Bruges Christmas Market

Cobbled streets, twinkly lights, delicious smells and chocolate box scenes – the Bruges Christmas market is like something out of a festive fairytale. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Belgium, if not the whole of Europe. What’s more, it’s only around an hour and a half’s drive from our terminal in Calais, making Bruges the perfect festive getaway. 

Book your trip to the Bruges Christmas market with LeShuttle – it’s just a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. 

About Bruges

It’s hard to stop waffling on about Bruges, mainly because it is so beautiful, especially at Christmas time. The medieval architecture, winding canals, bridges and perfectly preserved buildings seem to take you back in time. The ‘golden age’ of Bruges was in the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was a trading and artistic power. Walking around the city today, or seeing it from the water, you are steeped in reminders of that incredible history.  

Where is Bruges Christmas market?

The Christmas market in Bruges is called ‘Winter Glow’, and celebrates all the different things you can do in Bruges during the festive season, in an inclusive event. 

Markt

The main Bruges Christmas market is held in the Markt, the city’s market square. Here you'll find the huge Christmas tree, the chalets selling everything from food and drink to clothes and souvenirs, as well as all the cosy cafés, bars and restaurants that are lit up like gingerbread houses. You can even climb the 366 steps to the top of the 83-metre belfry and look down on everything from on high. 

Savour the atmosphere in one of Markt square’s numerous bars and cafés 

Simon Stevinplein

Wander over to the smaller square of Simon Stevinplein if you are looking for artisan crafts. Pick up a special souvenir at one of the many stalls showcasing hand-made gifts, like Christmas decorations. There is also a good range of food stalls here too. 

Minnewater

Minnewater means ‘Lake of Love’ and it is one of the most romantic spots in Bruges – and during the Winter Glow festival it is the location of a floating ice rink in the middle of the Minnewater lake. There is a Winter Bar next to the ice rink where you can regain your composure after skating, or get some Dutch courage before you take to the ice! 

Festive attractions

There is plenty of things going on in Bruges to entertain the family while you’re there for the Christmas market. The ‘Light Experience Trail’ features 10 different light installations as you walk through the blue illuminated light tunnel, and is a really special experience for the children. The kids will also love the special appearances from Saint Nicholas, the first by boat at the start of the Winter Glow festival, and then on December 6th, when he gives presents to the city’s children on Saint Nicholas Day.

Winter bites and beverages

The waffles, the hot chocolate, the sweet treats and alcoholic pick-me ups – we can’t lie, Bruges Christmas market is a delight for those who love their food and drink. It can get very cold in Bruges in December, which is great for the festive feels, but you’ll really appreciate the warm mulled wine or glühwein, so delicious with a chocolate-covered waffle (or any kind of waffle really). There is also nothing better than sneaking into a friendly bar to warm up. If you’re confused by the beer menu the bar tender will help you out. Belgian beer is full of flavour but much stronger than typical draught beers in the UK.

Tuck into a warming waffle as you browse the market stallsChristmas shopping

Bruges is famous for its lace and chocolate shops, so when you’re exploring the city, pop into a few traditional stores and get gifts for loved ones back home. Look out for the independent shops selling real artisan chocolate, like The Chocolate Line, which is where many of the locals get their chocolate fix. This shop is famous for its innovative flavours, such as chocolate and bacon, bitter ganache, marzipan and wasabi. Away from the Christmas market squares you’ll find boutique stores in the main shopping streets of Noordzandstraat, Zuidzandstraat and Steenstraat.

Seasonal events and entertainment

Winter is a great time to visit Bruges, as you avoid the summer crowds while enjoying the many winter events taking place. Bruges is quieter still after Christmas but this is often a good time to visit, as accommodation is cheaper. Each January, Les Costumés de Venise takes place, with people dressed in elaborate baroque costume parading the streets, accompanied by music, shopping stalls and children’s entertainment, such as face painting. 

Spoil yourself or a loved one with some artisan chocolates Plan your visit to Bruges Christmas Market

Getting to Bruges

Travelling to Bruges with LeShuttle could not be easier. Driving from our Calais terminal is a simple 1 ½ hour journey on the A16 and E40 motorway, and there are no tolls to pay. Find out more about driving in France and driving in Belgium. 

Where to stay

There is no shortage of accommodation in Bruges, but if you are looking for a more unique experience why not try a guest house? Anna’s B&B is a beautifully-decorated bed and breakfast right in the heart of the city. The host provides guests with brilliant insider-information on where to go in Bruges. It’s possible to park outside, too, which is handy when you’re travelling with a car.

If you prefer to stay in a larger hotel, Hotel De Orangerie is housed in a beautiful 15th century cloister, overlooking the Dijver canal, with crackling fireplaces to welcome you after a long day walking around the city.

Dates and opening hours

This year’s Winter Glow Christmas Market in Bruges opens on Friday November 22nd 2024 and runs until Sunday January 5th 2025. The Christmas Market in Bruges is open from 10am to 10pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and 10.30am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve it is open from 10am to 5pm, and there are limited opening hours on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Take a carriage ride through beautiful Bruges 

Beyond the market: Exploring Bruges and its surroundings

If you’re visiting Bruges for the first time, you’ll want to explore all the delights of the city, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Christmas market is open during the daytime, but that will probably be when you want to do things like take a boat cruise round the famous canals, which seem to have breathtaking views around every bend and has given Bruges a reputation as ‘the Venice of the North’. 

Horse-drawn carriage rides through the cobbled streets are a wonderful way to see the city, while the Groeningemuseum houses works by the most famous Bruges artist, Jan van Eyck, as well as Renaissance and Baroque masters. If you’ve developed a taste for Belgian beer, why not take a brewery tour? Bruges has some of the most famous breweries in the country.