with easy train connections.

Once you arrive, the Bruges train station is just over a mile from the markets in the historic city center, and it’s a very easy walk—about 15 minutes. The route is well-marked and even decorated during the holidays, so it’s actually a really nice way to start your visit.

And, if Bruges is just one stop on a larger trip where you’re planning to visit several countries and move around a lot, a Eurail Pass might be worth considering.

Otherwise, I just use Omio for all my train passes.

Best Places To Stay in Bruges For The Christmas Market

If you’re planning to spend the night in Bruges, here are a few of my favorite hotel options to help you find the right fit for your budget. All of these are in great locations for exploring the Christmas markets and the historic city center on foot.

Luxury: Hotel Duke’s Palace – Bruges’ most popular 5-star hotel with beautiful rooms and a fairy tale setting right in the historic center.

Mid Range: Martin’s Brugge – One of the most popular and great quality mid-budget hotels in the city center—steps from the main square.

Budget: Hotel Bourgoensch Hof – A nice 3-star hotel in the heart of the city that also has affordable rooms for travelers on a budget.

Tips For Visiting Bruges Christmas Markets

Before you go, here are a few helpful Christmas market tips to make your visit smoother and more enjoyable. These are all things I either learned the hard way or was really glad I planned for!

Aim For a Weekday Visit

If you can swing it, try to visit Bruges on a weekday instead of the weekend. It’s way less crowded, especially in the mornings, and you’ll have a much more relaxed experience walking through the markets and around town.

Weekends tend to bring in big crowds, especially with day-trippers from Brussels and tour groups from the cruises.

Pack Warm Layers

Winter in Bruges is generally cold and damp, so make sure to pack layers that you can add or remove as needed. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve put together a full guide on what to wear to Christmas markets so you can stay warm and comfortable while still looking cute in your photos.

A warm coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf are a must—especially if you plan to be outside at night when the temps drop.

I also recommend bringing some comfortable, waterproof boots, since you’ll be walking a lot on cobblestone streets.

🧳 To make packing for the Christmas markets so much easier, I created a printable Christmas Market Packing Checklist for you so you don’t have to stress about not having everything you need.

Come Prepared for Rain

Be sure to come prepared for rain, because the weather can be unpredictable.

It ended up raining off and on when I was there, and I didn’t pack an umbrella. I grabbed a cheap €5 umbrella from the train station when I arrived, and honestly, it saved the day. You don’t need anything fancy—just something to keep you dry while you explore.

Cary Some Cash

Most stalls at the Bruges Christmas market do accept cards, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand, just in case.

I ran into a few booths—usually the smaller ones selling handmade gifts—that didn’t take cards at all. These were clearly run by local makers, and I really wanted to support them.

If you’re hoping to buy something unique and local, having a bit of cash makes it easier.

Don’t need a car

You definitely don’t need a car to visit Bruges, especially during the Christmas season.

The city is small and super walkable—the main Christmas markets are about a 15-minute walk from the train station. Along the way, you’ll see holiday decorations and signs that make it really easy to find your way.

Public transportation is available, but honestly, walking is the best way to take in all the festive charm.

However, if you prefer to go at your own pace and have more freedom, then I’d get a rental car through Discover Cars. They are the best, most upfront rental company I’ve found.

Luggage storage available

If you’re visiting Bruges on a day trip or stopping through on your way to another city, there’s luggage storage at the main train station, which makes things a lot easier.

You can drop off your bags for the day (minimum storage time is 1 day) and explore the markets without hauling your suitcase around.

That’s a Wrap

I sure hope this guide helps you plan your trip to the Bruges Christmas Market. Whether you’re planning a cozy day trip or adding it to a longer winter itinerary, Bruges is definitely worth a spot on your list.

But before you go, don’t forget to grab my free Christmas market guide and packing list—it’s packed with tips to help you plan and make the most of every market you visit.

Thanks for reading.

Catcha ya on the next adventure!