Winter markets in Flanders and Brussels: Tradition, atmosphere and a season of light
As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, Belgium transforms into one of Europe’s most charming winter destinations. Wooden chalets appear across historic squares, the scent of mulled wine drifts through the evenings and strings of warm lights illuminate cobblestoned streets. The tradition of Christmas markets runs deep in Belgium, but in recent years the story behind these festive gatherings has taken on new layers of meaning.
Why winter market instead of Christmas market?
Across Belgium, the naming of events has sparked debate. Some organisers have chosen neutral terms such as “winter market”, “winter salon” or “winter festival” to emphasise a broader seasonal experience, one that extends beyond Christmas to include New Year festivities, winter lights, gastronomy, culture and a sense of inclusivity.
Turnhout’s city council demonstrated this debate clearly: after residents criticised the name Winter Salon, the event was renamed Kerst op de Markt (Christmas on the Market) to align more overtly with tradition.
Other cities continue to prefer "winter market", viewing it as an open invitation to enjoy the season without religious connotations. Regardless of the name, the festivities offer a perfect transition into the holiday season.
Top winter markets in Flanders and Brussels
Belgium’s largest and most internationally known market, Winter Wonders spreads across the Grand Place to Place Sainte-Catherine, the Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Place de Brouckère, Place Poelaert and beyond until 1 January.
The 2025 edition, called Weaving Winter,”features 238 chalets, 35 of which carry the Artisan Quality Label, ensuring authentic, high-quality crafts and treats. Visitors can enjoy ice skating and curling on Place de Brouckère, a Ferris wheel at the Marché aux Poisson, carousels, light installations and the iconic Christmas tree with its sound-and-light show on the Grand Place.
The Grote Markt, Groenplaats, Suikerrui, Handschoenmarkt and Operaplein light up with holiday cheer from 5 December until 4 January. A major addition this year is the new gastronomic experience category, serving grilled meat and winter comfort food.
With its ice rink, winter bars, light arches, entertainment and thousands of twinkling decorations, Antwerp offers both atmosphere and accessibility. The Suikerrui receives added attention in 2025, with cosy lighting and curated stalls. Fireworks on 31 December and a communal New Year’s drink on 4 January close the season on a warm, neighbourhood-focused note.
Magical Bruges becomes even more of a storybook winter wonderland until 4 January. Winter Glow includes two Christmas markets in the city centre: one on the Markt with a more traditional offering, and one at Simon Stevinplein devoted to crafts and handmade goods.
An ice rink in King Albert I Park, a winter bar and atmospheric lighting throughout the medieval streets give Bruges a romantic feel. The light experience trail invites visitors to discover the city through illuminated installations, winter soundscapes and quiet corners that highlight Bruges’ nostalgic charm.
Ghent hosts more than 150 chalets offering gifts, international crafts and seasonal treats from 4-31 December. An indoor ice rink under City Hall, a Ferris wheel at Korenmarkt, children’s entertainment and the whimsical Sapin Magique carousel create a lively, family-friendly environment.
Winterland Hasselt offers a smaller but inviting winter market with 80 stalls, an ice rink, a Grand Café open until midnight, rides, a Ferris wheel and winter entertainment.
It is quieter and more compact than Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent, offering a relaxed alternative, and runs until 4 January.
Ostend blends coastal calm with festive cheer until 4 January. The market on Wapenplein includes chalets, an indoor ice rink and a host of winter extras such as the Light Wave installation, a Christmas tree maze, workshops, walks and cultural activities.
It is the perfect pick for those who want mulled wine and market shopping by the sea, with beach walks adding an extra winter dimension.
Christmas on the Market, Turnhout
Turnhout’s transformation from a “winter salon” to Christmas on the Market offers an intimate local event. Held from 12–14 December and again from 17 December to 4 January, it features a winter garden, chalets, children’s activities from discos to magic shows, a roller rink and themed walking routes.
Turnhout shows how smaller cities are embracing winter traditions with creativity and community spirit.
(MOH)
#FlandersNewsService | Antwerp winter market © PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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