The Brussels Christmas Market stretches from the Grand Place to the Place Sainte-Catherine. It comprises the streets on the Boulevard Anspach, the Place de Brouckère, and the Marché aux Poissons that surround La Bourse (or Vismet). Because of its immensity, it is divided into four sections.
Think snow-dusted market stalls, warm brasseries, and bustling pop-up cafes and bars along cobblestone alleyways and historic market squares. A covered ice rink, an illuminated Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, brass bands, free concerts, ice sculptures, a festive Brussels Christmas parade, and a magnificent light and sound spectacle add to the festive atmosphere.
The 250 wooden gingerbread-style chalets are perhaps the most popular feature of the Brussels Christmas Market. They have everything from arts and crafts to piles of waffles, mulled wine, and the kind of hot chocolate that would wow even picky Hercule Poirot, all decorated with fairy lights.
Christmas Market in Brussels / Alamy Stock Photo by Wim Wiskerke
Oysters, fish grilled over flames, steamed snails, wild mushrooms, Flemish stew with fries, crepes, burgers, and an unlimited variety of regional beers and genevers — the country’s national gin-based liquor – will thrill food enthusiasts. Belgian chocolates, of course, are widely available.
The Grand Place is the epicenter of everything. Here, a gorgeous Christmas tree stands proudly, and classical Christmas music, as well as light and sound, may be enjoyed. Vintage merry-go-rounds and bigger food and drink booths, including a Champagne bar, can be found at Sainte-Catherine. They’re centered around the lovely Sainte Catherine church, which dates from the 15th century.
At the Marché aux Poissons, you’ll find a 55-meter-high Ferris wheel, as well as a virtual reality attraction called Dream Space and a 45-meter-tall Ice Monster with spectacular effects that will undoubtedly excite the youngsters.
Christmas Market in Brussels / Alamy Stock Photo by Monica Wells
More booths may be found at De Brouckère, where you can blunder on the ice skating rink after a drink of mulled wine. The ice skating rink is larger than ever before at 800 m2.
Finally, visit the neighborhood around La Bourse, the 1868 neo-renaissance old stock market, for additional vendors and cozy cafés. Enjoy a Corsendonk Christmas Ale at the 1903 Art Nouveau café Falstaff while watching La Féerie, a video mapping attraction projected onto the Grand Casino Brussels Viage building, which is located 180 meters from La Bourse on Boulevard Anspach.
