Bruges is one of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas destinations and this winter, the Belgian city has raised the bar even higher. While you can find Christmas markets across the continent, Bruges stands out by transforming its medieval streets, canals and squares into a glowing winter fairytale, combining tradition with innovative light art.
Amid cold air scented with waffles and mulled wine, travellers in Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) can experience a cosy city that feels not only intimate but also cinematic. Locals and international travellers alike gather under twinkling lights, where cheerful chatter echoes through cobbled streets and historic façades glow after dark.
Yet this year, the Christmas festivities have outdone themselves, offering visitors something truly memorable.
For the 2025 edition of the Christmas market, the city of Bruges partnered with Ghent-based CREATE.eu, a studio focusing on creative technology, to design one of this year’s highlights – Winter Glow. This year, the 3.5 kilmetres light experience walk through the historic city of Bruges has a new route, Machina Lumina.
One of the best
Though there are elaborate new light installations, the Christmas market itself remains the heart of the celebrations, drawing crowds year after year. Open from now through 4 January 2026, the market is a blend of festive flavours, unique craftsmanship, and cosy atmosphere. Bruges’ Christmas market has been previously described as “the best for romance” according to The Times of London, and this year the experience lives up to this reputation.
While the city is picturesque all year-round, the colder months add another layer of beauty and magic. Located in the main Markt square and in Simon Stevinplein, the market turns the UNESCO heritage historic centre into a romantic winter landscape, blending medieval architecture with warm lights, music and seasonal flavours. Visitors can taste traditional Belgian dishes including waffles, fries, cookies,
sausages, and a wide range of cheeses as well as special beers and Christmas drinks.
Practical information:
The market is open from Sunday to Thursday between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., with some stalls extending their opening hours until 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the holiday chalets operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., while some stalls remain open until 11 p.m.
On Christmas Eve the market closes earlier at 5 p.m., while on New Year’s it remains open until 8 p.m. Of course, there would be exceptions with some stalls being open later during the night.
Machina Lumina: the light experience trail
This year’s new route is called Machina Lumina, inviting locals and tourists alike on a journey through 10 light installations in various locations in the city. You can explore the trail at a relaxed pace and is friendly to people of all ages, welcoming even the youngest visitors to enjoy its beauty after dark.
Here are some highlights:
- Waves is an interactive light and sound installation allowing visitors to interact with it by jumping on a wooden platform while tracking changes in sound waves that ripple like water.
Location: Old St John site - Light Export: This intricate work allows people who decide to visit the light festival to explore how lights move through different shapes and forms, slowly changing its appearance and fading away.
Location: Kapucijnenrei – ‘t Zand Square - The Shimmering Forest is one of the installations that feel more natural than an exhibition. It feels as if you were walking through a fairy-tale world reminiscent of the magical land of Oz.
Location: Lake of Love area (Begijnenvest, Lake of Love Park and Katelijnevest)
Practical information and more about the installations can be found on Visit Bruges’s website. The light installations are illuminated at 5.30 pm and remain lit until 11 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. From 22 December onwards, the light show will remain open until midnight every day.
Ice skating rink and winter bar
To further make Bruges a more attractive Christmas destination, part of King Albert I Park has been transformed into an ice rink with atmospheric decoration, bringing to life countless twinkling lights. This place attracts young and old, offering a festive space where families, couples and friends gather to skate, watch or simply soak up the winter atmosphere. After the fun, people can head to the adjacent Winter Bar, enjoy a drink, and relax.
The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve early closing hours at 6:30 p.m.
Bonus tips
Visitors travelling to Bruges from cities such as Brussels, Ghent, Liège, or a nearby country, may also want to check out ODA Rooftop Bar, With tapas and cocktails, The Letzz also is definitely worth a visit. Both bars offer a unique setting for drinks after a day spent exploring the city.
ODA Rooftop Bar opens up a beautiful view of the city and invites everyone to relax, while The Letzz is slightly away from the heart of the city and focuses on signature cocktails.
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See more about Brugge here in Dispatches’ archives.
Read more from Polya here.
Polya Pencheva
Polya Plamenova Pencheva is a young Bulgarian journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. Polya holds a Master's degree in journalism from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and loves writing and telling the untold stories of interesting people. You can find her dining at cute café, shopping at markets, scouting second-hand shops or just chillin' at home with something great to read.
