Bruges or Ghent Christmas Market? – Which Is Best to Visit?

Thinking about visiting Belgium this winter and hesitating between Bruges vs Ghent Christmas Market? If so, you’ve landed in the right place! Both cities are beautiful, offering great Christmas markets for fun all day.

Bruges and Ghent are great for walks, sightseeing, and soaking up the holiday atmosphere. You really can’t go wrong with either choice.

However, if you have time, you can visit both Christmas Markets and if you don’t, this article will help you choose the best for your needs.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thanks.”

---

Bruges Christmas Market – What to See & Do?

The Bruges Christmas Market offers about 150 stalls, which are set up in Market Square (Markt) and Simon Stevin Square. There are many fun activities to indulge in and lots of delicious Belgian food to make the best out of your journey. See below what you can expect from Bruges Christmas Market this winter.

Winter Glow Light Experience Trail

The Winter Glow Light Experience Trail transforms Bruges into a sparkling wonderland. As you stroll through the city, you’ll be amazed by the dazzling light displays.

Colorful projections dance on historic buildings, creating a magical atmosphere. The trail takes you past some of Bruges’ most famous landmarks, like the stunning Bruges City Hall.

Each turn reveals new surprises, from twinkling trees to glowing sculptures. It’s a perfect activity for chilly evenings, letting you see the city in a whole new light.

Ice Skating Rink at Minnewater

Here, you can skate and have fun across the ice at Minnewater, also known as the Lake of Love. This picturesque spot becomes even more charming during the Christmas season.

The rink offers fun for all ages and skill levels. You can practice your spins or just enjoy a leisurely skate with friends and family.

There are beautiful Christmas lights that reflect off the ice, creating a cozy winter scene. You’ll find nearby stands where you can take a break and get a good snack and drink.

Market Square Attractions

Market Square is the heart of Bruges‘ Christmas festivities. Here, you’ll find a bustling market filled with wooden chalets selling gifts, crafts, and treats.

The square’s centerpiece is a towering Christmas tree, decked out in sparkling ornaments. There is also a Ferris wheel where you can enjoy the stunning views of the beautifully decorated city.

You can sample traditional Belgian waffles or sip warm mulled wine as you browse the stalls. The historic buildings surrounding the square provide a perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.

Simon Stevinplein Festivities

Simon Stevinplein Square hosts another delightful part of the Christmas market. This cozy area is packed with festive cheer.

You’ll find the popular Vorst Winter Bar here, a great spot to enjoy a drink and soak in the vibes. The square is filled with food stalls offering tasty local specialties.

It’s hard to resist the famous hearty Belgian stew or indulge in sweet treats like chocolate-covered strawberries or grapes. Kids will love the merry-go-round, adding to the playful holiday spirit.

The charming decorations and beautiful lights make Simon Stevinplein a must-visit spot during your Bruges Christmas market adventure.

---

Ghent Christmas Market Highlights

Ghent’s Christmas market is also popular and has grown in recent years. Like Bruges Christmas Market, it features around 150 stalls and offers great activities and tasty food as well. See below what you can expect.

Sint-Baafsplein Centerpiece

Sint-Baafsplein forms the heart of Ghent’s Christmas festivities. There is a towering Christmas tree that stands proudly in the square, adorned with colorful ornaments and lights. Ghent Christmas Market also has a giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and spires.

The square is always busy with tourists and even more on the weekends. If you travel with kids, they will enjoy the festive carousel and many other fun activities.

At night, there is a light show projected onto the facades of surrounding buildings. It’s absolutely beautiful!

Historic Korenmarkt and Botermarkt

As you wander from Sint-Baafsplein, you’ll come across the lively Korenmarkt and Botermarkt areas. These historic squares are transformed into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season.

An array of beautifully decorated wooden chalets line the streets, selling everything from handmade crafts to local delicacies. Many of them sell glühwein (mulled wine) as well as hot chocolate, beers, and other delicious Ghent specialties.

Gingerbread and roasted chestnuts are delicacies everyone who visits Ghent should try. They are delicious! Street performers and carolers add to the festive atmosphere.

Of course, you’ll also see a variety of Belgian chocolates and fresh Holland stroopwafels, which are round thin waffles filled with caramel and salted butter.

