Event Dates
From: Friday, November 29, 2024
To: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Brussels Christmas Market 2024
Winter Wonders is the beating heart of Brussels during the Christmas festivities.
Brussels Christmas Market enjoy the spicy scent of waffles & glühwein
Step into the heart of the festive season with Brussels’ ‘Winter Wonders’. As the city’s vibrant centerpiece, it dazzles with sparkling lights, charming Christmas stalls, and streets decked out in holiday finery. Even the tiniest streets join the celebration with beautiful decorations and a holiday atmopsphere.
- If you are visiting for the Brussels Christmas Markets, stay close to Central Station, an easy walk to the Grand Palace and the markets. The Warwick Brussels Grand Place has great rates, large comfortable rooms and is just steps from all of Brussels’ gay bars and the Winter Wonders markets.
Winter Wonderland
- Next Edition: Friday 29th November 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025.
- The “Winter Wonderland” Brussels Christmas Market is located at the Grand-Place. You can also find market stalls around the Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Place Sainte-Catherine, Marché aux Poissons, Boulevard Anspach, Tour Noire, and Place de la Monnaie.
- One of the highlights for Brussels Christmas shoppers are the 240 wooden Christmas chalets opened during this time. Stalls filled with swirling snow-globes, scented candles and mouth-watering chocolates stretch on for two whole kilometres in Brussels.
- The chalets sell a variety of Christmas items, decorations, gifts and Christmas season food. Everything is open until 9pm on weeknights and 10pm on weekends.
- Check out the top hotels closest to the Grand Palace.
Vismet/Place Sainte-Catherine
- Place Sainte-Catherine is the festive epicenter of Brussels! Dive into a maze of chalets brimming with unique gifts and tempting bites. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the Giant Wheel for a stellar view or enjoy other engaging activities.
- Stay close by at the Opo Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests, with spacious rooms, ultra modern amenities and excellent location.
Bourse
- A radiant square that’s more than just eye candy. Each chalet here is a culinary journey, serving dishes that’ll warm your soul and delight your palate.
- Take a custom private tour of the best Christmas markets – Book in advance. Explore the city with a like minded local.
Place de la Monnaie
- Ever fancied an après-ski without hitting the slopes? This year, this iconic place morphs into a winter sports village! Try your hand at curling, indulge in mountainous treats, and satisfy that sweet tooth.
- Hint – Take the Line 1 subway to the square – 3 minute’s direct from Gare Centrale.
- Upgrade your Brussels Christmas experience with a stay at the “Fabulous” Juliana Hotel, a 5-star private residence featuring 40 stylish rooms, high-end amenities and exceptional service.
Place de Brouckère
- A magical mix of ice skating and cozy chalets await in this mini winter village. Cheers to the traders here who’ve adopted reusable tableware, adding a green touch to the festivities.
- The quickest way to get from Grand Place to De Brouckère is to taxi which costs €6 – €8 and takes 5 min.
- Don’t rush; the fun extends until January 8th.
Black Tower
- Tucked behind Saint Catherine’s Church, it’s a Canadian winter rendezvous! From the iconic poutine to the treasures of the “Canadian First Nations”, every corner has a story. And what’s winter without the enchanting carols sung by choirs?
- The Black Tower dates back to the 13th century and is one of the few surviving parts of the first city wall of Brussels. The tower is playfully tucked among modern buildings, as if it took a whimsical detour from a fairy tale straight into today’s world.
Craftspersons
- Honor local craftsmanship at the 27 chalets bearing the distinctive craftsperson-producer label. Every product has a tale of dedication and passion.
Top Tips for a perfect trip
- Browse the markets for last-minute stocking-fillers, get a bird’s eye view from the top of the ferris wheel, or take a spin on the merry-go-round as the sweet, spicy scent of waffles and glühwein drifts through the chilly air..
- If you are feeling brave, the toboggan run (that gets longer each year) is an absolute must. You should also save some energy for the Thursday Brussels Christmas Market night ice disco.
