Brussels Christmas Market

Magical Christmases have a dazzling, sparkly meaning for those in Brussels because the Christmas Markets at the Grand Place and Place St. Catherine’s area are filled to the brim with activities for children and adults. Temporary shopping chalets and even brasseries go up at the end of November and last for the entire month of December through to New Years.

Activities include a skating rink, a Big Wheel (Ferris wheel), round-about and ice dinosaur monster. All have entrance fees, but it is an exciting time for a city during the coldest months of the year. Brass bands, free performances and ice sculptures are also on display as part of the cultural programme.

One of the highlights for Christmas shoppers are the 240 wooden Christmas chalets opened during this time. They line the streets of Bourse, Marché aux Poissons and Place St. Catherines. These stalls look like gingerbread houses, twinkling with fairy lights and covered with ‘snow-top’ roofs. The chalets sell a variety of Christmas items, decorations, gifts and Christmas season food. Everything is open until 9pm on weeknights and 10pm on weekends.

People who love bright lights, cold winters and the Christmas spirit come to Brussels to do their Christmas shopping and bring the children. Tours and holiday packages are on offer from travel agents all over Europe. Check out the website for more information. Other towns in Brussels such as Liége, Bruges and Ostende also have Christmas Markets.

Location
The Christmas Markets line several streets around Place Sainte Catherine, at the Grand Place, next to the Bourse on the Boulevard Anspach and on Marché aux Poissons on the way to the Grand Place. Metro: St. Catherines, De Brouckere, Centrale