Complete guide to Christmas markets in Belgium

The final part in our series on yuletide festivities around the country - December 14

The spiritual home of Christmas markets in Europe is Germany, where the tradition goes back to the Middle Ages. And in the eastern cantons of Belgium nearly every town stages wonderful German-influenced events full of local specialities. So, for an authentic experience, head east on the trail of spiced biscuits, glühwein and twinkling stars. But if time is of the essence in the Christmas bustle, there are plenty of options closer to home.

EVENT

Christmas markets, Brussels

Until January 6
For an instant fix of festive spirit, look no further than Brussels’ own extravaganza: Winter Wonders. Beyond the controversial electronic ‘tree’ in the Grand’Place (due to be dismantled on December 28 for fears of damage by New Year’s Eve revellers), the historic square is illuminated by no fewer than 1,600 LED fairy lights. The market extends to the Place du Vieux Marché aux Grains and Place Sainte-Catherine, with its traditional ice-skating rink and big wheel. A series of events animates the market, including music from Balkan Trafik and an exhibition of China’s legendary Terracotta Army at the Bourse. Hundreds of festooned chalets ply their wares and serve up mulled wine and the usual array of tempting seasonal bites.

Creative artists’ market, until December 21, Abbaye de Rouge-Cloître, Auderghem
2nd Christmas market, December 14-16, Reper Vreven roundabout, Laeken
Christmas Village, December 14-16, Rue Voot & Rue Saint-Lambert, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
Christmas market & farm for children, December 15, 172 Petite Rue Sainte-Anne, Jette
Christmas tree sale, by La Cambre scouts, December 15 & 16, Abbaye de la Cambre
The worst gifts from Father Christmas, until December 30, Fantastic Art Museum, 7 Rue Américaine, Saint-Gilles
Sale of Christmas trees, gifts and items, until December 21, 82 Rue Voot, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
More markets here


WALLONIA

December 14-16

Traditional market, Place de la Maison Communale and Rue F Libert, Waterloo.

December 14-16

The oldest market in the cross-border region is that of Eupen, which also has a renovated and illuminated town centre to show off. Around 70 chalets have moved in offering gifts and produce from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France. There’s musical accompaniment and regional delights to taste: roasted chestnuts, grilled sausages, waffles and pancakes, aromatic warm wine and hot chocolate.

December 14-16

Artisan products, gifts and food fill around 20 chalets in front of the cathedral in Malmedy. It’s a small but convivial market, complete with a tent for children’s entertainment.

December 14-January 6

Called Coeur en Neige, the market in Mons’s Grand Place has around 50 chalets, a 900m2 ice rink and an entertainment programme that includes jugglers and stilt walkers.

December 15 & 16

Christmas market over one weekend in Saint-Vith with local shops also open for the occasion.

Until December 24

The Hautes Fagnes National Park is the highest point in Belgium so expect chillier temperatures and a dusting of snow. This indoor market is inside the park’s centre, the Botrange. You’ll find more than 35 stands with artisan gifts plus concerts and entertainment.

Until December 31

The regional capital Namur offers about 100 chalets, serving mulled wines, local alcohols and steaming dishes of tartiflette, chilli and mushrooms, in addition to regional specialities. The main market is in the Place d’Armes, while children’s activities and ice-skating take place at the Grognon.

Until December 30

In Liège lies Wallonia’s largest and oldest market with more than 200 chalets. The ardent city’s Christmas Village boasts four themed chalets dedicated to Gruyère cheese, Ardennes products, the local alcohol peket and a chalet offering a ski slope for children.

Until December 16

The largest Christmas market in Brabant Walloon awaits you in Nivelles, in the town cloisters and under heated big tents featuring numerous artisan stands plus a Christmas manger competition. Try the famous al D’jote tart and Nivelles sweeties for some local flavours.

Until January 6

The romantic woodland domain of Modave Castle, near Huy (Liège province) is the setting for this World Christmas event. The castle and grounds, including a hotel restaurant, are worth the detour.

Durbuy Christmas village and market specialises in artisan goodies and decorative crib scenes. In one of the prettiest villages in the Ardennes, it attracts an international crowd every weekend. The village is home to some excellent restaurants and there’s also a skating rink in Roi Baudouin park.

The historic Meuse Valley town of Huy plays host to a Christmas market and skating rink. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree donated by a local resident.

Hotel offer
The Hôtel des Bains & Wellness on the banks of Lac de Robertville lies in the Hautes Fagnes National Park. All year round it offers a two-night stay plus one night free (from Monday to Thursday).

FLANDERS

Until January 2

Bruges has a large Christmas market, complete with skating rink in the market square and annual snow and ice sculpture festival (until January 6) in front of the station.

Until January 6

Equally medieval and magnificent, but with fewer crowds, is Ghent, which has a 53-stand market in the historic city centre between Sint-Baafs Square and the Belfort.

Until December 31

Antwerp’s Christmas market spreads through the centre, from Steenplein to Suikerrui to Grote Markt.

Until January 6

In Hasselt, Limburg province, lies Winterland, which promises an atmospheric market, large skating rink, ferris wheel and a Christmas train.

Finally, the coastal town of Ostend has its own Christmas market and skating rink in Wapenplein.