10 Best Christmas Markets near Brussels
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Christmas markets are the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. From twinkling lights to delicious treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But when you’re travelling with children, it can be hard to know which markets are the best – and which ones make the most sense for your family.
So, here are the 10 best Christmas markets near Brussels to visit with kids and practical tips to plan your visit.
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Brussels
When: 24.11-31.12.2023
The Christmas market in Brussels is one of the most impressive Christmas markets in Europe. Marvel at the magnificent Christmas tree at Grand Place, the main square of Brussels. Enjoy also the sound and light show at one of the superb squares of Europe.
The main locations that you should not miss are Grand Place and St Catherine (also Place De Brouckère if you are into ice skating!) You will find lots of practical tips for visiting with kids, kids friendly restaurants near the Christmas market and a walking map in the post on Brussels Christmas market.
Read more: Brussels Christmas Market
There are also some Christmas attractions and a small ice rink at Bois de la Cambre. You will find all the practical details you need to visit (including whether it is worth visiting or not) in our post on Wonder Woods – Bois de la Cambre Christmas edition.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Brussels with family, then we have listed here the best museums, the best kid-friendly cafes and where to stay.
Read more: Brussels with Kids
Luxembourg
When: 24.11.2023 – 01.01.2024
The Luxembourg Christmas market has a Ferris wheel, carousels, dancing Christmas trees, a gorgeous ice rink and more fun rides for kids!!
Read more: Luxembourg Christmas market
Check also our guide on what to do in Luxembourg with kids for lots of practical tips, such as family hotels, kid-friendly activities and more.
Read more: Luxembourg with Kids
This is easily one of the best Christmas markets for families in Europe we’ve ever been to!
Hasselt
When: 17.11.2023-07.01.2024
The Hasselt Christmas market offers lots of attractions for kids. A Ferris wheel, an ice rink, a giant slide and more Christmas-themed fun fair rides – and of course lots of stalls with gluhwein, waffles and tartiflettes. Everything is gathered on one big square, so it is easy to navigate with kids – and so much fun!
Read more: Hasselt Christmas market
Château de Rixensart
When: 25.11-18.12.2022
2023 dates are not yet announced
The Château de Rixensart Christmas Market takes place in a castle that was built in 1631! This is perfect to visit with kids as it is small and cozy. It is usually less crowded than most Christmas markets making it the perfect place to enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire with the family. They also host a St. Nicholas event on December 6.
Read more: Château de Rixensart Christmas Market
Tip
Check the post with St Nicholas events to find more activities!
This post is updated every year. Join the newsletter to get the updated post right in your inbox.
Monschau
When: 24-25.11, 01-03.12, 08-10.12, 15-17.12, 22-23.12
(last week of November until before Christmas)
The Christmas market in Monschau in Germany is one of the most magical places to get into the festive spirit. You can’t help but be amazed by the sheer beauty of the place. The main Christmas market is at Marktplatz.
The town is full of stalls selling traditional German Christmas decorations, handmade candles and wooden toys, handmade jewelry and pottery, and local specialties like Bratwurst and Glühwein
Read more: Christmas market in Monschau
Valkenburg
When: 17.11.2023 – 07.01.2024
What a wonderful little town! And what an original Christmas market in a cave in Valkenburg, perfect to visit with kids. There are two main caves, the Municipal Cave and the
Velvet Cave. Both have Christmas markets and they are not far from each other (about 5 minutes walk). They are a great choice in case the weather is bad
Read more: Christmas market in Valkenburg
Aachen
When: 24.11.2023 – 23.12.2023
11.00-21.00 every day,
Sunday, 26.11.2023 (Dead sunday), 18.00-21.00
Saturday, 16.12.2023 (long Christmas market): 11.00-22.00
Friday, 23.12.2023: 11.00-21.00
The Christmas market in Aachen is one of our favorite ones! It is so close to Brussels that you can visit for a day. This is a smaller Christmas market compared to the ones in Cologne and in Dusseldorf, so if you are only going for a day, then this is a better choice. The locations of the Christmas markets are also much closer, so this is an easier choice for a day trip or with younger kids
Read more: Aachen Christmas market
Here is our post on what to do in Aachen with kids, where to stay and lots of practical tips on visiting Aachen.