Crafts and Gifts at the Stalls

Ghent’s Christmas market is a treasure trove of unique gifts and local crafts. You’ll find stalls selling handmade jewelry, cozy knitwear, and artisanal soaps.

Local artists showcase their paintings and prints of Ghent’s picturesque scenes. If you are a foody, you’ll love the stalls selling Belgian cheeses, jams, and craft beers. You can even pick up traditional Christmas ornaments to remember your visit.

Many stalls focus on eco-friendly and sustainable products. You might find upcycled clothing, natural beauty products, or handmade wooden toys. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs for loved ones back home.

---

What Food Can You Find in Both Christmas Markets?

Although Bruges and Ghent have their own local food specialties that reflect their unique culinary traditions, you’ll find many of the same treats and sweets at their Christmas markets. Let’s see the delicious treats these Christmas markets have to offer.

Belgian Chocolate and Waffles

Belgium is well known for making one of the best chocolates in the world. So, visiting the Belgian Christmas market wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some famous chocolate. You’ll also find many stalls selling rich, velvety hot chocolate.

Belgian waffles are another must-try treat. The aroma of freshly baked waffles will draw you in. You can choose from classic Liège waffles with pearl sugars, which are melted into a cooked dough, or crispy Brussels waffles topped with whipped cream, fruit, or melted chocolate.

Many vendors offer speculoos, spiced shortcrust biscuits that pair perfectly with a hot drink.

Warm Beverages and Seasonal Treats

December is quite cold in Belgium, and to warm up, nothing beats a steaming cup of glühwein. This spiced mulled wine is a Christmas market staple. For a local twist, try jenever, a juniper-flavored spirit that’s sure to warm you up.

You’ll also see many vendors selling Grilled chestnuts, a popular snack, at the markets and all over Belgium. Their smoky scent fills the air as vendors roast them in large pans right from their stands and some even on the street.

Lots of stalls also sell boiling escargots called Caricoles de Bruxelles, which are served in portions, in ramekins or bowls, with cooking broth, allowing you to eat while strolling around the market.

Every time I’m in Belgium, I savor these delicious escargots. If escargots don’t deter you, this is definitely a treat worth trying.

Local Food and Drinks

The markets are great places to sample Belgian cuisine. You’ll find food stalls offering local specialties like Tartiflette, a cheesy potato dish perfect for cold days as well as Stoofvlees, a rich Flemish beef stew, and Waterzooi, a Creamy chicken or fish soup.

Let’s not forget there are lots of Belgian beers. Many markets have bars serving a variety of local brews, from crisp lagers to strong Trappist ales.

If you like sweets, you should definitely try the famous warm apple beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar or gingerbread cookies. These sweet treats are a real delight and ideal for nibbling as you explore the festive stalls.

---

---

Activities and Sightseeing in Bruges

Apart from visiting Bruges Christmas Market, you’ll find plenty of festive activities and sights to enjoy as you explore this charming city.

Canal Cruises and Quay of the Rosary

If the weather allows it, take a canal cruise tour to see Bruges from your comfortable seat. The boats glide through the quiet waterways, giving you a unique view of the city’s medieval architecture. As you float along, you’ll pass under stone bridges and see historic buildings lit up for the holidays.

There is also the famous Quay of the Rosary. This picturesque spot is even more beautiful in winter. The bare trees along the canal create a stunning silhouette against the colorful houses. It’s a perfect place for photos or a peaceful walk.

Minnewater

Called the Lake of Love, Minnewater is a must-visit spot in Bruges. In winter, it’s extra special. You can take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The bare trees and quiet waters create a serene scene.

You might see swans gliding across the lake. They stay here year-round and add to the romantic feel. The nearby park is great for a winter walk too.

Don’t forget to visit the Minnewater Bridge – it offers one of the best views of the lake and is a perfect spot for photos, with historic buildings in the background.

Groeningemuseum

Bruges has plenty of indoor activities for cold days. Visit the Groeningemuseum to see works by Flemish masters. Just a short distance from the Groeningemuseum, you’ll find the famous Choco-Story Museum where you can taste and learn about Belgian chocolate culture.

