Belgium, Europe

Bruges in December

Christmas markets, ice skating, and the winter light festival. Weekends are busy with day-trippers.

GoodCold, highs near 45F (7C), short days

Bruges canal, Belgium — BrugesPhoto: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Bruges. Christmas markets, ice skating, and the winter light festival. Weekends are busy with day-trippers.

Weather: Cold, highs near 45F (7C), short days
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Bruges

December is cold, with highs near 45F (7C), and short days. Christmas markets fill the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, there is an ice rink, and the winter light festival adds glow to the canals. Weekends are busy with day-trippers, and prices rise.

This month suits families and couples who love the holidays. Stay overnight for calm evenings. Christmas Day and New Year's Day close many sights and shops. Book rooms in the old town early for weekends and the holiday weeks. Kids love the ice rink, the lights, and the chocolate shops, but dress them warmly for long evenings outdoors.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Bruges this month.

Christmas markets

Markets on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, with seasonal lights.

Ice skating

A fun family activity in the heart of town.

Winter light festival

Light displays add color to the dark evenings.

What to pack for December

A warm winter coat
Gloves, hat, and scarf
Warm, waterproof boots
A tote for market treats

Our timing tip

Visit on weekdays and stay overnight, as weekends bring big crowds of day-trippers.

Book Bruges for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Bruges
Opens a hotel search for Bruges in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Bruges
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Bruges
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Bruges for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Christmas markets

Late November through early January

Markets on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, an ice rink, and seasonal lights.

Things to do in Bruges

Full guide

The Belfry

Climb the 366 steps for the view over the rooftops. Timed tickets help; go at opening or late afternoon.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Groeninge Museum

Flemish Primitives including Jan van Eyck. Small and quiet compared with the crowds outside.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Canal boat tour

The classic 30 minute loop. Take the first boats of the morning to avoid the queues; service is reduced in winter.

Tickets and tours →

Begijnhof and Minnewater

The white houses of the Beguinage and the 'Lake of Love' are serene at dawn, busy by midday.

Tickets and tours →

Basilica of the Holy Blood

A two-level chapel on the Burg square holding a revered relic, the center of the Ascension Day procession.

Tickets and tours →

De Halve Maan Brewery

A family brewery in the center with tours and a beer pipeline under the old town streets.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Sleep in Bruges. Walk the Markt, the Burg, and the Rozenhoedkaai before 9am and after 6pm, when day-trippers are gone.
Visit midweek rather than on weekends, and check if cruise ships are in at Zeebrugge.
Spend the busiest hours in museums, on a bike ride to Damme, or in quieter neighborhoods like Sint-Anna in the east.
Book the Belfry online, and go to the Holy Blood Basilica at opening.

Know before you go

Several Musea Brugge museums close on Mondays. Check before planning a Monday visit.
Canal boats run most of the year but can pause in freezing weather, storms, or winter weekdays.
Some restaurants close one or two days a week, often midweek, and a few take winter holidays in January.
Christmas Day and New Year's Day close many sights and shops.