UPATED 12 NOVEMBER, 2025. Stationed in southern Belgium at SHAPE and Chievres, there are plenty of fun things to do all around us in the region. Here is a quick guide to the highlights (including parking and bathroom info – two of the most popular questions asked) from Christmas markets and festivals to light shows! Contents are as follows…

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

• Mons
• Bruges
• Ghent
• Brussels
• Antwerp
• Leuven
• Charleroi
• Tournai
• Lille

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Marché d’Après Noël
• Les Rêveurs de Noël
• Winterland Hasselt

LIGHT SHOWS

• Bruges Winter Glow Light Walk
• Sound and Light Show Grand Place Brussels
• Lanterna Magica
• Pairi Daiza Zoo Lights
• Winter Light Bokrijk

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Note: there are no collectable mugs at Christmas markets in Belgium. Bummer!

Mons

With all the amazing Christmas markets at our fingertips in Europe, it’s easy to overlook the festivities right in our backyard. The Grand Place in Mons transforms into a lovely, festive market during the holidays known as the Coeur de Neige, and boasts great beverages (of course), classic sweet treats, and gifts. I was not especially impressed with the food options here, but it is different every year. The decoration is bright and glowy with a huge Christmas pyramid as the centerpiece. There are a couple of rides and it is possible to meet “Father and Mother Christmas” in one of the special areas, so keep an eye on the schedule for times. Check out my mini guide to Mons here.

• WHEN: The market runs from Saturday 6th – Wednesday 31st December, 2025.
• WHERE: The market is located in the Grand Place. There is random street parking all around the downtown, but the two most popular parking areas are this small garage and this parking lot. Both get very busy on the weekends and evenings so either arrive very early or you may need to park down here and walk up.
• BATHROOMS: Public restrooms are located near the Belfry of Mons here, as well as tucked away just off the Rue Grand Place here. For inside the square, you’ll need to be eating at an establishment to use the rest room.

PHOTO GALLERY MONS:

Bruges

Bruges is my favorite city in Belgium and has a cluster of charming Christmas markets to match. Although there aren’t any rides for kids here, there is a great lakeside ice rink with winter bar near the Minnewater Park. Bruges is also well known for its light walk. I love how music is playing everywhere as you walk through the market areas! Check out my full guide to Bruges here.

• WHEN: The market runs from Friday 21 November 2025 until Sunday 4 January, 2026.
• WHERE: The market is located in two main areas in Bruges: the Grote Markt (main square) and Simon Stevinplein . Bruges has several good parking areas but I prefer near the train station here or on the far side of town in this garage.
• BATHROOMS: Bruges has restrooms in most establishments that may be your best bet, but there are also paid bathrooms in De Burg plaza, Historium and Cloth Hall.

PHOTO GALLERY BRUGES:

Ghent

If Bruges is charm, Ghent is grand! What better way to experience the grandeur of Ghent than when its all decked out with lights and decor for the holidays? Don’t miss the festivities and remember to pick up a little bag of famous cuberdons (aka “nose of Ghent”) candies along with your Christmas gifts and delicious holiday treats. In the markets you will find a huge ferris wheel and instead of a ice skating, Ghent offers roller skating under the grand pavillion! If you haven’t visited Gravensteen castle, this is a great time to do so; it will be totally transformed with holiday decor and the audio guide is the most hilarious one I have ever heard! Check out my guide to Ghent here.

• WHEN: The market runs from Thursday 4 December until Wednesday 31 December, 2025.
• WHERE: More than 150 wooden huts spread out from Sint-Baafsplein, along the Botermarkt and Klein Turkije to the end of the Korenmarkt. Ghent has several good parking areas but I prefer under Saint Michael’s Church here or in this big underground parking garage at Kouter.
• BATHROOMS: There is a bathroom located on the east side of the river off St. Michael’s bridge as well as one near Gravensteen Castle (but I usually use the restroom inside the ticket office at Gravensteen – hot tip!).

GHENT PHOTO GALLERY (courtesy of Christmas market website, click for more info):

Brussels

Brussels goes all out with the Winter Wonders and Christmas markets. There are over 200 market chalets throughout the city to explore, and a light show that is “not to be missed” in the Grand Place (see below for more info). The ice skating rink is back for 2023 along with ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds and curling!

