Belgium Christmas markets offer a splash of festive color, making Advent an enchanting time to discover the country. From the medieval canals of the Bruges Belgium Christmas market to the grand spectacle of Brussels Winter Wonders and the fairytale streets of the Ghent Christmas market, Belgium’s best Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Europe. Like the country’s famous chocolates, Belgium is compact yet bursting with flavor and variety, a brilliant combination for a festive rail vacation
Calling at Belgium’s best Christmas markets, this guide explores the destinations and itineraries ideal for a rail tour during the season of goodwill.
If a rail tour of Belgium is already on your Christmas wishlist, ask our travel specialists for a tailored itinerary that calls at the destinations you want to visit. Premium hotels and seats reserved on the trains you need are built into an itinerary designed to let you enjoy the festivities at your own pace.
Illuminating Belgium’s most absorbing cities are three of Belgium’s best Christmas markets. Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent all offer something different, but all three deliver grand spectacles on historic squares.
The busy international rail hub of Brussels is the perfect gateway, with direct links to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and other parts of Europe. Bruges and Ghent are a short rail ride apart, ideal for triangulating a slow-travel tour of Belgium Christmas markets by train.
Inspiration for visiting Belgium Christmas markets and folding them into a multi-country rail vacation can be found in our Belgium destination guide. These pre-crafted tours can be tailored so you spend the right amount of time in each city.
And you might want to take your time. The three Belgium Christmas markets we’re spotlighting are among Europe’s prettiest.
The capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union fizzes with character all year. Its architectural jewel, the Grand Place central square, is the leading landmark that gets a festive makeover during Advent.
The square fills up with over 200 chalets serving festive fare and seasonal cheer. A light show illuminates the historic baroque architecture on a square that can trace its origins back to the 11th century.
Christmas is a stellar time to sample Belgium’s culinary delights, many of which make perfect festive fare. Among them are gaufres (waffles) drenched in chocolate and cream, irresistible chocolates, and mayonnaise-loaded fries. Not forgetting the liquid gold Belgian breweries excel at, beer.
There’s plenty more to excite visitors around the Brussels, Belgium, Christmas market. The home of the European Parliament is a cosmopolitan city, with curious landmarks like the Atomium and the Mannequin Pis statue, both highlights for kids big and small.
Another reason to put the Brussels, Belgium, Christmas market on the travel agenda is that it continues into the New Year, offering options to bridge the big day after many other Christmas markets in Europe have shut down.
One more reason is the fantastic rail connections. International transit via Brussels enables itineraries like our Three Capitals tour from Paris to Amsterdam. Or our Grand Capitals Tour that links London and Brussels via Paris. Tours packed with more festive thrills that can be tailored around your preferred itinerary.
Bruges is a spellbinding destination from spring to winter. The canals and bygone magic of the medieval old town are especially romantic as Christmas approaches.
Two Christmas markets celebrate the Advent countdown and continue into the New Year. The largest fills the atmospheric Market Square, anchoring the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to climb the 366 steps of the iconic Belfry Tower for a scene straight off a Christmas card.
A series of festive events known as “winter glow” includes the Bruges Christmas markets, an ice skating rink, and a light trail.
Under an hour by train connects Brussels Winter Wonders with the Bruges Belgium Christmas market. Travel with Rail Escape and stay in superior hotels in either city. With the Bruges Christmas market extending into the New Year, you can slow down and appreciate the striking contrasts of these two magical destinations.
The Ghent Christmas market delivers another festive spectacle in a fairytale setting.
As tradition demands, the Ghent Christmas market packs into medieval streets overlooked by timeworn towers and medieval architecture. Around 150 stalls and an ice skating rink heighten the seasonal thrills. A giant Ferris wheel offers an easier way to enjoy ravishing skyline views than the 366 steps of the emblematic Belfry tower.
You might find smaller crowds at the Ghent Christmas market. But it’s easily one of Belgium’s best Christmas markets in one of its most enchanting cities.
Ghent is compact and easy to explore. Cosmopolitan, atmospheric streets host welcoming bars and restaurants for sampling one of Belgium’s culinary greats by the sea, moules frites (mussels and fries).
Around 30 minutes by train, Ghent connects easily with the Bruges Christmas market and the Brussels Christmas market. It’s a wonderful location to drop anchor or to conclude a rail tour of Belgium Christmas markets.
Belgium’s best Christmas markets light up cities rich in travel appeal across all four seasons. Add trains to the mix and you have the recipe for a leisurely immersion in Belgian history and culture enriched with Yuletide traditions.
Traveling around Belgium by train offers more than a journey of contrasts. More relaxed than renting a car, you can look forward to short journeys through Belgian landscapes that invite you to lean back and appreciate the heated carriages and the views.
