Event Dates
From: Friday, November 29, 2024
To: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Winter Wonders is the beating heart of Brussels during the Christmas festivities.
Step into the heart of the festive season with Brussels’ ‘Winter Wonders’. As the city’s vibrant centerpiece, it dazzles with sparkling lights, charming Christmas stalls, and streets decked out in holiday finery. Even the tiniest streets join the celebration with beautiful decorations and a holiday atmopsphere.
- If you are visiting for the Brussels Christmas Markets, stay close to Central Station, an easy walk to the Grand Palace and the markets. The Warwick Brussels Grand Place has great rates, large comfortable rooms and is just steps from all of Brussels’ gay bars and the Winter Wonders markets.
Winter Wonderland
- Next Edition: Friday 29th November 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025.
- The “Winter Wonderland” Brussels Christmas Market is located at the Grand-Place. You can also find market stalls around the Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Place Sainte-Catherine, Marché aux Poissons, Boulevard Anspach, Tour Noire, and Place de la Monnaie.
- One of the highlights for Brussels Christmas shoppers are the 240 wooden Christmas chalets opened during this time. Stalls filled with swirling snow-globes, scented candles and mouth-watering chocolates stretch on for two whole kilometres in Brussels.
- The chalets sell a variety of Christmas items, decorations, gifts and Christmas season food. Everything is open until 9pm on weeknights and 10pm on weekends.
- Check out the top hotels closest to the Grand Palace.
Vismet/Place Sainte-Catherine
- Place Sainte-Catherine is the festive epicenter of Brussels! Dive into a maze of chalets brimming with unique gifts and tempting bites. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the Giant Wheel for a stellar view or enjoy other engaging activities.
- Stay close by at the Opo Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests, with spacious rooms, ultra modern amenities and excellent location.
Bourse
- A radiant square that’s more than just eye candy. Each chalet here is a culinary journey, serving dishes that’ll warm your soul and delight your palate.
- Take a custom private tour of the best Christmas markets – Book in advance. Explore the city with a like minded local.
Place de la Monnaie
- Ever fancied an après-ski without hitting the slopes? This year, this iconic place morphs into a winter sports village! Try your hand at curling, indulge in mountainous treats, and satisfy that sweet tooth.
- Hint – Take the Line 1 subway to the square – 3 minute’s direct from Gare Centrale.
- Upgrade your Brussels Christmas experience with a stay at the “Fabulous” Juliana Hotel, a 5-star private residence featuring 40 stylish rooms, high-end amenities and exceptional service.
Place de Brouckère
- A magical mix of ice skating and cozy chalets await in this mini winter village. Cheers to the traders here who’ve adopted reusable tableware, adding a green touch to the festivities.
- The quickest way to get from Grand Place to De Brouckère is to taxi which costs €6 – €8 and takes 5 min.
- Don’t rush; the fun extends until January 8th.
Black Tower
- Tucked behind Saint Catherine’s Church, it’s a Canadian winter rendezvous! From the iconic poutine to the treasures of the “Canadian First Nations”, every corner has a story. And what’s winter without the enchanting carols sung by choirs?
- The Black Tower dates back to the 13th century and is one of the few surviving parts of the first city wall of Brussels. The tower is playfully tucked among modern buildings, as if it took a whimsical detour from a fairy tale straight into today’s world.
Craftspersons
- Honor local craftsmanship at the 27 chalets bearing the distinctive craftsperson-producer label. Every product has a tale of dedication and passion.
Top Tips for a perfect trip
- Browse the markets for last-minute stocking-fillers, get a bird’s eye view from the top of the ferris wheel, or take a spin on the merry-go-round as the sweet, spicy scent of waffles and glühwein drifts through the chilly air..
- If you are feeling brave, the toboggan run (that gets longer each year) is an absolute must. You should also save some energy for the Thursday Brussels Christmas Market night ice disco.
- If that all sounds a bit taxing for a weekend break, just settle in to a cosy café with a warming bowl of “carbonade flamande”, a rich beef stew, to watch the world, and the ice skaters,go by at Place de Broukere. Bliss
- Each weekend you can catch concerts, parades and live shows throughout the evenings. Shows typically take place on the hour.
- Feeling a little chilly, Head for one of the covered terraces, the perfect pit stops! Sheltered, illuminated, and inviting, these terraces offer a serene spot to breathe in the wintry charm of Brussels.
- Check out our gay guide to Brussels with insider tips on the best gay bars, restaurants and places to stay.
The Music and Light Show at the Grand Palace
- Experience a unique Brussels tradition and take in The Sound and Light Show at the Grand Place. The show starts at 5pm and runs every hour from Sunday to Thursday and every half hour on Friday and Saturday. The last show is at 10pm/10.30pm. Here you will also find the Brussels Christmas Tree and Nativity scene.
- There are also light projection shows on Saint Catherine Church and on the Casino on Boulevard Anspach.
- Remember, unlike other markets in Europe, the Brussels Christmas market is open right up until New Years eve, perfect if you are visiting for La Demence New Year Party.
Beyond the Brussels Christmas Markets
- Explore the shops on Rue Neuve (Nieuwstratt), popular with locals and full of familiar brands with a festive feel.
- Pay a visit to the chocolate shows in Galerie du Roi, not to be missed.
Gay Events and Parties during the Christmas Season
- Check out the latest gay events in Brussels.
- Don’t miss HIM and La Demence New Year parties.
Recommended Hotels
Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to the markets and Brussels bustling gay scene:
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The HOTEL is one of the finest hotels in
Brussels with stunning views of the city
For further information and advice on
Brussels Christmas market, Website
Most of the gay bars in Brussels are located in the city centre around the streets Rue du Marché au Charbon. We have found good hotels close to the gay area keeping you in the middle of all the fun.
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Brussels that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Plaisirs d’Hiver – Winterpret 2015
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and a hub for European institutions, has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and is known for being an inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly city.
Home to several LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, including bars, cafes, and clubs. It’s known for its lively.
The heart of Brussels with its stunning architecture, often the hub of events, festivals, and markets.