Click here for an interactive map of the Brussels Christmas markets.

• WHEN: The market runs from Friday 28 November 2025 until Thursday, 1 January 2026. More info on the markets here.
• WHERE: Learn all about the locations of the 200 stalls throughout the city center here. I recommend parking at this parking garage or this garage.
• BATHROOMS: Bathrooms in Brussels are tricky – there are a lot of homeless people and street beggars abound, so bathrooms are not always in the best condition. There is a public restroom near the park here as well as a decent one more centrally located here.

BRUSSELS PHOTO GALLERY (courtesy of City of Brussels Facebook page):

Antwerp Christmas Market

This market is the largest in the Flanders region, with a ferris wheel and ice skating rink toboot. There are seven market areas (see below for locations) and plenty to see and do.

• WHEN: The market runs from December 5, 2025 until January 4, 2026. There are also end of year fireworks set off from the Scheldt, and Steenplein is the best place to view them on December 31.
• WHERE: According to the website, “The  Operaplein  and the  Hendrik Conscienceplein  will get an extra layer of winter magic this year. This year you will find the Ferris wheel on Koningin Astridplein.” There are seven market areas all over the city – learn more here. I recommend parking at this garage near the main square or this garage by the famous train station in the diamond district.
• BATHROOMS: Bathrooms in Antwerp are available in the shopping center and grand central station in the diamond district, or here in the old town.

ANTWERP PHOTO GALLERY (courtesy of visit.antwerpen.be):

Leuven

Leuven is one of my favorite “hidden gems” cities in Belgium. It’s quaint and charming and beautiful year round, but is especially glittery and festive during the holiday season. It’s a college town and has some of the most iconic architecture in Belgium like the intricate gothic town hall. Visit to check out the markets in the main square, but also wander out the free light experience trail called (Un)Holy Light in various locations, listen to Christmas concerts in the cathedral, and walk the great beguinage trail by candle light. Learn more about each of these events here and also here. If you play your cards right and visit on a weekend, you may also be able to book a tour of the Stella Artois brewery!

• WHEN: The Leuven market runs from Tuesday 9 December, 2025 until Sunday 21 December. There are extended hours on Sundays and they encourage people to visit then for “Shopping Sundays.” Concerts are Thursdays the 12th and 19th for one hour and require tickets but I can’t find a way to purchase them online – take your chances and purchase tickets in person (preferably early as they’re available from the 20th of November). The beguinage trail is on Saturday the 14th and is free!
• WHERE: The main market areas are in Ladeuzeplein & Hooverplein. I usually parked near the Kruidtuin here at this large lot Parking Sint Jacob and walked into the old part of town, but there is also parking garage here that looks great.
• BATHROOMS: Bathrooms in Leuven are available at the Kruidtuin (free Japanese garden) as well as here and underground here.

LEUVEN PHOTO GALLERY (courtesy of this website and Visit Leuven)

Charleroi Christmas Village

Charleroi has a family and kid-friendly Christmas Village that includes an ice rink, market stalls, and “animations” aimed towards children. There is also a winter restaurant with a large heated area and a wishing tree! Listen as you may hear the local choir singing Christmas carols as you shop!

• WHEN: The market runs from Friday 21 November 2025 until Saturday 4 January, 2026. More info here.
• WHERE: There are about 30 stalls in Place de la Digue, Charleroi. There are several parking garages near Place de la Digue and around the old town area that are an easy walk to the market place.
• BATHROOMS: In the old town district of Charleroi there is a Sanifair (pay toilet) here and here.

Tournai

Enjoy festive lights, a small train, 30 concerts throughout the season (to be determined, all by local artists) and a fireworks show on December 31st in Tournai! There are a few market stalls and unique holiday exhibits at Museum of the Arts of Puppetry. You can also play city golf – the only place in southern Belgium. Learn more about city golf here. Check out my mini guide to Tournai here.

• WHEN: From Friday 5 to Tuesday 23 December 2025.
• WHERE: The decorations, pavillion and events take place in the Grand Place. I recommend arriving early and getting nearby street parking or if it is full you can park in this garage.
• BATHROOMS: Bathrooms in Tournai are almost non existent downtown, so plan accordingly.

Bonus: Lille, France (my favorite!)

