Are you planning to visit Belgium during winter? You might be wondering what there is to do during the colder months. Fortunately, Belgium offers plenty of exciting activities and sights to see during the winter season. From festive Christmas markets to cozy cafes, there’s something for everyone.

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What is the most popular winter activiy in Belgium?

One of the most popular winter activities in Belgium is visiting the Christmas markets. These markets are held in several cities throughout the country, including Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent.

If you’re looking for a more active winter adventure, you can go ice-skating outdoors in several cities, including Brussels and Antwerp.

You can also take a winter hike through the beautiful Ardennes region, which offers stunning views of snow-covered forests and hills.

Read bout my 5 favorite snow hikes in the Ardennes!

Does Belgium have snow in Winter?

Yes, Belgium does experience snowfall during the winter months, particularly in the Ardennes region.

The Ardennes, located in the south and southeast of Belgium, has a higher elevation and is more likely to see snow compared to the rest of the country.

The region 350m above sea level has the highest chance of snow during wintern in Belgium.

Read more about the Best Snow Hikes in Belgium

Explore Belgium’s Christmas Markets

Belgium is renowned for its vibrant Christmas markets, each offering a unique festive experience.

Brussels Winter Wonders

Spanning from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Brussels’ Winter Wonders is a must-visit. The event features over 200 chalets, a grand Christmas tree at the Grand-Place, and a mesmerizing sound and light show.

Read more about the Brussels Christmas market

Winter Glow Bruges

Experience the magic of Winter Glow in Bruges! This winter festival offers a new Light experience trail, ice skating on the Minnewater, a cozy winter bar, two Christmas markets, and festive shopping days.

Wander through the historic center with its beautiful lighting and Christmas decorations. Winter Glow is the perfect reason to stay overnight and enjoy the beauty of wintry Bruges.

The Winter Glow festival will take place from 22 November 2024 until 05 January 2025.

Antwerp Christmas Market

Running from December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Antwerp’s market features over 100 stalls, an ice skating rink, and a Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views.

Read more about the Antwerp’s Christmas Market

Ghent Christmas Market

Starting on December 6, 2024, Ghent’s historic old town comes alive with over 150 charming stalls, making it a delightful Christmas destination.

Read more about the Ghent Christmas Market!

Liège Christmas Village

Known as “Le Village de Noël,” Liège hosts one of Belgium’s oldest and largest Christmas markets, featuring over 200 chalets and an ice rink.

Winterland in Hasselt

The beautiful city of Hasselt hosts their enchanting Winterland Christmas market. Celebrating its 16th edition, Winterland transforms the Dusartplein into a winter wonder.

Explore festive delights at Winterland, where local crafts, food, and decorations create a magical experience. You can also enjoy a meet-and-greet with the one and only Santa and have some fun while ice skating.

Winter Events in Belgium

Belgium is a country that loves to celebrate, and winter is no exception. During the winter months, there are many festivals and events that take place throughout the country. Here are some of the best winter events in Belgium that you won’t want to miss:

Brussels Light Festival

The Brussels Light Festival, also known as BRIGHT, is a magical event that takes place in the heart of Brussels every winter. During the festival, the city is illuminated with stunning light displays.

The festival features both local and international artists and is a must-see for anyone visiting Brussels during the winter months.

This year the Festival will take place from 15 to 18 of February. Find more info about the Light Festival.  Over 30 installations by artists from around the world will light up the Royal district, the European district, and various spots in Schaerbeek.

Alongside the fantastic light displays, there’ll be extras like nighttime museum visits and guided tours. This year’s event is expected to draw a massive crowd, with nearly 400,000 visitors anticipated to experience the magic of the festival.

Lanterna Magica

Running until January 19, 2025, at the Château de La Hulpe near Brussels, Lanterna Magica offers an immersive experience that transforms the park into a dreamlike world.

Visitors can enjoy a 2.5 km illuminated trail featuring over 1,200 spotlights and 20,000 LEDs, accompanied by music and performances from dancers and actors. The event captures the festive spirit of the season, making it a perfect outing for all ages.

Mons en Lumières

Scheduled from January 30 to February 2 and February 6 to 9, 2025, in Mons, this festival features around twenty light installations and projections integrated into the city’s historic architecture.

The 3 km route, themed “Between Earth and Sky,” showcases local, national, and international artists, including a monumental installation by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata in Parc Square. The event is free to attend and runs from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, offering a luminous experience in the heart of Wallonia.

Skiing in Belgium: Indoor and Outdoor

Belgium may not be the first destination that comes to mind for skiing, but it offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the slopes both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re an experienced skier or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore the indoor skiing facilities and outdoor skiing spots that make Belgium a surprising winter destination.

Indoor Skiing

Belgium boasts several indoor ski facilities, making it possible to hit the slopes no matter the weather. These modern centers are perfect for practicing your skills or enjoying a day of winter fun.

Snow Valley (Peer)

One of the largest indoor ski halls in Europe, Snow Valley offers slopes suitable for various skill levels. The facility features a 350-meter-long main slope, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned skiers.

SnowWorld (Antwerp)

Located in Wilrijk, this indoor ski center is a modern facility with a 240-meter slope covered in 60 centimeters of real snow. It caters to skiers of all levels and provides a fantastic environment to learn or hone your skiing skills.

Ice Mountain Adventure Park (Komen)

Ice Mountain Adventure Park offers indoor skiing and snowboarding opportunities. This popular destination is well-equipped for winter sports enthusiasts looking for a unique experience.

Outdoor Skiing

When natural snowfall blankets the country, the Ardennes region in Wallonia transforms into a skiing paradise. These outdoor locations are perfect for those looking to enjoy the fresh air and scenic beauty of Belgium’s countryside.

