Bruges vs Ghent: Bruges Christmas Market
Bruges Christmas market attracts many Christmas shoppers each year seeking festive cheer. Therefore, it tends to be very busy and is one of the first places people think of when it comes to Christmas markets in Belgium. Only a short drive away, it makes it a great destination to visit from our Dover to Calais ferry.
Browse several 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 explore the markets yourself or purchase tickets to the Bruges Christmas Markets to be shown around and find the best spots, there are lots of choices of stalls, food and drink, and ways to get around.
There are plenty of places to explore around the Christmas market in Bruges. If you are looking to enjoy the festive cheer while staying away from the crowds, Simon Stevinplein located next to the main shopping street, is one of the best places to go.
There is also the opportunity to indulge in a festive drink or two. In addition to the markets, there will now be an artificial ice skating rink on a pontoon at Minnewater, 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!
Events at Bruges Christmas Market
There are multiple events that you can attend in the Christmas markets in Bruges. One popular event to attend is ‘The Christmas Star Procession’ that takes place from 2:30pm on the 21st and 22nd of December. The procession starts and ends at Oud Sint-Jan and makes its way around the city with 100 actors, an orchestra, and even sheep, depicting the Christmas Story.
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 will 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, including trips to the 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 one you choose. This will then take you on a half-hour tour, passing some of Bruges’ most popular features and most beautiful Christmas lights, before dropping you back off where you started.
Bruges Christmas Market Dates 2026
This year, the Bruges Christmas market will start on Friday, November 20th, and conclude on Sunday, February 14th, 2027, 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.
Bruges vs Ghent: Ghent Christmas Market
Ghent Christmas market
Ghent Christmas market provides a fantastic Scandinavian vibe that will make you feel like 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 offer all of your Christmas market favourites, including leather goods, candles, and jewellery, alongside some more unique offerings 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 repeatedly. Food is a particular favourite at this market, and many stalls dedicate themselves to specific type of produce – including one that focuses on onions!
What makes the Christmas market at Ghent popular is the Hot Christmas Beer Flavouring mulled wine. A cup of this warming liquid will banish any chills you get while wandering around.
Beer lovers will feel right at home at this market, as many types are available. Not a beer fan? You might be swayed by one of the sweet, fruity beers that taste more like cider.
The Ghent Christmas market opens the 3rd of December, on weekdays, the market opens at noon, and from 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, so you can enjoy the festivities all day. It closes at midnight on weekdays and as late as 1 a.m. on Friday night, so the festive joy can take place all night long.
Ghent Christmas Market Activities
Along with the many stalls, there are also many additional festive activities you can participate in, making it fun for the whole family. Children will love the Winter Wonderland, where they can play games and meet Santa, and people of all ages will surely enjoy riding 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 surrounding architecture. There is a separate rink for children, so you can ensure 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 impressive Gravensteen Castle, where you can learn about its remarkable history, enjoy fantastic views across the festivities below, and listen to the entertaining audio guide. For something more modern, take a street art tour, or simply wander around and discover some of the artwork that decorates Ghent’s streets for yourself.
Just like in Bruges, you can experience Ghent from the water with a scenic boat tour. Glide past the city's iconic landmarks and soak up its rich history as you admire the stunning medieval architecture from a unique perspective.
So, Ghent or Bruges for your next Christmas market adventure. Which one captures your imagination? Whichever you choose, both promise twinkling lights, festive cheer, and plenty of seasonal treats to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Now that you've read our Bruges vs Ghent Christmas Market guide, the choice is yours. And no matter where you’re headed, you can count on P&O Ferries to get you there in comfort and style. Book your crossing to Calais today and start planning a magical winter getaway.
Bruges Vs Ghent Christmas Markets FAQS:
1. When do Christmas markets start in Bruges?
Bruges Christmas Markets open on the 20th of November until the 14th of February. The Christmas markets are open until 1 a.m. on Friday evenings and provide 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 is located 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 is located 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's Christmas Markets open a bit later. This year, they are open from the 3rd of December and close on January 3rd 2027. So, if Ghent is your festive choice, book your Dover to Calais ferry today to avoid missing out on the festive fun.