Lille’s Village de Noël has some of my favorite market stalls with gifts and best food around, and it’s the same distance as Bruges, Ghent and Brussels from Mons. There is just something a little different (dare I say better?) about the French markets. My favorite market food was here at a cheeseburger stand – we got the vegetarian burger and it was to die for! I also love that you can buy Calvados here without going all the way down into Normandy. This market has a little of everything in a very accessible spot. Don’t miss the massive ferris wheel too! There is a fun musical program you can enjoy every Friday as well – see the schedule and learn more about the market here. You can pick up plastic cups here and occasionally you can find mugs here as well – they’re just not as cute as other places in France and Germany.

• WHEN: The market runs from Wednesday 19 November until Tuesday, December 30, 2025. More info here.
• WHERE: Place Rihour has all 89 market stalls and the ferris wheel is in the Grand Place. I recommend parking at this nearby garage, or if it is full you can park near the stadium here and walk.
• BATHROOMS: Bathrooms in Lille are sometimes available in the parking garages, but there’s also one in the city center here.

***And remember to support our friends in the SHAPE community at the British, Canadian, German, Italian, Norwegian, and annual Bazaar at Chievres. More info on the Shape Travel Community FB page!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Marché d’Après Noël, Dinant

There is currently no plan for an after Christmas market event in Dinant for 2025. See below for Dinant Christmas market info.

In the past, Dinant was a destination for AFTER Christmas for some festive food, shopping and fun. From the Dinant Tourism board 2023 (2024 dates did not happen and 2025 dates not yet available): “Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit at the Citadel of Dinant! From December 26 to 28, 2023, our fortress is transformed into a magical place where the magic of the holidays continues to shine. Stroll through the inner courtyard of the Citadel, where you will discover an enchanting Christmas market. But that’s not all ! Our magnificent function rooms are home to a covered market, offering a variety of culinary delights for you to feast on throughout the day. And what would a visit to the Citadel be without exploring its fascinating history? You will have the opportunity to delve into its past thanks to guided tours and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Dinant, perched 100 meters above the Meuse. As a bonus, free entertainment will brighten up the entire event!” Check out my mini guide to Dinant and the surrounding castles here.

• INFO: FREE parking: Chemin de la citadelle 1, 5500 Dinant
• TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m, evening market 5 PM – 9 PM
• TICKETS: [Daytime] Adults: €12.00, Children up to 12 years old: €10.00, Free for children under 4 years old Included: Christmas market, visit to the citadel, cable car. [Evening tickets] Adults: €5.00 Free for children under 12. Between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Included: Christmas night market, cable car, entertainment.

Dinant DOES have a mini Christmas market in various places as follows in 2025:

• From Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November 2025 (Saint Nicolas Quarter)
• From Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 December 2025 (Saint-Nicolas Quarter, Cultural Center 6&7 December)
• From Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December 2025 (Town Hall Courtyard, Saint Martin Street)
• From Friday 19 to Sunday 21 December 2025 (Cardinal Mercier Square, Leffe & Rocher Bayard District 20 December)

Les Rêveurs de Noël: A Holiday Circus in Mons

Right now there is no plan for this event in 2025.

In 2023 Mons hosted this holiday event with circus performers, acrobats, balancing artists, clowns, and other entertainers performing great feats with a holiday theme. Tickets were €10-30 depending on where you sit, and shows are at 3PM or 7PM on various days. The show is taking place near the train station under the big top at the Mons Place Leopold from December 2 through December 31, 2023.

Winterland Hasselt

This is the best place to meet Sinterclaus! It’s basically Santa Claus, and he’s set up here all through the season in the center of the Christmas market in downtown Hasselt in the “House of Santa Claus.” It is open from 12-8 every day. Unlike other markets that only occasionally have Santa and therefore the lines get super long, here Santa lives in the cozy Christmas village all season. You might even receive a small gift from Santa when you visit! Learn more about Winterland here. If you’re in Hasselt, you can also check out the provincial domain at Bokrijk casteel – it has one of my favorite playgrounds around with many different playground areas that you could spend a half day exploring – fun for the whole family! Learn more about it in my guide blog here.