For a unique experience, climb the Belfry Tower, there are only 20 steps, making it easy to climb to the top. You’ll get amazing views of the city decked out in Christmas lights.

Don’t miss the festive light trail through the city. It’s a great way to see Bruges at night and enjoy the holiday decorations.

---

Activities and Sightseeing in Ghent

Ghent is a little more modern and eclectic than Bruges, but there are many activities and sights to explore, even during wintertime like the ones you can see below.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece

Step into the magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. In winter, the cathedral offers a peaceful respite from the cold outside.

Marvel at the intricate stone carvings and colorful stained glass windows. The highlight is the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, a stunning work of medieval art.

The play of light on the panels creates a mesmerizing effect, especially on winter afternoons.

Gravensteen: Castle of the Counts

If you love history, you’ll be well served by the imposing Gravensteen, Ghent’s very own castle in the city center. You can see its grey stone walls stand out starkly against the crisp sky. It’s absolutely amazing!

The Gravensteen Castle has approximately 100 to 200 steps, depending on the route you take through the towers.

The steps inside are quite steep and narrow, particularly in the medieval towers, where the winding staircases can be challenging for some visitors.

So, if you don’t have any mobility issues and wear good shoes, you’ll be able to climb to the top and explore the beautiful views of Ghent.

Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits on medieval life and torture devices – a perfect indoor activity for colder days.

Canal Cruises

An activity you shouldn’t miss is gliding through Ghent’s historic center on a cozy canal cruise tour. Don’t worry, even in winter, many boats are covered and heated, offering a comfortable journey. As you sail, you’ll see the city from a unique perspective, passing under old bridges and alongside beautifully preserved medieval buildings. The bare trees and snow-dusted banks when it snow, add to the winter charm.

Graslei and Korenlei Stroll

Another pleasant activity to enjoy is taking a leisurely walk along the Graslei and Korenlei, two of Ghent’s most picturesque quays. These spots are particularly magical, especially in December. The historic guild houses are often beautifully lit, their reflections shimmering in the canal waters. There are nearby cafés where you can stop and have a warming hot chocolate or Belgian beer to complete your winter stroll.

---

What Language Do They Speak In Ghent and Bruges?

Dutch is the main language in both cities. Most people in shops, hotels, and restaurants can speak English though, especially in areas where tourists visit. Many locals also understand French.

However, it’s always good to know a few Dutch words or phrases, people will appreciate the effort.

These cities are popular with visitors from around the world, so you might hear many different languages as you explore. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Dutch – you’ll usually be able to get by with English.

---

Tips for Christmas Markets

• Pack warm clothes! Belgium gets really cold in the winter. Wear layers and comfy and non-slip shoes for walking on cobblestone streets. And always have an umbrella with you, as it rains quite often in Belgium.
• Try to visit on weekdays if you can. It’s less crowded than on weekends. Early mornings are great for a quiet stroll before the crowds arrive.
• Book your room early. Christmas is busy in Bruges and Ghent, and the best places fill up fast. If you can, try to get a spot near the market squares. This way, you’ll be able to easily pop back to your room if you need a break or want to drop off your shopping.
• Although many shops and stalls accept visas, it’s always helpful to have some cash to pay for small things.
• Belgium is a safe country to visit, but like many popular cities, there are pickpockets. So, avoid wearing expensive pieces of jewelry and keep your money and visas in a pouch on you.
• If you stay in Ghent or Bruges for several days and plan to travel to other regions, you may consider buying either an Interrail Pass (if you’re planning to visit other European countries) or a Rail Pass for Belgium. For local travel within cities, you can purchase separate multi-day public transport passes. This combination will allow you to use both long-distance trains across Belgium and local public transport in various cities.

---

Final Words!

In conclusion, both Ghent and Bruges Christmas Markets offer something special, and neither market is better than the other. It all comes down to your own preferences.

I personally prefer Bruges because it’s more intimate and makes me feel like I’ve stepped back in time. Ghent is also beautiful, but it’s more modern and bigger than Bruges.

However, if you still hesitate between Bruges and Ghent markets, then you might want to see both of them. It’s easily feasible as both cities are close to each other, with frequent train connections.

If you have two days, you can see Bruges one day and Ghent the next to fully experience both Christmas markets and cities.