The beautiful Belgian cities of Bruges and Ghent host stunning Christmas markets each year, attracting many visitors from across Europe. As both destinations are within easy driving distance of our Calais and Zeebrugge ports, it can be difficult to decide which one to visit. Here, we look at Bruges vs Ghent and the best things about each city’s Christmas market.
Bruges vs Ghent: Bruges
Bruges Christmas market
First up in our Bruges vs Ghent comparison is the famous Bruges Christmas market. Attracting Christmas shoppers and those seeking festive cheer, Bruges tends to be one of the first places that people think of when it comes to Christmas markets, and its close proximity to Calais makes it a popular choice.
This year, the Bruges Christmas market will be held between 22nd November 2019 and 1st January 2020, giving you plenty of time to visit. The main event can be found at the Grote Markt (Market Square), where you’ll discover the illuminated Belfry, lots of twinkling lights, and a background of festive songs. Browse a number of chalets selling everything from decorations and unique gifts to handmade items, and warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Elsewhere in Bruges, you’ll find the smaller, more intimate market at Simon Stevinplein. Set next to the main shopping street, this tree-lined collection of chalets sell charming goods, such as soaps and clothing, and you’ll be able to indulge in a festive drink too. In addition to the markets, there will now be an artificial ice skating rink on a pontoon at Minnewater, known as the most romantic place in Bruges. Head here to get your skates on, or to enjoy a drink at the bar while you watch others attempt to keep their balance!
Bruges Christmas events
Depending on when you’re visiting Bruges during the festive period, you might be lucky enough to see one of the city’s festive events. From 2:30pm on the 21st and 22nd December, the ‘Christmas Star Procession’ will make its way around the city. Starting and finishing at Oud Sint-Jan, this procession involves around 100 actors, an orchestra, and even sheep, depicting the Christmas story in a traditional and engaging way.
Should you be in Bruges on the 23rd December, don’t miss ‘A Ceremony of Carols’ at the Concert Hall. Combining classical works with some of your favourite Christmas carols, this performance is guaranteed to make you feel wonderfully festive.
Bruges activities
If you’re staying in Bruges for a couple of days, there are lots of activities available for you to enjoy. For amazing views, climb the 366 stairs to the top of the Belfry where you’ll be rewarded with an unrivalled panorama of the city – the perfect photo opportunity! Alternatively, you might prefer to stay on the ground and see Bruges’ highlights during a cosy horse and carriage ride, or discover the city on foot as part of a walking tour.
To see Bruges from a different perspective, opt for a boat tour around its pretty network of canals. There are five landing stages throughout the city, and you can board the boat at whichever you choose. This will then take you on a half hour tour, passing some of Bruges’ most popular features, before dropping you back off where you started.
Bruges vs Ghent: Ghent
Ghent Christmas market
Set against a backdrop of the striking Gravensteen Castle, Ghent Christmas market has a wonderful Scandinavian vibe that will make you feel like you’ve entered a different world. With over 150 wooden huts to browse, the scent of pine in the air, plenty of fresh greenery to admire, and Christmas decorations as far as the eye can see, this market truly has something for everyone.
Ghent’s Christmas market can be found right in the city centre, surrounded by stunning medieval buildings, from Sint-Baafsplein to Korenmarkt. The stalls themselves sell all of your Christmas market favourites, including leather goods, candles, and jewellery, alongside some more unique offerings that you won’t find elsewhere. With a great variety of products on offer, you won’t feel like you’re looking at the same items again and again. Food is a particular favourite at this market, and many stalls dedicate themselves to a particular type of produce – including one that focuses on onions!
Hot Christmas beer is favoured over mulled wine in Ghent, and a cup of this warming liquid is sure to banish any chills that you get whilst wandering around. In fact, beer lovers will feel right at home at this market as there are loads of types on offer. Not a beer fan? You might be swayed by one of the sweet, fruity beers that taste more like cider.
Ghent Christmas activities
In addition to its stalls, there are a number of festive activities to be discovered at Ghent Christmas market. Children will love the Winter Wonderland where they can play games and meet Santa, and people of all ages are sure to enjoy taking a ride on Europe’s largest Ferris wheel. Fancy a drink? Head to the pop-up winter bar. Cosy by day and lively by night, this bar feels like an authentic après ski party in the middle of medieval surroundings.
Ghent’s ice skating rink can be found at Emile Braunplein and offers the perfect opportunity to show off your skills. Join other warmly wrapped skaters as you all glide across the ice in the open City Pavilion, and admire the architecture that surrounds you. There is a separate rink for children, so you can ensure that your little ones have an enjoyable time too.
Things to do in Ghent
Outside of the Christmas market, Ghent has loads to offer its guests. Visit the amazing Gravensteen Castle, where you can learn about its impressive history, enjoy fantastic views across the festivities below, and listen to the entertaining audio guide. For something a bit more modern, take a street art tour, or simply wander around and discover some of the artwork that decorates Ghent’s streets for yourself.
Like Bruges, you can also see Ghent from the water on a boat tour. These tours will sail you past many of the city’s landmarks, and you can take a trip through time as you learn about its fascinating history and admire its medieval architecture.
Now that you’ve read our guide to Bruges vs Ghent, it’s time for you to decide which one you’d rather visit this year. Once you’ve made your decision, book your crossing to Calais and start planning your Christmas market trip today.
