Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of the year! Between light shows, Christmas trees, themed events and hot drinks perhaps drinks under the snow, each city wears its most beautiful dress, ready to fascinate its visitors.
And Bruges is certainly not far behind: already romantic and fascinating all year round, thanks to its canals, boat trips and atmosphere, in December it unleashes all its beauty.
Also this year the lights and the beautiful markets will give life to the city from the end of November until the beginning of January, giving everyone who decides to visit it a unique experience. And obviously there will be a spectacular skating rink and many shows and events.
Are you ready to go? Here you will find everything you need to know to best organize your trip to Christmas in Bruges: offers, program and tips!
What to do at Christmas time in Bruges: events and activities
1 - Tour of the Christmas markets in Bruges
It's not Christmas without the beautiful markets that invade the streets and squares of the city! And in Bruges the Christmas markets are really beautiful. They are open from the end of November until the first week of January.
Among the various stalls you can go Christmas shopping and maybe buy a handmade ball to hang on your tree at home, taste the typical Belgian sweets such as speculoos, spiced cookies in the shape of Santa Claus, and other culinary specialties and fight the sub-zero temperatures with an excellent hot drink, for example with a gluwein, our mulled wine!
The markets take place mainly on Grote Markt, the central and most important square, where the skating rink is also located, and on Simon Tevinplein, a small square surrounded by clubs.
At Grote Markt, don't forget to stop for a moment and listen to the Christmas melody that the 47 bells of Belfort play for the vacations.
2 - Christmas illuminations of the city
If the markets occupy the main squares and some streets, the streets and shop windows are decorated to perfection, with garlands, lights and decorations.
The lights not only illuminate the streets, but also the historic buildings. The famous houses of the Grote Markt, the ones you see in all the pictures of Bruges, with a typically medieval character, are illuminated and become even more beautiful. And between one walk and another, stop and listen to the many Christmas choirs that stop to entertain people, you will fully feel the magic of Christmas.
If you like walking, the rather intimate dimensions of the historic center invite you to enjoy a free guided walking tour; If you are too cold to walk, enjoy a nice guided tour in a rickshaw or carriage, hugging your loved one and with a blanket on your legs to warm up. Nothing more romantic!
3 - Ice skating at Grote Markt
Grote Markt, besides being the heart of the Christmas markets and one of the corners of the city with more lights, also houses a beautiful skating rink. And being in the middle of the stalls, all the time you can smell the typical aroma of cinnamon and ginger typical of this time of year.
Once you have finished spinning and sliding on the ice, you can recover your energy with one of the many delicacies sold by the stalls.
The ice rink observes the same opening hours as the markets, so it will be open from the end of November and will be present in the square until the first week of January. The average cost of admission to the rink is 7,00 €, including skate rental.
4 - Ice Festival
Every year, from the end of November until the beginning of January, the Ice Festival is held, where about 40 artists give free rein to their creativity by creating incredible sculptures. You will be greeted by an incredible play of lights and projections directly on the ice.
Generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 00 p.m., this unique show takes place at Bruges Station Square, near Minnerwater Park.
The full ticket costs 12,00 €, while the reduced ticket costs 10,00 €, children up to three years get in for free.
What to see in Bruges at Christmas
Bruges is a wonderful city that will take you back in time and will conquer you with its romantic atmosphere, even more intense at Christmas time.
Take advantage of these vacations to discover and visit the beautiful monuments and buildings that the city has to offer. Here what you absolutely must not miss:
- Minnerwater Lake, a beautiful lake just outside the historic center of Bruges, near the train station, charming and romantic.
- Grote Markt, the central square and beating heart of Bruges, which at Christmas hosts the skating rink and many market stalls.
- Belfort, 83-meter high bell tower and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Begijnhof, where the traditional Christmas mass is celebrated at midnight on December 25.
- More information about what to see in Bruges
Discover the best transportation options and prices for getting around Bruges during the Christmas season.
