8 Best Things to do in Brussels during Christmas

8 Best Things to do in Brussels during Christmas

Christmas in Brussels is pure magic. The whole city glows with twinkling lights, cosy markets, and that unmistakable festive buzz you can feel the moment you arrive. If you’re planning a winter getaway, here are the 8 unmissable experiences that make Brussels one of Europe’s best Christmas destinations.

How to get to Brussels

From the UK, it is a very easy 2 hour train journey from St Pancras International to Brussels Midi station. From there, you can be in the city centre in only 20 minutes, enjoying the festive vibes.

Things to do in Brussels

See the tree at Grand Place

The tree in the Grand Place is one of the most iconic landmarks in Brussels during Christmas. This is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the Christmas markets as this is the central area and a lot of the sightseeing spots are around here as well. This is where you will find lots of shops and boutique selling Belgian chocolates, cosy restaurants and more. However, it is worth bearing in mind that this is the busiest area in Brussels especially if you come here on the weekend.

This is also where you will find a light show that takes place every year during the festive period. The façades of the buildings and the Town Hall glow with colourful projections timed to music, creating an impressive spectacle not to be missed. This repeats every 30 minutes in the evenings.

Explore the Place de la Bourse Market

Located next door to the Grand Place, this market is a really vibrant one and offers a variety of different types of food drink and souvenirs, including some Belgian comfort food such as raclette, sausages, frites and more. I tried the Racette with melted cheese on top of ham and potatoes and it was absolutely delicious. There are also some seats where you can enjoy your meal so it is a convenient place to sit down and eat. This is not the biggest market in the city, but it still offers some nice choices when it comes to food, drink and souvenirs.

Go Ice-Skating at Place de la Brouckère

To feel like you have stepped inside a Christmas movie, make sure to come ice skating to Place de la Brouckère. The ice rink is open from 12 pm to 10 pm daily, and it is the perfect place for kids and adults to enjoy. Aside from ice skating, they also offer curling which is a fun activity for families or groups of friends.

It is best to book the activities in advance and don’t forget to check out the stalls here serving some delicious food which is perfect for after skating.

Get a Belgian Waffle (A Must!)

Belgian waffles are famous for a reason as they do some of the best waffles in the world. You will find waffles at multiple festive stalls in the city. The waffles are made in front of you and eaten hot, so they make the perfect festive treat.

In some of these you will see a selection of a thicker waffle or a thinner and airy one that they call the Belgian waffle. Both are delicious but I highly recommend trying to Belgian waffle as it is truly one of the best waffles I have ever had!

There are different types of toppings that you can get, such as Nutella, caramel, pistachio, strawberries and cream.

Shop for Souvenirs

The Christmas markets in Brussels have a great selection of souvenirs. From handmade jewellery, to scented candles, wooden toys, local honey and more, you can find some unique gifts to take home.

If you are looking for something more refined, look at the boutiques near the Grand Place and the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. Many boutiques offer beautiful Belgian-made products like lacework, leather goods, and of course, chocolate.

Ride the Ferris Wheel

Riding the Ferris Wheel is considered a tourist trap in most places, but in Brussels it is genuinely one of the most enjoyable experiences and a must do during Christmas. The ride last for 10 minutes and offers an amazing view on the Christmas market and the city. The upbeat music inside the cabins adds to the festive atmosphere and you are guaranteed to get into a great mood after!

I would recommend doing the ride once the sun has gone down as you can see a great view of the market illuminated from above.

Try Hot Chocolate from Neuhaus

Once in Belguim, having hot chocolate is definitely an experience you need to have. As one of the most famous chocolate shops in Brussels, Neuhaus is the perfect place to try it. Depending on your taste, they offer two different types of hot chocolate: dark, more bitter and rich or milk, lighter in the taste but still creamy and smooth.

Other places to try hot chocolate include Pierre Marcolini, Godiva or Leonidas.

Admire decorations at Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert 

is one of the most beautiful places in Brussels all year round, but is becomes absolutely stunning during Christmas. The ceilings are filled with shining festive ornaments and the corridors are lit with bright lighting.

Dating back to 1847, it is also one of the oldest arcades in Europe. This is also where you will find some of the best premium chocolate shops in Brussels, such as Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, and more. What also makes this place great for exploring is the fact that it is sheltered, so in case of bad weather it is a great place to hide away.

Brussels at Christmas truly feels like stepping into a festive fairytale – from vibrant markets and cosy treats to iconic light shows and winter activities for every type of traveller. With so many magical things to do, it’s a city that shines even brighter during the holidays. And the best part? Thanks to the easy connection via Eurostar from St. Pancras International, getting there couldn’t be easier. So whether you are planning a weekend, a week, or even a day trip, Brussels is the perfect festive escape that brings all the Christmas charm with zero travel hassle.

___

Discover more of Anna’s content @nospaceinmypassport