Bruges Christmas Market 2019 – When and Where

It stands without argument that even on it’s greyest of days, Bruges looks like a town from a fairytale, with it’s distinct Flemish architecture, cobbled streets and meandering canals.

Now imagine it all aglow with twinkling lights, wooden chalets and the smell of gluhwein, waffles  and chocolate in the air.

Welcome to Bruges Christmas Market!

While the bulk of the Christmas market takes place in Grote Markt, the whole town is clad in it’s finest festive attire to celebrate the Christmas season.

Overlooked by Belfort (the Belfry) an ice rink sits at the heart of Bruges Christmas Market whilst all around the pretty wooden chalets sell their wares. Whether you’re looking for a special ornament for your tree, a unique last minute gift or just want to try some local, festive delicacies (chocolate in every form imaginable). There is something to appeal to every Christmas loving visitor.

Once you have meandered around the market, you can amble up and down the small streets of this chocolate box town, take in the sites and smells and, of course indulge in one of the many hundreds of beers on offer.

When is Bruges Christmas Market?

This year, Bruges Christmas Market runs from November 24th – December 31st 2019, yes it carries on after Christmas so if you fancy reigniting your festive flame in that awkward post Christmas slump, this could be the place for you.
It’s worth noting that not only does Sinterklaas (that’s Santa to you and I) enter the town by boat on the last Sunday of November, he also pops by again on December 6th (St Nicholas Day) to determine who has been naughty or nice. The good children often receive a small gift, they not so good are stuffed in a sack and whisked off to Spain!

How to get to Bruges Christmas Market

You can, of course, fly to Brussels and head over to Bruges but, by far the easiest ways to hit the market are on the Eurostar from St Pancras or the overnight ferry from Hull. The overnight ferry cost includes a cabin both ways and ensures you have a good 7 hours in Bruges if you don’t fancy paying for a hotel too.

Christmas all year round…

If you can’t make it to Bruges in December, fear not. Bruges is home to a couple of Christmas shops. Even in the height of summer you can head to De Witte Pelikaan or Kaethe Wohlfahrt where it really is Christmas all year round. Here you will find grotto like shops filled to the brim with handmade, traditional ornaments. Granted, they aren’t cheap but you will definitely find something a little different and extra special.

If you’re looking for something a little closer to home do check out our posts on Manchester Christmas Market, Durham Christmas Market and Chester Christmas Market.

 

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