What will the Advent markets be like in Brussels? Program and important information in one place

Do you want to add some excitement to your time before Christmas by visiting a destination where history meets the present?

Are you interested in culture and politics?

The Christmas markets in Brussels are sure to delight you.

When and where are they held? We’ll provide you with all the details in the following lines.

Advent Markets Brussels

In the Belgian capital, an event known as Winter Wonders or Plaisirs d’Hiver takes place throughout the pre-Christmas period. At its heart are the Brussels Christmas markets, which are located in several locations throughout the city and where hundreds of vendors sell all kinds of Christmas snacks and handmade gifts.

Christmas Markets in the City Center

When and where will it all take place?

Program of the Brussels Advent Fair

The Brussels Winter Wonders have been celebrated for over twenty years, becoming one of the Benelux region’s largest and most popular Christmas events. Unlike many other European cities, Brussels’s Christmas markets are vibrant and dynamic.

While the atmosphere at other markets often focuses on coziness, the Brussels Christmas Festival offers a fun experience with a lively, festive vibe that might surprise you.

Various locations throughout the city feature an ice rink, a giant Ferris wheel, numerous attractions, and a wide selection of food and drink. Brussels is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an exciting place to enjoy a Christmas market.

The Brussels Christmas market takes place on and around Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons.

Marché aux Poissons

A vibrant highlight of the Brussels Christmas market that you must not miss is the Marché aux Poissons. Here, you’ll find the iconic “Grand Roue,” a giant Ferris wheel symbolizing the festival, along with numerous wooden huts offering various gifts and treats.

Place Sainte-Catherine

A vibrant spot in the Brussels Christmas market that you must not miss is Place Saint Catherine, where you’ll find a nostalgic carousel and additional stalls. Another key location to visit is Place de Brouckère, which features numerous artisan and food stalls. Here, you can relax on covered terraces with a warm drink and even enjoy skating at a fun indoor ice rink.

Grand Place

In addition to the stalls, one of the main attractions is the festive lighting that adorns the city center. The highlight is the light show at the Grand Place, which takes place every hour from 5 PM to 11 PM. This enchanting display has a unique theme each year and is accompanied by music that enhances the visual experience. At the Grand Place, you’ll also discover the city’s main Christmas tree and a giant nativity scene.

The following video will give you a closer look at the atmosphere of the Brussels Christmas markets.

CHRISTMAS IN BRUSSELS GUIDE (Winter Wonders Guide, Christmas markets & Illuminations)

Interesting places in Brussels

The capital of Belgium is widely regarded as the de facto capital of Europe. It is home to the European Commission, the European Council, and the Council of the European Union while also hosting the European Parliament’s second seat. Additionally, many committees of the European Parliament meet here, and NATO’s headquarters are located in the city.

If you’re visiting Brussels during the Christmas market season, several sights are definitely worth exploring:

Grand Place

This square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The city’s most significant buildings, including the Hôtel de Ville and the Maison du Roi, surround it. The Hôtel de Ville, which serves as the town hall, is an exquisite example of Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the Saint Michael the Archangel statue, the city’s patron saint, which rises prominently above the town hall.

Manneken Pis – Little Pissing Man

One of Brussels’s symbols is a bronze statue of a fountain featuring a peeing boy, dating back to the 17th century. In the city museum, located in the Neo-Gothic palace Maison du Roi, you can find many outfits that have been dedicated to the statue over the years. This statue is among the most photographed monuments in Brussels.

Atomium

The Atomium is a unique structure that blurs the line between architecture and sculpture. It is located in the northern outskirts of Brussels, specifically in Heysel. It is approximately 335 feet tall and is an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

Each of the nine spheres that compose the Atomium has a diameter of 60 feet. The monument was created in 1958 for the General Exhibition, which took place in Brussels that year.

Conclusion

Brussels Christmas Market is not for those seeking a small-town holiday atmosphere, as it features hundreds of market stalls spread throughout the city center. While it provides a fantastic backdrop, the Christmas spirit is something you’ll need to cultivate yourself. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine, indulge in warm Belgian waffles, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, or go ice skating. Before you know it, you’ll be filled with festive cheer and having a great time despite the crowds.

If you’re looking for an exceptional European Christmas market that offers everything, you’ll love visiting Brussels in winter. There’s so much to see, do, experience, and taste—Brussels Christmas Market truly has something for everyone.