Baraque de Fraiture

Situated at one of Belgium’s highest points, Baraque de Fraiture features several slopes ideal for alpine skiing. It is a favorite spot among locals and visitors when snow conditions allow.

Ovifat

Located in the High Fens, Ovifat is renowned for its downhill skiing options. With ski lifts and well-maintained slopes, it attracts skiers during snowy periods, offering a delightful winter experience.

Museums to Visit During Winter in Belgium

Winter is the perfect time to explore Belgium’s rich cultural heritage and stay warm indoors while discovering world-class art and history. Belgium offers a wide variety of museums to suit every interest, from fine arts to quirky themes.

Check out the best museums in Brussels!

Discounts on Museums with the Brussels Card

If you’re planning to visit several museums in Brussels, the Brussels Card is a fantastic way to make the most of your trip. It offers free access to over 40 museums, along with discounts on attractions, guided tours, restaurants, and public transportation.

What are the most beautiful cities during Winter in Belgium?

Belgium is home to some of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, and winter is a great time to explore them. Here are some of the best cities to visit during the winter months:

Brussels during Winter

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a must-visit city during the winter. The city is famous for its Christmas market, which are held in the Grand Place and around the city.

The markets are filled with local crafts, delicious food, and festive decorations. You can also visit the famousAtomium, a landmark building in Brussels that offers stunning views of the city.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a historic city that is known for its fashion, art, and diamond industry. During the winter, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with its Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and winter festivals.

You can also visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning Gothic cathedral that is one of the tallest in Europe.

Discover Antwerp on your own with audio guide

Ghent

Ghent is a charming city that tourists often overlook. However, during the winter months, the city comes alive with its Christmas markets and festive decorations.

You can also visit theCastle of the Counts, a medieval castle that offers stunning views of the city. During the Winter months the Castle offers winter festivities like the Winter Bar.

Read more about the Castle of the Counts during Winter

Dinant

Dinant’s elevated likelihood of snow during winter transforms the town into a magical landscape. The hills and Citadel covered in snow offer a serene winter scene.

With a simple yet charming ambiance and occasional festive decorations, Dinant becomes a tranquil destination for those seeking a calm winter experience. The snow-covered surroundings add a distinctive touch to the city’s winter atmosphere, making it an appealing retreat.

Discover What to do in Dinant (all year long)

Winter Hiking in the Ardennnes

Winter hiking in the Ardennes unveils a serene and snow-covered landscape, creating a nice setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The crisp air and tranquility add a unique charm to the trails. Exploring the Ardennes on foot during the winter months provides an opportunity to witness the region’s natural beauty in a different and enchanting light.

Discover the Best Snow Hikes at Baraque de Fraiture

How to Dress for Winter in Belgium?

Belgium can be quite chilly during the winter months, so it’s important to pack the right clothing to stay warm and comfortable. First time in Belgium during the winter? Here are some essential items to consider bringing with you:

1. Thermal Baselayers: They are designed to trap your body heat and can be worn under your regular clothes. Look for thermal baselayers made from materials like wool or synthetic fabrics, which are both great at wicking away moisture.
2. Warm Outerwear: A warm coat or jacket is a must-have for winter in Belgium. Look for a coat that is both waterproof and windproof, and has a hood to protect your head and neck from the elements.
3. Waterproof Boots: Belgium can be quite rainy during the winter months, so it’s important to have a pair of waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. Look for boots with good traction to prevent slipping on wet or icy surfaces.
4. Gloves, Scarves, and Hats: Don’t forget to pack gloves, scarves, and hats to keep your hands, neck, and head warm. Look for materials like wool or fleece, which are both warm and breathable.
5. Other Considerations: If you plan on doing any outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding, make sure to bring appropriate gear like goggles, helmets, and snow pants. And don’t forget to pack plenty of warm socks and underwear to keep you comfortable all day long.

Tips for Winter Travel in Belgium

Belgium is a beautiful country to visit during the winter season. With its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder that it attracts visitors from all over the world. However, traveling during the winter season can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the weather conditions and the activities that are available during this time of year. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your winter travel in Belgium:

1. Dress appropriately

Belgium can get quite cold during the winter season, with temperatures dropping below freezing point in some areas. It is important to dress appropriately to stay warm and comfortable. Make sure to pack warm clothes, including a heavy coat, gloves, hat, and scarf. You may also want to bring waterproof shoes or boots to protect your feet from the snow and slush.

2. Visit the Christmas markets

One of the highlights of winter travel in Belgium is the Christmas markets. These markets are held in various cities throughout the country and offer a wide range of festive activities, including ice skating, holiday shopping, and traditional food and drinks. Some of the most popular Christmas markets in Belgium include the Winter Wonders market in Brussels and the Christmas market in Bruges.

3. Enjoy Belgian comfort food

Belgium is known for its delicious cuisine, and winter is the perfect time to indulge in some of the country’s comfort foods. From hearty stews and soups to warm waffles and hot chocolate, there are plenty of dishes to keep you satisfied during your winter travels. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as moules-frites (mussels and fries) and stoofvlees (beef stew).

4. Take advantage of indoor activities

While Belgium’s winter landscapes are beautiful, the weather can be unpredictable. To avoid getting stuck in the cold and rain, consider visiting some of the country’s indoor attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and historic buildings. These attractions offer a glimpse into Belgium’s rich culture and history and are a great way to spend a rainy day.

5. Plan ahead

Finally, it is important to plan ahead when traveling to Belgium during the winter season. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Research the activities and events that are available during your stay and book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. With a little planning, you can make the most of your winter travel in Belgium and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Overall, a winter trip to Belgium is a wonderful way to experience the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty in a unique and memorable way. So pack your warmest clothes, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and get ready to enjoy all that this charming country has to offer!