Winter Wonders: Navigating the Brussels Christmas Market 2022
Delectable raclette cheese at the Place Saint-Catherine
The Brussels Christmas Market (official name: “Winter Wonders/Plaisirs d’Hiver”) is one of the best holiday markets in Europe, boasting 250 chalets with food, mulled wine (glühwein), and artisan crafts. Here you will find over 160 cheerful streets covered in luminous and colorful decorations, an ice rink to show off your skills on skates, and light shows with enchanting musical numbers in the Grand-Place, Brussels’ Central Square and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What You Need to Know
Dates and Hours
The Brussels Christmas Market is open every day from November 25, 2022 until January 1, 2023. While most Christmas Markets in Europe close their doors just before Christmas, Belgium’s major Christmas Markets keep the party going into the new year.
The Market hours are from 12PM to 10PM. Keep in mind that Saturday December 24th and December 31st are exceptions to this and will be open from 12PM to only 6PM.
I spent a week in Brussels and explored different parts of the market over the course of my stay. If you want a less crowded experience and are able to go earlier in the week, Monday through Wednesday were calm compared to the large crowds and lines on Saturday evening.
Location and Transportation
The Christmas Market is spread across a few parts of Central Brussels, primarily the Grand-Place, Vismet, Place Sainte-Catherine, Place de la Bourse and Place de Brouckère. I would suggest starting your excursion at the Grand-Place’s light show before heading to other parts of the Market.
Check out the online map for the Christmas Market here. You will also see QR codes displayed throughout the streets of Central Brussels where you can scan for the map.
Public transportation is likely your best bet for accessing the Market if you are coming from a distance– Brussels Central Station is only a short walk from the Grand-Place.
Walking is a fantastic option if you are not too far from the market and feel comfortable doing so. I opted for walking the 20-25 minutes from my hotel and enjoying the energy of Brussels while listening to music. Brussels is a very walkable city and feels safe to navigate, especially if you are sticking to the main roads.
Driving is not advised if you can avoid it, but if you need to drive, be sure to research parking garages in advance. There is a chance that these might be filled up, so this will require patience on your part or an alternative means of transportation.
Uber or taking a cab is another option, but keep in mind that some streets may be closed for pedestrians or heavily congested with traffic. The amount of traffic in Central Brussels around this time of year in particular is more than you would expect. Walking a few blocks from the Market to an area where a car can more easily pick you up is recommended if you Uber or take a cab.
The Highlights
Grand Place Light Show and Christmas Tree
From 5PM to 10PM each day, the Grand-Place puts on a stunning light show and musical performance at the top of the hour (except December 24th and 31st). The life-sized Nativity scene and majestic Christmas tree light up the square and are the perfect photo to send home. The Grand-Place tree is a beautiful 18 meter (60 foot) 40-year-old Nordmann Fir from the village of Raeren in the Liège Province, decorated with two kilometers of LED lights.
Wandering the Decorated Streets
As I mentioned earlier, there are over 100 illuminated streets to explore in Brussels during the holiday season. The lights come on around 5PM after the sun has set and stay on until 1AM. Wear comfortable shoes (the cobblestone streets can work a number on your feet) and BUNDLE UP. The temperature drops pretty quickly once the sun sets and when the wind picks up you’ll regret not wearing that extra layer.
Ice Skating Rink
Located in the Place de Brouckère, the ice skating rink is open from 12PM-10PM each day except December 24th and 31st. The skating rink will be open for a week longer than the Christmas Market, available for visits until January 8th, despite being subject to criticism for its energy consumption. Grab a hot chocolate at one of the nearby chalets and enjoy it under one of the several covered terraces.
Prices:
Adults (over 16): €10
Under 16: €5
Schools: €3/student
Family (2 adults + 2 children): €25
Vismet and Place Saint-Catherine
This is certainly the attraction center for the Market and quite busy on the weekends. Here you can see the iconic ferris wheel at the end of the square (tickets are €9 for adults and €6 for kids under 12), marvel at the handmade merry-go-rounds by Andrea featuring characters from the world of Jules Verne, and take a break from the cold in the Stella Artois Pavilion.
Food and Drink
You will have a plethora of options for food and drink throughout the whole market. Don’t skip the glühwein. It is delicious for one and will also help keep you warm! Munch on raclette melted onto a baguette, grilled wurst or waffles. Although most places accepted card during my visit, I recommend you bring Euros with you as some of the chalets take only cash payments.
To learn more and see the upcoming list of events and performances, look at the Winter Wonders website.
TL;DR Tips for the Brussels Christmas Market
Avoid visiting on the weekends if you can. Monday through Wednesday nights are just as magical without the hordes of people.
Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly.
Bring Euros if you want to purchase anything from the chalets or hop on any rides.
Use public transportation, walk, or be mindful of where you might be able to catch a cab or Uber to and from the Christmas Market. Brussels Central Station is a short walk from the Grand-Place.
Plan your route out for the Christmas Market beforehand if you have limited time and want to see as much as possible. Otherwise, you can easily wander and follow the crowds.
Bring a camera! There are so many charming parts to this event in Brussels and you will want to capture them.
