A trip to Bruges should be a trip on everyone’s bucket list to visit, especially during the Winter season. From cosy shopping streets, spectacular, medieval architecture, Christmas markets to dazzling fairy lights around the buildings, it is a fantastic place to visit. Avoid the crowds and heat of the summer months and visit when the air is cool and crisp in winter. If you’re lucky you might even see Bruges with a dusting of snow. Here are some of the many beautiful things to see during Winter Glow, the collective name for all winter activities in Bruges. Winter Glow starts as early as November 22, 2024 and continues through January 5, 2025.
Christmas Markets
Bruges is a charming destination for your Christmas vacation and its two festive Christmas markets do not disappoint. On the Grand Place you will find a traditional Christmas market with chalets full of gifts, mulled wine and freshly baked waffles.
The Christmas market on Simon Stevin Square focuses on local, artisan products. If you are looking for an original Christmas gift or something special for Christmas dinner, you should definitely come here.
Charming Carriage Ride
For a truly authentic experience, discover Bruges with a carriage ride. The horse-drawn carriage will take you past the magically lit buildings while you enjoy the winter charm warmly wrapped under the blankets. Snuggle up and explore the winding cobbled roads, ancient bridges and picturesque canals. An unforgettable experience!
The Lake of Love
Minnewater Park is one of the most romantic spots in Bruges. Take a winter walk to the Minnewater, also known as ‘the lake of love’ and walk across the Minnewater Bridge or ‘the love bridge’. A historic city like Bruges has many legends and of course one of them is the one about the Minnewater Bridge. The legend is about Minna who died in the arms of the man she fell deeply in love with. It is said that if you walk across the bridge and kiss your lover, that love will last forever. If it doesn’t help, it doesn’t hurt, right?
In winter, the park is truly magical, when you can skate on a floating and sustainable ice rink. While young and old discover the figure skater in themselves on the synthetic ice, you can enjoy a drink in winter bar Vorst next door.
Bruges Chocolate
Bruges is famous for many things -our rich cultural history, the intricate architecture and design, the beautiful views and a vast array of Belgian beers. However, it wouldn’t be winter in Bruges without trying some of our most famous produce, delicious Belgian Chocolate. Bruges is a chocolate lover’s paradise. While exploring the busy city, stop in one of the many chocolate shops for a taste and some treats to bring home. Treat yourself to a hot chocolate like you’ve never experienced before in The Chocolate Café and warm yourself up while you explore.
Walk full of lights
The word ‘magical’ has already been mentioned a few times on this page and that is also the only word that correctly describes the light experience walk in Bruges. It is a tradition, as for the sixth time in a row now, you can follow a mapped out route along 10 enchanting light installations in winter. This year, the theme of the walk is ‘FIRE & ICE”.
Accommodation in Bruges
Christmas is such a busy time in Bruges, so the demand for hotels is high. Hotels in the city centre also tend to be more expensive. Located on the outskirts of the city, Green Park Brugge is an inexpensive alternative a short distance to and from the centre of Bruges. The spacious, modern hotel rooms are ideal for resting after a long day exploring or warming up after a day in the city. The brasserie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in stylish surroundings, and before you crawl into bed after a pleasant day in Bruges, you can sample a Belgian beer before going to bed. Book our best available rates and exclusive special offers when you make your booking on our official website or by contacting our friendly team.
