Belgium in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Brussels: 43°F High • 34°F Low

In winter, Belgium encourages a celebratory, indoor lifestyle. The low winter sun casts a soft light over the landscape and the air is filled with festive energy. The atmosphere is effortlessly enchanting. The average temperature in Brussels hovers between 43°F and 34°F, giving you perfect conditions for exploring Christmas markets bundled in warm coats and indulging in fireside dining long into the evenings.

What to Expect

• The Cities: Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent fill with a festive energy. See the gentle mist rising from a historic canal, a beautiful sight as festive lights illuminate the ornate facades of ancient guildhalls. The streets are alive with the chatter of locals enjoying a warming cup of jenever, the taste of a rich Belgian hot chocolate offering a delicious respite.
• The Ardennes: In the southern hills, the winter air offers a bracing and invigorating escape. Feel the crisp, clean air on a private morning hike through frosted forests, breathe in the deep scent of pine and woodsmoke, and admire the sublime contrast between the bright, low sun and the stark beauty of the snow-dusted landscape.
• The Coast: Along the North Sea, a dramatic, windswept atmosphere takes hold. Feel the firm sand under your boots as you take a bracing stroll along a deserted shore in Knokke or De Haan. The days are short and wild, perfect for a brisk walk before finding a cozy refuge in a beachfront café for a hot waffle.

Winter is the perfect time to experience Belgium's legendary destinations at their most festive and welcoming. The cozy evenings provide endless opportunities for discovery, from fairy-tale Christmas markets to serene and luxurious forest retreats, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Bruges • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

For the picture-perfect image of a European winter, head for Bruges. Indulge in one of Belgium's most famous Christmas markets, glide across the ice on a pop-up rink, and explore charming squares that are a perfect sanctuary for connection and festive spirit.

What to Expect

• Feel the festive buzz as you circle the ice rink on the Grote Markt, surrounded by the illuminated Belfry and historic guildhalls.
• Wander hand-in-hand through the enchanting, cobbled side streets away from the main squares, discovering hidden chocolatiers and cozy, fire-lit pubs.
• Taste the rich, complex flavors of artisanal pralines from a world-renowned chocolatier before warming your hands with a rich Belgian hot chocolate overlooking the market.

Mechelen • Best Place for Families with Children

Immerse your family in this charming, compact city. It is perfectly tailored for younger visitors, with world-class interactive museums and exciting adventures. Mechelen also offers a less crowded but equally wonderful experience for all ages.

What to Expect

• Spark your children’s curiosity at a hands-on science and technology center where they can experiment, play, and learn in an interactive environment.
• Feel the thrill of accomplishment as you climb the 538 steps of St. Rumbold’s Tower, a rewarding family challenge that ends with breathtaking views from the panoramic skywalk.
• Discover a world of nostalgia and fun at a toy museum, a perfect indoor escape from the cold, where generations can connect over a vast collection of historic and beloved toys.

Brussels • Best Place for Vibrant Culture

Discover the vibrant heart of Europe in a capital city that comes alive with one of the continent's grandest winter festivals. The creative and festive spirit in Brussels will plunge you into grandeur and excitement.

What to Expect

• Feel the awe of the magnificent sound and light show on the Grand-Place, as the historic guildhalls and Town Hall are bathed in spectacular, moving colors.
• Explore the sprawling "Winter Wonders" Christmas market, which stretches for over 1.2 miles and features a giant Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and hundreds of festive chalets.
• Taste your way through the city, from a simple cone of hot frites with mayonnaise to a gourmet seafood platter at a classic restaurant in the Sainte-Catherine neighborhood.

Leuven • Best Place to Escape the Crowds

Retreat to this effortlessly charming university city, where stunning architecture and a cozy, authentic atmosphere offer a sophisticated alternative to the more crowded tourist towns.

What to Expect

• Discover the breathtaking, intricate beauty of the Gothic Town Hall, which looks like an illuminated jewel box on a dark winter evening.
• Feel the cozy atmosphere of the Oude Markt, nicknamed the "longest bar in the world," as you find a warm seat in a traditional pub to sample a local brew.
• Wander through the serene and historic Great Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the quiet, cobbled lanes feel like a peaceful step back in time.

Winter in Belgium is a season for connection and enjoyment. It’s a time to embrace the cozy energy of indoor life as the crisp weather and festive spirit invite you to huddle in historic pubs, indulge in spectacular local food and drink, and discover ancient culture in warm, inviting spaces. It's a season for creating memories filled with the light and warmth of Belgium.

Embrace Christmas Markets

Immerse yourself in the quintessential Belgian winter experience: exploring a festive Christmas market, or Kerstmarkt. These are the social heart of every city and town.

What to Expect

• Enjoy a private tour of a historic brewery before settling in its taproom to sample a flight of dark, complex Belgian winter ales.
• Discover the superb atmosphere of a city square at dusk, as historic buildings are illuminated and the scent of cinnamon fills the crisp air.
• Feel the simple joy of people-watching from a prime spot near an ice rink, savoring a classic, sugar-dusted Liège waffle.

Indulge in Hearty Feasts

Delight in the simple, perfect flavors of the winter season, where every meal is a celebration, best enjoyed indoors at a cozy bistro or a traditional pub.

What to Expect

• Taste the richness of winter in every bite of a carbonnade flamande, a traditional beef and beer stew, purchased from a stall at a bustling market.
• Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at a countryside abbey, where cheese and bread are made on site and paired perfectly with the venue’s dark beer.
• Embrace the iconic Belgian experience by taking a walking tour through a historic city, stopping for a cone of hot, crispy frites to warm your hands.

Discover Culture in Cozy Sanctuaries

Experience Belgium’s history and art indoors on private, guided tours, as ancient churches and grand museums become spectacular sanctuaries from the cold.

What to Expect

• Feel the energy of a world-class performance at one of the many indoor concert halls, from a grand symphony to an intimate chamber music recital.
• Wander through a world-class art museum on a winter afternoon, seeing the masterpieces in the warm, quiet galleries.
• Join locals for a wonderful cultural experience by enjoying a candlelit concert or choral performance in a historic church.

Belgium’s winter season delivers a crisp, festive atmosphere, perfect for urban exploration and countryside escapes, alongside a bounty of rich flavors to be savored at cozy pubs and Christmas markets. Winter provides you with an ideal time to explore the country, from indulging in the romance of Bruges’s festive markets to finding a bracing escape on the windswept North Sea coast.

For more inspiration as you begin to plan your winter trip, explore our sample European tours, which can be customized to include Belgium. More information can be found in our Europe travel guide.