Read more: Aachen with Kids
Cologne
When: 23.11-23.12.2023
Exception: Heinzels Winter Fairytale (ice skating) + Harbour Christmas market (next to Chocolate Museum): 24.11.2023-07.01.2024
Cologne offers several amazing Christmas markets, each one is better than the other. It’s that time of year again! The smell of mulled wine, cinnamon and gingerbread fills the air. There are twinkling lights everywhere!
Cologne offers several amazing Christmas markets, ice skating, meet St Nicholas, kids program.. Do not miss: the Christmas market at the Cathedral and the Village of St Nicholas with activities for kids
Read more: Cologne Christmas market
Tip
Check the post with St Nicholas events to find more activities!
This post is updated every year. Join the newsletter to get the updated post right in your inbox
Dusseldorf
When: 23.11-30.12.2023
There are several Christmas markets in Dusseldorf. All have a unique character. In this guide you will find all you need to know about the Christmas market in Dusseldorf to plan ahead your visit with kids: merry-go-rounds, skating rinks, food stands selling roasted almonds and sausages…
And of course gluhwein at the Altstadt, walk along Königsallee, enjoy the Ferris wheel by the river Rhine and have fun at the ice rink
Read more: Dusseldorf Christmas market
Are you looking for the best things to do in Dusseldorf with kids? We’ve got you covered! Here is all you need to know to plan your visit to Dusseldorf and where to stay.
Read more: Dusseldorf with Kids
Lille
When: 24.11-31.12.2023
The Lille Christmas market is magical with a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a Christmas village.. All the Christmas market attractions are just a short walk from each other in the center. They take up three neighboring squares, Grand Place, Place du Théâtre and Place Rihour. The short distances and the carousels make Lille perfect with younger kids!
Read more: Lille Christmas market
Here is also our guide on what to do in Lille with lots of practical tips for families, kid-friendly restaurants, and what to do with kids.
Read more: Lille with Kids
There are so many wonderful Christmas markets in Europe, but these 10 make for a perfect winter escape with kids. Whether you’re looking for decorations, festive treats, or just some holiday cheer, these markets have it all. So grab your coats and mittens and head out to explore Christmas markets!
What Christmas markets near Brussels are open after Christmas?
The Christmas markets in Brussels, Hasselt, Luxembourg, Valkenburg, Lille, Dusseldorf, are all still open after Christmas.
What Christmas markets near Brussels are open after New Year’s?
The Christmas markets in Hasselt and Valkenburg are open after New Year’s.
What are the best Christmas markets for kids?
The Christmas markets that have the most activities for kids are Luxembourg, Hasselt, Cologne. These are like mini fun fairs with lots of things to do with kids.
Recommended
- Best Christmas Markets in Europe
- A Family’s Guide to Christmas Markets: Tips on planning your visit with kids
- Christmas with Kids in Belgium – All You Need to Know
23 Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Your Ultimate Holiday Guide
Discover the best Christmas markets in Europe. Explore magical European Christmas markets and find your perfect holiday destination!
Looking for more Christmas markets to explore?
Check out our post on the best Christmas Markets in Europe here!
In our post A Family’s Guide to Christmas Markets: Tips on planning your visit with kids you will find practical tips that will help you know what to expect and to plan ahead your Christmas market experience with kids
If you are wondering what to do in Belgium with the kids during Christmas holidays, then read on this guide with Christmas family friendly events in Belgium! There are tons of events gathered in this post: from puppet theater to Christmas concerts, from Christmas brunches with activities for kids to meet the Santa events at a shopping mall..
The best thing is that this post will be updated every year..
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive the updated post right in your inbox!
Local Christmas Markets in Brussels and Around
Discover the best local Christmas markets in Brussels and around, handpicked for their unique charm and festive cheer by our community of locals.
Read more: Local Christmas Markets in Brussels
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Indoor and outdoor activities, kids friendly cafés/ restaurants, hotels and more all under separate layers
Jo Koni (Georgia Konidari) is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Jo on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