Bruges, Belgium, is one of the most popular destinations to visit during the Christmas season. The city is transformed into a fairy tale with its illuminated streets, Christmas markets and the smell of gingerbread cookies in the air. If you are planning a visit to this beautiful city, here are the best transportation options and prices to get around Bruges during Christmas.
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Walking: Bruges is a compact city and easy to get around on foot, especially during the Christmas season when the streets are decorated with festive lights and decorations. Walking allows you to appreciate in detail all the charms of the city and it won't cost you a penny. In addition, most of the attractions are located within walking distance of each other.
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Bicycle: If you prefer a faster way to get around Bruges, cycling is an excellent option. The city has numerous cycling routes and bike paths that allow you to get around safely and efficiently. In addition, you can rent a bike from one of the many bike rental stores in the city for a reasonable price.
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Bus: If you need to travel to the outskirts of the city, buses are a good option. Bruges' public transport network is efficient and reliable. The transport company De Lijn offers tickets for single or multi-day trips at affordable prices. For example, a 1-hour ticket costs around 3 euros.
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Cab: If you prefer a faster and more convenient option, cabs are available throughout the city. However, be aware that prices can be high, especially during the holiday season. A short ride within the city can cost around 15 euros.
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Boat: During the Christmas season, you can enjoy a boat ride on the city's canals. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations on the banks of the canal. The price of a boat trip can vary, but generally costs around 8 euros per person.
Best Hotels where to spend Christmas in Bruges:
here are some of the best hotels in the city for you to enjoy an unforgettable stay.
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Hotel de Tuilerieën: Located in a historic building from the 15th century, this 4-star hotel offers an elegant and cozy atmosphere. The rooms and suites are beautifully decorated with classic-style furnishings and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant serving Belgian and French cuisine, as well as a cozy bar where you can enjoy a hot drink in front of the fireplace.
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Dukes' Palace Hotel: This impressive 5-star hotel is housed in a former 15th-century palace, just a few minutes' walk from the historic center of Bruges. Rooms and suites are elegantly decorated and offer modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and air conditioning. The hotel also features a spa, a fitness center and a restaurant serving fine cuisine.
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Grand Hotel Casselbergh: This 4-star hotel is housed in a historic building dating back to the 16th century and offers a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere. Rooms and suites are elegantly decorated and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a spa, a fitness center and a restaurant serving fine cuisine.
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Hotel Navarra: Housed in a historic 17th-century building, this 4-star hotel offers a cozy atmosphere and elegant decor. Rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a spa and fitness center, as well as a cozy bar where you can enjoy a hot drink.
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Hotel Jan Brito: This charming 4-star hotel is housed in a historic 16th-century mansion and offers a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Rooms and suites are beautifully decorated and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a private garden, a cozy bar and a daily buffet breakfast that includes local and artisanal products.
In conclusion, Bruges has a wide variety of charming hotels where you can enjoy an unforgettable stay during the holiday season. From luxurious historic hotels to cozy boutique hotels, there is something for every taste and budget. Plan your trip in advance and choose the hotel that best suits your needs and preferences to enjoy a magical Christmas in Bruges.
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Weather and useful information
- Weather: in December temperatures are very cold, with a minimum of 2 ° and a maximum of 6 °, which can drop below 0 °; This is also one of the wettest months of the year, with about 13 days of rain and about 100 mm of precipitation.
- The reference points are Zaventem airport and Brussels Charleroi airport. From here, the direct IC train to Bruges costs between 13,00 € and 22,00 €; from Charleroi airport the Flibco bus takes 2 hours, 18,00 €.
- Getting around: the most effective solution is to walk through the streets of the historic center, where most of the attractions are concentrated; alternatively the bus, the single ticket costs 1,80 €, the day ticket 5,00 € and the 3-day pass 10,00 €.
- Passes and useful cards: it is highly recommended the purchase of the Brugge City Card, available at the Information Offices of the city, with a duration of 48 hours (38,00 €) or 72 hours (43,00 €). It entitles you to various discounts for events, parking, bicycle rental, as well as a free boat ride on the canals and free admission to various museums and monuments in the city.
- Average cost of Christmas dinner: around 90,00 € per person for a good restaurant.