- If that all sounds a bit taxing for a weekend break, just settle in to a cosy café with a warming bowl of “carbonade flamande”, a rich beef stew, to watch the world, and the ice skaters,go by at Place de Broukere. Bliss
- Each weekend you can catch concerts, parades and live shows throughout the evenings. Shows typically take place on the hour.
- Feeling a little chilly, Head for one of the covered terraces, the perfect pit stops! Sheltered, illuminated, and inviting, these terraces offer a serene spot to breathe in the wintry charm of Brussels.
- Check out our gay guide to Brussels with insider tips on the best gay bars, restaurants and places to stay.
The Music and Light Show at the Grand Palace
- Experience a unique Brussels tradition and take in The Sound and Light Show at the Grand Place. The show starts at 5pm and runs every hour from Sunday to Thursday and every half hour on Friday and Saturday. The last show is at 10pm/10.30pm. Here you will also find the Brussels Christmas Tree and Nativity scene.
- There are also light projection shows on Saint Catherine Church and on the Casino on Boulevard Anspach.
- Remember, unlike other markets in Europe, the Brussels Christmas market is open right up until New Years eve, perfect if you are visiting for La Demence New Year Party.
Beyond the Brussels Christmas Markets
- Explore the shops on Rue Neuve (Nieuwstratt), popular with locals and full of familiar brands with a festive feel.
- Pay a visit to the chocolate shows in Galerie du Roi, not to be missed.
Gay Events and Parties during the Christmas Season
- Check out the latest gay events in Brussels.
- Don’t miss HIM and La Demence New Year parties.
Recommended Hotels
Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to the markets and Brussels bustling gay scene:
Save on Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The HOTEL is one of the finest hotels in
Brussels with stunning views of the city
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Brussels Christmas market, Website
Gay Map of Brussels
Most of the gay bars in Brussels are located in the city centre around the streets Rue du Marché au Charbon. We have found good hotels close to the gay area keeping you in the middle of all the fun.
Rue Duquesnoy 51000 Brussels, Belgium
This luxurious hotel in the of Brussels is a 2-minute walk from the Grand-Place and . It features free access to the fitness centre and sauna. A brand newly installed air conditioning system is now fully operational for your satisfaction and comfort.
The offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV, free internet and a marble bathroom. Guests can enjoy an American every morning in the salon
Rue de l'Amigo 1-31000 Brussels, Belgium
The 5-star Hotel Amigo boasts elegant rooms with designer features, on the corner of Place. It combines modern facilities, a gym and an award-winning restaurant with a picturesque historic setting.
Flat-screen interactive cable TV, a work desk and a minibar stocked with drinks and Galler chocolates are provided in the rooms at Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo. Each air-conditioned room has a seating area and a luxurious bathroom with mosaic details.
Rue August Orts 3-71000 Brussels,
Set within a 5-minute walk from Grand Place and Manneken Pis, and a 10-minute walk from Train Station, Marriott Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and a fitness centre. There is an open-kitchen restaurant and private parking facilities are available.
Rooms at the Brussels Marriott Hotel are equipped with satellite TV, coffee and tea making facilities and a private bathroom with a bathtub.
Rue des Eperonniers 3, 1000 Brussel centrum, Belgium
Opening in April 2016, Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Placer is housed in a historical Brussels building dating from 1696, 220 m from The King's House in the Grand Place.
Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Place features free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms feature triple glazing to ensure tranquillity.
Rue Royale 120, 1000 Bruxelles,
Motel One is in Brussels, a away from the Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis Statue, the Rue Neuve Shopping District and Brussels-Central . is available throughout the entire accommodation.
The rooms are soundproofed and comprise a flat-screen TV. The en-suite bathrooms come with a shower, a hairdryer, a toilet and bath linens. All rooms are equipped with a centralized air cooling system.