Explore by train, and your luggage travels with you on a greener journey that drops you close to city centers and Belgium’s best Christmas markets. With the Bruges Belgium Christmas market, Ghent Christmas market, and Brussels Winter Wonders all filling beautiful squares in walkable old towns, hopping between train, hotel, and festive market couldn’t be easier.
Exploring Belgium’s best Christmas markets by train couldn’t be more relaxed. Although a few insights can sprinkle even more holiday spice on the rail adventure.
Belgium Christmas market opening times offer more choices than other European countries. The Brussels Christmas market and Bruges Christmas market shut down on Christmas Eve but reopen for the often tranquil week leading up to the New Year.
Ghent Christmas market usually starts later than those in Brussels and Bruges and closes on New Year’s Eve. Our travel specialists consider the opening times when planning itineraries for Rail tours of Belgium Christmas markets, so you don’t miss the festivities while making the most of the extra flexibility.
Rail journeys from the rail hub and Brussels Christmas market are short, giving you even more flexibility to balance sightseeing in the day and festive fun in the evening. Travel with Rail Escape, and we also lock in premium hotels convenient for onward travel and local exploration, giving you even more time to revel in seasonal goodwill.
International rail tours around Western Europe pivot around Brussels, with direct international high-speed rail connections to London, Paris, and Amsterdam, and beyond. With Belgium’s best Christmas markets near Brussels, opportunities to extend rail itineraries across borders abound. Ask our travel specialists for suggestions. Or find inspiration in our ultimate guide to European Christmas Market Tours by Train.
Belgium is home to some of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets. Many travelers consider the Brussels Winter Wonders event the country’s highlight, while the Bruges Belgium Christmas Market is famous for its medieval setting, festive lights, and cozy atmosphere. The Ghent Christmas Market is another favorite, offering local food, artisan gifts, and beautiful holiday decorations. Together, these destinations make Belgium one of the best places for a festive winter rail journey.
A classic Belgium Christmas market itinerary is 5–7 days, allowing enough time to experience Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. Many travelers begin in Brussels before continuing to the Bruges Belgium Christmas Market, then finish at the Ghent Christmas Market. Traveling by train makes it easy to explore each city at a relaxed pace while enjoying Belgium’s festive atmosphere.
Yes. Belgium has one of Europe’s most efficient rail networks, making train travel the ideal way to visit Christmas markets. The journey between Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent is fast, comfortable, and avoids the hassle of driving or parking. Whether you’re visiting the Bruges Belgium Christmas Market or the Ghent Christmas Market, trains allow you to maximize your time exploring instead of traveling.
Yes. Belgium has one of Europe’s most efficient rail networks, making train travel the ideal way to visit Christmas markets. The journey between Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent is fast, comfortable, and avoids the hassle of driving or parking. Whether you’re visiting the Bruges Belgium Christmas Market or the Ghent Christmas Market, trains allow you to maximize your time exploring instead of traveling.
Yes. While we offer carefully designed Christmas market itineraries, every Rail Escape journey can be tailored to your preferences. You can add extra nights, include additional cities such as the Ghent Christmas Market, combine Belgium with neighboring countries, upgrade hotels, or customize your sightseeing to create the perfect festive rail vacation.
We recommend spending 5–7 days exploring Belgium’s Christmas markets by train. This allows enough time to experience Brussels, the Bruges Belgium Christmas Market, and the Ghent Christmas Market without rushing. If you’d like to continue into France, Germany, or the Netherlands, consider extending your trip to 8–12 days.
Most Belgian Christmas markets open in late November and remain open through late December, although exact dates vary by city each year. The Bruges Belgium Christmas Market, Brussels Winter Wonders, and the Ghent Christmas Market typically begin during the final week of November, making early December one of the best times to visit for a festive atmosphere and seasonal events.
Yes. Ghent and Brussels are only about 30–40 minutes apart by direct train, making them an excellent combination for a Christmas market vacation. Many visitors spend several days exploring Brussels before taking a short train ride to enjoy the Ghent Christmas Market, creating a convenient and memorable holiday itinerary.
Rail Escape’s Belgium Christmas market packages typically include first-class rail travel with seat reservations where required, centrally located 4-star hotels with breakfast, private airport transfers, and detailed travel documentation with destination guides. Many itineraries feature visits to the Bruges Belgium Christmas Market, Brussels Winter Wonders, and the Ghent Christmas Market, with optional extensions to other European Christmas market destinations.
Rail Escape turns festive vacation ideas into practical travel packages that work smoothly from the first station to the last. We remove the complexity of booking rail tickets and reserve the seats you need to keep your itinerary on track. Premium hotels are carefully selected to fit your travel style and for convenient access to train stations and city centers.
Above all, the itinerary is built around the places you want to go. Ask our travel specialists for a personalized itinerary around Belgium Christmas Markets that lets you join the Advent countdown in style.
Belgium is one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations for a festive rail trip. Discover Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels in our dedicated guide to belgium christmas markets by train.
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