MARKET INFO: There is also a market (this technically should be in the Christmas market area but it’s so kid friendly I decided to focus more on the meeting Santa piece) that has a huge ferris wheel, mirror tent, Christmas train for kids up to age 10, and ice skating rink. Winterland Hasselt is open this year from 14 November 2025 until 5 January 2026.

HASSELT PHOTO GALLERY (Courtesy of Winterland Hasselt website)

LIGHT SHOWS

Lightopia Brussels

Lightopia is an annual takeover of Groot Bijgaarden Castle in Brussels. The entire castle and gardens transform into evening lighted musical pathways – some of which are holiday themed, but other displays are more fantasy and whimsy. It’s pretty expensive to visit, but you can get discounted tickets if you book early, and it’s worth going once. Dress warm, bring hot chocolate along or pick up something hot to drink at the greenhouse pavilion along the way. This year the display is titled: Wonderlights.

TICKETS & INFO: 18 November – 8 January. Book tickets here. Early bird prices are €23 for adults, €17 for kids 3-11, and free under age 3.

Bruges Winter Glow Light Walk

According to the Bruges Light Experience Trail website, the new Light experience trail ‘Aurora‘, is inspired by the Northern Lights. It follows a 2.5 km path along 10 unique light installations. The route passes by some hidden yet surprising places in the city. Connected by a blue glow, you are “immersed in a different world at each installation and experience a moment of emotion and wonder.” I wouldn’t travel to Bruges just for this, but if you’re already enjoying the markets, make time to walk this path. It’s free!

TICKETS & INFO: Bruges Winter Glow will be taking place from 21 November 2025 until 04 January 2026 daily from 5PM (dark) until midnight. It is free to walk the paths, and you can follow the trail with this pdf map.

Sound and Light Show Grand Place

Stand in the Grand Place in Brussels and enjoy the light and sounds of the Winter Wonders event as laser lights glow all over the iconic buildings of the square.

SCHEDULE & INFO: Brussels Christmas market is from 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, and light shows are often weekdays every hour from 5PM-10PM, and weekends every 30 minutes 5PM-10PM. FREE.

Lanterna Magica

Dates are not yet confirmed for this event in 2025. Check the website below! This is an “Autumn Symphony” located at Chateau de la Hulpe just outside of Brussels. The walk lasts between 50 minutes and 1h 30 minutes depending on your speed. The light and sound path is open from late November 2025 to the first week of January, 2026. According to the website, “An autumn symphony takes you to a true forest wonderland, tinged with musical notes, shadow play and light. Discover nature in an astonishing way; full of colors and music, and experience a unique musical composition!” It’s an enchanting forest experience.

TICKETS & INFO: Purchase tickets and get more info here. Adults €25.50, Children 4-12 and Seniors 65+ €20.50, Children 0-3, FREE. Shuttle bus €3/per person. Two time slots available: 5:30-7:30 or 8-9:30 PM. (Photos below courtesy of Lanterna Magica website)

Pairi Daiza Zoo Lights

Often we forget that the coolest things are right in our backyard for SHAPIANS – and Pairi Daiza Zoo is no exception! Always decked out for each season or holiday, Pairi Daiza Zoo never ceases to wow and amaze. Definitely go check out the zoo when it’s glittering with holiday lights and displays whether you have a season pass or have to splurge on day tickets…it’s worth it! The zoo also boasts one of the largest floating ice rinks! This is also a great time to take advantage of the beautiful overnight stays and appreciate the lights in the dark – always fun but especially festive over the holidays. They close for the season on 4 January, 2026.

TICKETS & INFO: Learn more about Pairi Daiza zoo opening hours and ticket information here.

Winter Light Bokrijk

The Winterlicht in Bokrijk is located in the open air museum from December 26 to 30, 2025 between 4:30- 8:30 PM. According to their website, at this event you can “enjoy impressive acts and demonstrations, dancing fire and light installations, theater, music and acrobatics. In collaboration with Provincial Domain Dommelhof.” I think the “magic fire village” sounds the most interesting! Each event takes place in different areas such as an artistic & craft village and nostalgic party village.

TICKETS & INFO: Adults 13+ €9 (online €8), Children 3-12 years €2 (online €1.5), free under age 3. Parking is €5. Learn more info and purchase tickets here. Photos courtesy of Winterlicht website.

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BONUS: To find SNOW in Belgium (hint: it’s likely in the far east), follow this website!

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