Impasse des Boeufs 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. A patio and free WiFi. The apartment can sleep up to 7 Guests
Rue d'Arenberg 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The apartments is conveniently located in the heart of Brussels, and all major tourist attractions, offering a living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom. Free WiFi. Sleeps 6 Guests
Boulevard Anspach 60, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower. An oven, a stovetop and toaster are also available, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. sleeps 8 Guests
Rue Grétry 32, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Each spacious and stylishly decorated apartment offers a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa bed, a private bathroom and a washing machine. You cannot be better located! Free WiFi. Sleeps 6 Guests
106 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt)
● A spacious gay sauna spread over several floors, including a basement and a roof terrace. ● It's conveniently located near the gay bars in the center of Brussels and is particularly popular on Sundays. ● The crowd is mixed in age.
● Admission: 15-25 €
Monday-Thursday: 12:00 – 24:00 Friday 12:00 – Sunday 24:00 nonstop
10 Rue Van Orley (Van Orleystraat) Brussels 1000
● Description: This older gay sauna is located at the edge of the city center. ● While the wet area is well-maintained, other parts of the sauna might seem a bit dated or tacky.
● Despite this, it enjoys good patronage, mainly from mature clients and bears.
● Admission: 23-28 €
Daily: 11:30 – 22:00
90 Rue Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Stylish, LGBT-friendly café and wine bar
● Cozy bistro with a spacious street terrace
● Located in the heart of Brussels
Wednesday-Sunday ~ 12:00 – 24:00
41 Rue Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Charming gay-friendly brasserie and restaurant
● Features a lovely terrace on the lively Rue Marché au Charbon
● Serves lunch and dinner with a traditional touch
Daily from 11:00, Lunch from 12:00 to 14:45, Dinner from 18:00 to 22:00
25 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● LGBTQ-friendly bar with a 1920s vibe.
● Located on Brussels' gay street.
Thursday 18:00 – 23:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 02:00 Sunday 18:00 – 23:00
53 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Small, gay-friendly cabaret bar.
● Features burlesque and "boylesque" shows.
● Mixed clientele; admission from 10 €.
Thursday 21:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 03:00
94 Rue Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Offers a small street terrace.
● Serves Irish and Belgian beers.
● Welcomes wolves and otters.
Thursday-Monday from 15:00
7 Rue des Grands Carmes (Lievevrouwbroersstraat), Brussels 1000
● Music bar with drag shows.
● Fresh and lively atmosphere.
● Mixed clientele that turns more gay as the night progresses.
● Special cabaret show on the first Friday of each month.
Friday, Saturday from 21:30 (1st Friday of the month from 24:00); Special show on the first Friday of the month 19:30 – 23:30 (by reservation only)
40 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Small, cozy bar.
● Attracts a more mature clientele.
Daily 16:00/17:00 – 01:00/03:00
5 Rue Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Small queer cafe-bar in central Brussels.
● Run by the fetish store Spit It Out.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 14:00 – 23:00; Friday Saturday 14:00 – 24:00; Sunday 14:00 – 23:00
52 Rue des Pierres (Steenstraat), Brussels 1000
● Large cocktail bar with Indian decor.
● Features drag shows and karaoke.
● Mixed clientele.
Wednesday 19:00 – 24:00; Thursday 19:00 – 02:00 Friday, Saturday 19:00 – 05:00; Sunday 19:00 – 24:00
2A Petite Rue au Beurre (Korte Boterstraat), Brussels 1000
● Rustic bar near the Grand Place.
● Known as the oldest gay bar in Brussels.
● Popular among fun-loving forty-somethings.
Daily except Wednesday 14:00 – 23:00
44 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Rustic gay bar in central Brussels.
● Bear-friendly atmosphere.
Daily except Tuesday 16:00 – 01:00/03:00
32 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Probably the busiest gay bar in Brussels.
● Features live DJs on weekends.
● A classic pre-club spot that stays trendy.
Wednesday, Thursday 18:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 03:00;
Sunday 18:00 – 01:00
Rue du Lombard 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
● Gay Bar with a friendly atmosphere ● Cocktails and a nice Terrace in the sun
Daily 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM Friday Saturday 4:00 PM - 2:30 AM
27 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Friendly, cozy bears bar located in Brussels' vibrant gay street.
● Perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere.
Tuesday-Thursday: 17:00 – 01:00 Friday, Saturday: 17:00 – 03:00 Sunday: 17:00 – 01:00 (In summer, open from 16:00)
Plattesteen 18/20, Brussels
● Queer-inclusive bar right in the heart of Brussels.
● A lively spot to enjoy good times with friends.
Wednesday, Thursday: 18:00 – 01:00 Friday, Saturday: 17:00 – 04:00 Sunday: 18:00 – 01:00
45 Rue des Pierres1000 Brussels, Belgium
● Gay Karaoke bar ● Cocktails, Belgian Beers, Champagne
Daily 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM, Friday Saturday 6:00 PM - 5:00 AM
114 Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt), Brussels 1000
● Modern gay cruise bar in the heart of Brussels
● Welcoming to a diverse age group
Monday-Thursday: 21:00 – 03:00 Friday-Saturday: 21:00 – 05:00 Sunday: 15:00 – 22:00
208 Rue Blaes (Blaesstraat), Brussels 1000
● One of Europe's top gay parties.
● Attracts partygoers from across Europe including Paris, Cologne, Amsterdam, and London.
● Features 3 levels with 4 bars and 2 big dancefloors.
● Held on irregular dates, typically Fridays or the night before a Belgian public holiday.
Take a look at the website for next party date
52 Rue des Chartreux / Kartuizerstraat, Brussels 1000
● A queer-inclusive dance club in the heart of Brussels.
● Hosts various themed parties such as HAUS, Toy Boy (by H.I.M, Antwerp), and Starboy.
● Admission from 15 € includes one drink
Saturdays from 23:30
Pl. de la Chapelle 6, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
● Cave is a party concept in Brussels for electronic music lovers, LGBT & friends giving you our best selection of locals and international DJs
Take a look at the website for the next party date
18 Rue Duquesnoy (Duquesnoystraat), Brussels 1000
● Weekly gay party held @ You Night Club
● Mixed clientele creating a vibrant atmosphere.
● Admission 13 € includes one drink.
Sundays from 22:00 – 05:00
Recommended Hotels in Brussels By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Brussels that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Rocco Forte Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, award-winning restaurant.
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
- Designer features, luxurious bathroom.
- Elegant rooms, ideal for luxury and history lovers, close to Grand Place.
Brussels Marriott Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, air-conditioned, fully equipped fitness center.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Satellite TV, coffee facilities.
- Great value, near Grand Place and Manneken Pis.
The Dominican
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, well equpped wellness facilities, free WiFi.
- Close to the gay district.
- Spacious accommodation, stylish.
- Central location, perfect for shopping and sightseeing.
ibis Hotel Brussels
3 Star, Readers Choice
- 3-star, clean modern style, Belgian beers.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air conditioning, flat-screen TV.
- Readers’ choice, near Grand Place, diverse dining options nearby.
Video Of Brussels Christmas Market
Plaisirs d’Hiver – Winterpret 2015
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and a hub for European institutions, has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and is known for being an inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly city.
Saint-Jacques| Often referred to as the gay village
Photo: Saint-Jacques is home to some of Brussels most popular gay bars
- This area, often referred to as the “gay village” of Brussels, is located near the Grand Place.
- It’s known for its concentration of LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, and venues.
- Rue du Marché au Charbon/Kolenmarktstraat is a street within this area that is particularly known for its gay bars and nightlife.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Brussels
Rue du Lombard
Home to several LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, including bars, cafes, and clubs. It’s known for its lively.
Grand Sablon
Grand Sablon: Elegant Brussels square with a weekend antique market, luxury shops, & charming cafes.
Grand Place
The heart of Brussels with its stunning architecture, often the hub of events, festivals, and markets.
Galeries Royales
Galeries Royales is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe, offering luxury boutiques, chocolatiers, & cafes.
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