Christmas in Bruges: A Fairytale Winter Escape

We absolutely love the festive season! There’s something truly magical about twinkling Christmas lights, cozy markets, and a crisp winter chill. While big cities like Brussels get all the hype, we've found the ultimate hidden gem for holiday charm: Bruges, Belgium.

This tiny, historic city—often called the "Venice of the North"—transforms into a real-life Christmas card when the snow falls (or even when it doesn't!). With its winding cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and medieval architecture, Bruges offers a cozy, romantic, and simple festive escape that feels straight out of a fairytale.

Ready to soak up the Belgian Christmas spirit? Here is our round-up of the best festive activities and must-see sites to enjoy during Christmas in beautiful Bruges.

1. Get Cozy at the Christmas Market (The Winter Glow)

No trip to Bruges in December is complete without spending time at the famous Christmas market, locally known as Winter Glow (Wintergloed). The main event takes place in the historic Grote Markt (Market Square), with a smaller market nearby at Simon Stevinplein.

The square is filled with dozens of wooden stalls selling handcrafted Belgian gifts, seasonal decorations, and, most importantly, all the delicious treats you can eat. Grab a warm cup of Glühwein (or Belgian Jenever—a traditional gin), browse for local lace, and sample some incredible street food.

The best way to see the historic city center and the market sights? Start with a guided walk!

✨ Must-Do Activity: Walking Tour with Hot Chocolate!

Discover Bruges' stunning medieval architecture, from the iconic Belfry of Bruges to Burg Square, all while learning the city's history from a local expert. The best part? This tour ends with a delightful hot chocolate and chocolate tasting. It’s the perfect way to warm up!

Ready to book? Find the Walking Tour with Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Tasting here.

2. Master the Art of Belgian Chocolate Making

Belgium and chocolate go hand-in-hand, and Christmas is the perfect excuse to indulge! Bruges is home to countless chocolatiers, but why just buy it when you can learn to make it yourself?

A chocolate-making workshop is a fantastic hands-on experience and a great way to spend a chilly afternoon. You'll learn the secrets of Belgian chocolate from a master chocolatier and get to take home a box of your own handmade pralines and mendiants (chocolate disks with toppings) to show off to friends (or, let’s be honest, eat yourself).

🍫 Must-Do Activity: The Ultimate Chocolate Workshop

Spend a couple of hours creating your own authentic Belgian treats. It's fun, delicious, and you leave with a huge box of high-quality chocolates—a much better souvenir than a keychain!

Ready to book? Find the Belgian Chocolate Workshop in Bruges here.

3. Indulge in Waffles, Beer, and Local Flavors

Beyond chocolate, Bruges is famous for two other things: Beer and Waffles. During Christmas, the combination of warm, freshly-made Liege waffles and a hearty Belgian Christmas beer is unbeatable.

The city has many historic breweries, and several local tour providers offer unique workshops combining Bruges' culinary staples. It’s a fun, social way to learn about the history of the region’s incredible food and drink culture.

🧇 Must-Do Activity: Waffles 'n Beer Workshop

Why choose when you can learn to make perfect Belgian waffles and taste a few local brews at the same time? This workshop is a great choice for foodies and offers a truly unique taste of Bruges.

Ready to book? Find the The Waffles 'n Beer Workshop in Bruges Centre here.

4. Glide on the Ice Rink & See the Lights

In the spirit of all great European Christmas destinations, Bruges has its own iconic ice rink as part of the Winter Glow festival. Historically located on the Grote Markt, it now often moves to the picturesque Minnewater (Lake of Love) during the festive season.

Whether you're a seasoned skater or just looking for a fun evening activity, the illuminated rink and surrounding light installations make for a perfect festive evening. The combination of the beautiful medieval buildings reflected in the canal waters and the seasonal lights makes Bruges feel truly breathtaking after dark.

Final Thoughts

Bruges is hands-down one of the most charming places to visit in Europe during Christmas. It’s small enough to explore entirely on foot, which keeps things simple, and the focus on great food, beautiful medieval sights, and that undeniable cozy atmosphere makes for an unforgettable holiday.

Just be sure to wrap up warm, book those workshops in advance, and let the Christmas spirit of Bruges wash over you!