The Brussels Christmas market, part of the Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Wonders) festival, runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. This year is the festival’s 25th edition. Around 238 wooden chalets spread through the old town, from Place Sainte-Catherine and the Vismet (the old fish market) to the Bourse and Place de la Monnaie, with the big Christmas tree on the Grand-Place. Everything is within walking distance, so you can see most of it in an afternoon and an evening.
Brussels Christmas Market 2026: Key Facts
| Event | Plaisirs d’Hiver / Winter Wonders (25th edition) |
| Dates | 27 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
| Hours | Not yet published for 2026; check the official site before you go |
| Main locations | Place Sainte-Catherine, Vismet, Place de la Bourse, Place de Brouckère, Place de la Monnaie, Grand-Place (tree) |
| Stalls | Around 238 chalets |
| Entry | Free |
| Nearest stations | Brussels-Central (train), De Brouckère or Sainte-Catherine (metro) |
Opening times and the full programme go up on the Plaisirs d’Hiver official website closer to the start date.
Where Is the Brussels Christmas Market?
Brussels doesn’t put everything on one square. The stalls follow a route through the centre, and each stop has a slightly different feel.
Place Sainte-Catherine and the Vismet
Many of the chalets line up here, along the old fish market basins. It’s the busiest stretch, with food and drink stalls next to gifts and decorations. In 2025 there was a Ferris wheel at the Vismet, and it’s expected back.
Place de la Bourse and Place de Brouckère
More chalets continue around the old stock exchange. Place de Brouckère had the ice rink last year, which made it a good stop for families.
Grand-Place
The Grand-Place is where the Christmas tree stands, surrounded by the guildhalls and the Town Hall. Come after dark when everything is lit up.
Place de la Monnaie and Rue de la Madeleine
These smaller stops near the opera house and the shopping streets are calmer, which makes them easier for browsing crafts and gifts. The festival also reaches the Black Tower and Place Poelaert.
Food and Drink at the Brussels Christmas Market
Belgian food is a big part of the trip. Expect waffles, fries with sauce, mulled wine, jenever (Belgian gin), hot chocolate and speculoos biscuits. Sainte-Catherine and the Vismet have plenty of food stalls, so head there when you’re hungry.
Getting There
From Brussels-Central station it’s a short walk to the Grand-Place and on to the Bourse and Sainte-Catherine. Eurostar and international high-speed trains arrive at Brussels-Midi, a few minutes by train or metro from the centre. If you’re planning a Belgian Christmas trip, Bruges, Ghent and Lille are all easy day trips by train.
Luggage Storage Near the Brussels Christmas Market
Arriving on a morning train, or checking out of your hotel hours before you leave? Radical Storage has partner shops and hotels across Brussels where you can drop your suitcase. Search for spots near Place Sainte-Catherine or the Grand-Place, then pick your bags up when you’re done.
Every bag is protected up to €10,000, cancellation is free, and prices start from €0.90 a day. Radical Storage has 16.5K+ locations in 2.3K+ cities, and travellers rate it 4.8/5.
Brussels Christmas Market FAQ
Plaisirs d’Hiver runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
The stalls are spread across the old town, mainly at Place Sainte-Catherine, the Vismet, Place de la Bourse, Place de Brouckère and Place de la Monnaie. The Christmas tree is on the Grand-Place.
Yes, walking around the market is free. You pay for food, drinks, rides and anything you buy.
Yes. It stays open until 3 January 2027, so you can visit between Christmas and New Year.
Brussels-Central is a short walk from the Grand-Place. Metro stops De Brouckère and Sainte-Catherine are right by the stalls.
Radical Storage has partner locations near Place Sainte-Catherine, the Grand-Place and the main stations. Book online and drop your bags on the way.