Bruges vs Ghent: Bruges

Bruges Christmas market attracts many Christmas shoppers each year seeking that festive cheer. Bruges Christmas markets therefore tend to be very busy and one of the first places people think of when it comes to Christmas markets. With only a short drive away it makes it a great destination to visit from our Dover to Calais ferry. 

This year, the Bruges Christmas market will be held between 22nd November 2024 to the 5th January 2024, giving you plenty of time to visit. The main event can be found at the Grote Markt (Market Square), where you’ll discover the illuminated Belfry, lots of twinkling lights, and a background of festive songs. Browse a number of chalets selling everything from decorations and unique gifts to handmade items, and warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate.

Whether you want to freely explore the markets yourselves or purchase Bruges Christmas Markets Tickets to be shown around and find the best spots, there are lots of choices of stalls, food and drink, and ways to get around. 

Elsewhere in Bruges, you’ll find the smaller, more intimate market at Simon Stevinplein. Located next to the main shopping street, this tree-lined collection of chalets sell charming goods including soaps and clothing. There is also the opportunity to indulge in a festive drink or two too. In addition to the markets, there will now be an artificial ice skating rink on a pontoon at Minnewater, known as the most romantic place in Bruges. Head here to get your skates on, or to enjoy a drink at the bar while you watch others attempt to keep their balance!

Bruges Christmas events

Bruges Christmas market reviews are only ever positive due to the endless events and activities you can also do in the Christmas market square in Bruges. One example that takes place nearer to the festive period include ‘The Christmas Star Procession,’ taking place From 2:30pm on the 21st and 22nd December which makes its way all around the city.  Starting and finishing at Oud Sint-Jan, this procession involves around 100 actors, an orchestra, and even sheep, depicting the Christmas story in a traditional and engaging way.

Should you be in Bruges on the 23rd December, don’t miss ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ at the Concert Hall. Combining classical works with some of your favourite Christmas carols, this performance is guaranteed to make you feel wonderfully festive.

Bruges Christmas Activities

If you’re staying in Bruges for a couple of days, there are lots of activities available for you to enjoy as well as trips to Bruges Christmas markets. For amazing views, climb the 366 stairs to the top of the Belfry where you’ll be rewarded with an unrivalled panorama of the city – the perfect photo opportunity! Alternatively, you might prefer to stay on the ground and see Bruges’ highlights during a cosy horse and carriage ride, or discover the city on foot as part of a walking tour.

To see Bruges from a different perspective, opt for a boat tour around its pretty network of canals. There are five landing stages throughout the city, and you can board the boat at whichever you choose. This will then take you on a half hour tour, passing some of Bruges’ most popular features, before dropping you back off where you started.

Bruges vs Ghent: Ghent

Ghent Christmas market

Ghent Christmas market provides a wonderful Scandinavian vibe that will make you feel you’ve entered a different world. With over 150 wooden huts to browse, the scent of pine in the air, plenty of fresh greenery to admire, and Christmas decorations as far as the eye can see, this market truly has something for everyone.

Ghent’s Christmas market location is right in the heart of the city centre, surrounded by stunning mediaeval buildings, from Sint-Baafsplein to Korenmarkt. The stalls themselves sell all of your Christmas market favourites, including leather goods, candles, and jewellery, alongside some more unique offerings that you won’t find elsewhere. With a great variety of products on offer, you won’t feel like you’re looking at the same items again and again. Food is a particular favourite at this market, and many stalls dedicate themselves to a particular type of produce – including one that focuses on onions!

What makes Ghent Christmas market reviews interesting is the rave reviews about Hot Christmas beer being favoured over mulled wine in Ghent, and a cup of this warming liquid is sure to banish any chills that you get whilst wandering around. In fact, beer lovers will feel right at home at this market as there are loads of types on offer. Not a beer fan? You might be swayed by one of the sweet, fruity beers that taste more like cider.

Opening at noon on weekdays and from 11am on Saturday and Sunday Ghent Christmas market opening hours means you have all day long to enjoy the festivities. Closing at midnight on weekdays and as late as 1am on a Friday night the festive joy can take place all night long. 

Ghent Christmas activities

In addition to its stalls, there are a number of festive activities to be discovered at Ghent Christmas market. Children will love the Winter Wonderland where they can play games and meet Santa, and people of all ages are sure to enjoy taking a ride on Europe’s largest Ferris wheel. Fancy a drink? Head to the pop-up winter bar. Cosy by day and lively by night, this bar feels like an authentic après ski party in the middle of mediaeval surroundings.

Ghent’s ice skating rink can be found at Emile Braunplein and offers the perfect opportunity to show off your skills. Join other warmly wrapped skaters as you all glide across the ice in the open City Pavilion, and admire the architecture that surrounds you. There is a separate rink for children, so you can ensure that your little ones have an enjoyable time too.

Things to do in Ghent

Outside of Ghent Christmas market, Ghent has loads to offer its guests. Visit the amazing Gravensteen Castle, where you can learn about its impressive history, enjoy fantastic views across the festivities below, and listen to the entertaining audio guide. For something a bit more modern, take a street art tour, or simply wander around and discover some of the artwork that decorates Ghent’s streets for yourself.

Like Bruges, you can also see Ghent from the water on a boat tour. These tours will sail you past many of the city’s landmarks, and you can take a trip through time as you learn about its fascinating history and admire its mediaeval architecture.

So Ghent or Bruges Christmas market? Which one do you prefer the sound of and want to visit next? Whatever you decide, both will offer all the festivities needed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Now that you have read our Bruges vs Ghent Christmas Market guide, it’s time to decide. Whatever your decision, you can be left reassured that you will travel in style with ultimate convenience and comfort with P&O Ferries. Book your crossing to Calais and start planning your Christmas market trip today.

FAQS:

1. When do Christmas markets start in Bruges?

Often Bruges Christmas Markets open on the third week of November till early January, with the markets being open till 1am on Friday evenings providing all types of festive atmospheres throughout the day to entertain every visitor. Book your Dover to Calais crossing to start your next Christmas adventure. 

2. Where is Bruges Christmas Market?

Bruges’ Christmas Market location can be found in the Grote Markt (The Market Square of Bruges) where you will find both the Bruges Belfry Tower and the Bruges Historium. Often consisting of two markets there is lots to explore around these markets. 

3. Where is Ghent Christmas Market?

Ghent Christmas Market can be found in the city centre of Korenmarkt Square. This particular Christmas market spans several locations including St. Baafsplein (near St. Bavo's Cathedral) and Vrijdagmarkt, offering festive stalls with local crafts, food, and holiday treats. You can also explore the ice rink at Sint-Pietersplein and enjoy the festive lights around the city.

4. When do Ghent Christmas markets start?

Compared to Bruges Christmas Markets, Ghent Christmas Markets open a bit later. This year they are open from the 5th December and close on the 31st December. So if Ghent is your festive choice book your Dover to Calais ferry today to avoid missing out on the festive fun.