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.
Rue Duquesnoy 51000 Brussels, Belgium
This luxurious hotel in the
of Brussels is a 2-minute walk from the Grand-Place and . It features free access to the fitness centre and sauna. A brand newly installed air conditioning system is now fully operational for your satisfaction and comfort.The
offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV, free internet and a marble bathroom. Guests can enjoy an American every morning in the salonRue de l'Amigo 1-31000 Brussels, Belgium
The 5-star Hotel Amigo boasts elegant rooms with designer features, on the corner of
Place. It combines modern facilities, a gym and an award-winning restaurant with a picturesque historic setting.Flat-screen interactive cable TV, a work desk and a minibar stocked with drinks and Galler chocolates are provided in the rooms at Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo. Each air-conditioned room has a seating area and a luxurious bathroom with mosaic details.
Rue August Orts 3-71000 Brussels,
Set within a 5-minute walk from Grand Place and Manneken Pis, and a 10-minute walk from
Train Station, Marriott Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and a fitness centre. There is an open-kitchen restaurant and private parking facilities are available.Rooms at the Brussels Marriott Hotel are equipped with satellite TV, coffee and tea making facilities and a private bathroom with a bathtub.
Rue des Eperonniers 3, 1000 Brussel centrum, Belgium
Opening in April 2016, Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Placer is housed in a historical Brussels building dating from 1696, 220 m from The King's House in the Grand Place.
Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Place features free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms feature triple glazing to ensure tranquillity.
Rue Royale 120, 1000 Bruxelles,
Motel One
is in Brussels, a away from the Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis Statue, the Rue Neuve Shopping District and Brussels-Central . is available throughout the entire accommodation.The rooms are soundproofed and comprise a flat-screen TV. The en-suite bathrooms come with a shower, a hairdryer, a toilet and bath linens. All rooms are equipped with a centralized air cooling system.
Rue d'Arenberg 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The apartments is conveniently located in the heart of Brussels, and all major tourist attractions, offering a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom. Free WiFi. Sleeps 6 Guests
Boulevard Anspach 60, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower. An oven, a stovetop and toaster are also available, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. sleeps 8 Guests
Rue Grétry 32, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Each spacious and stylishly decorated apartment offers a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa bed, a private bathroom and a washing machine. You cannot be better located! Free WiFi. Sleeps 6 Guests
Impasse des Boeufs 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. A patio and free WiFi. The apartment can sleep up to 7 Guests
Rue du Marché au Charbon Kolenmarkt 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Gay café bar with nice atmosphere and staff in the heart of Brussels, next to Le Detour bar. Small and intimate
Monday-Saturday 17:00 – 23:00/24:00
114 Rue du Marché au Charbon1000 Brussels, Belgium
music cruising bar men only
Pl. de la Chapelle 6, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Cave is a party concept in Brussels for electronic music lovers, LGBT & friends giving you our best selection of locals and international DJs
2A Rue Petite au Beurre 1000 Brussels, Belgium
La Reserve is the oldest gay bar in Brussels, and somewhat of an institution in the city. This cafe has an old-style feel to it. Come and enjoy our delicious coffee and a fine selection of Belgian beers. Locals and tourists alike with mixed ages
Rue du Lombard 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Gay Bar with a friendly atmosphere, Cocktails and a nice Terrace in the sun
27 Rue du Marché au Charbon1000 Brussels, Belgium
This is a bear bar and friend in downtown brussels
40 Rue du Marché au Charbon1000 Brussels, Belgium
Fun gay musice bar on the main gay street
45 Rue des Pierres1000 Brussels, Belgium
Gay Bar Karaoke bar from Wednesday to Sunday from 9pm • Cocktails • Belgian Beers • Champagne
7 Rue des Grands Carmes1000 Brussels, Belgium
This is a fun drag bar
32 Rue du Marché au Charbon1000 Brussels, Belgium
Busy Gay bar worth a visit
Rue du Marché au Charbon Kolenmarkt 94, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Very friendly service and a nice choice of Belgian specialty beers, this place is especially recommendable if it's nice weather and you can chill out in the beach chairs on the terrace
44 Rue du Marché au Charbon1000 Brussels, Belgium
This is the happy place for bears and friends always busy
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.