Germany is famous for its traditional Christmas markets and the winter season in Munich is particularly worthwhile for locals and visitors alike. But our neighboring countries can also easily keep up during the festive season: Day trips to Innsbruck or Salzburg are a particularly good way to admire Christmas markets abroad, especially in December. One of the best addresses, however, is the Christmas market in Brussels.
One of Europe’s most beautiful squares is transformed into a winter wonderland
Every year in winter, the Belgian capital is transformed into a winter paradise – literally. The “Plaisirs d’Hiver ” means “Winter Wonder” and is regularly listed among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and even the world. In 2024, it attracted 4.2 million visitors. Now it is returning and offering “even more surprises and unforgettable experiences” from November 28 to January 4, 2026, according to the official website.
The Christmas market in Brussels offers a total of 238 market stalls. As every year, there is a huge Christmas tree on the famous “Grand-Place”. Every hour from 5 pm, the historic façade of the square is illuminated with a huge light show. Starting from the main square, the “winter wonder” stretches through the entire city. Here you will find arts and crafts, homemade gift ideas, decorative items and, of course, plenty of mulled wine and traditional food.
Highlights of the Christmas market in Brussels at a glance
This year’s edition of the Christmas market in Brussels has a theme that highlights the creativity and solidarity of the city and puts local craftspeople, artists and associations in the spotlight. This interactive map shows you exactly where you can discover what in Brussels. Here is a selection of the highlights:
- Place De Brouckère: home to a large ice rink and curling slopes
- Le Vismet: A 55-metre-high Ferris wheel takes you high above Brussels
- Rue de la Madeleine: Discover market stalls from a Ukrainian association
- Place Poelaert: Here lies a miniature Christmas village
- Stadthalle: The “View Tower Experience” offers a view from the roof of the Stadthalle
- De Brouckère square: A reindeer carousel lifts you 10 meters into the air
From Munich to Brussels in less than two hours
You can easily reach Brussels from Munich by train. However, you will have to change trains at least once, usually in a major German transportation hub such as Frankfurt am Main or Cologne. From there, you can travel directly to the Belgian capital.
However, the ÖBB Nightjet also offers a night train connection, which often departs from Munich East and arrives in Brussels North or Brussels Midi. Children up to the age of 5 even travel free of charge! The Christmas market itself is easily accessible via the Gare de Bruxelles-Central train station, which is located directly in the event area.
If you prefer to fly, you can get to Brussels even faster. A direct flight from Munich will get you to the city in around 1 hour and 20 minutes. So nothing stands in the way of your Christmas trip.