Winter Glow and Christmas markets in Bruges 2026

From Friday 20 November 2026 to Sunday 31 January 2027, Bruges celebrates Wintergloed (Winter Glow). At the heart of this winter festival are the Christmas markets on the Markt and the Simon Stevinplein and the ice rink in the Koning Albert I-park. From Zeebrugge you are there in no time.

What can you expect at Wintergloed in Bruges?

• Christmas markets: from Friday 20 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, Christmas chalets fill the Markt and the Simon Stevinplein. New this year are the Brugse Kabans at the markets.
• Ice rink and winter bar IJsgloed: during the same period you can skate in the Koning Albert I-park, daily from 10:00 to 22:00. On 24 and 31 December the rink closes at 17:30, on 25 December and 1 January it opens at 12:00.
• Handmade in Brugge MAKERSmarkt: the first edition of this makers' market takes place from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 December 2026 in the Stadshallen.
• Winterreus: from Tuesday 17 November 2026 to Sunday 24 January 2027, visitors help build a giant in House of Time. The closing weekend is on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January 2027 on the Burg.
• Light beacons: light beacons in and around the city add atmosphere. The light show in Sint-Salvatorskathedraal has been postponed to the winter of 2027-2028.

Christmas market opening hours

• Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 to 22:00.
• Friday and Saturday: 11:00 to 23:30.
• New Year's Eve: open until 03:00.

Practical information

• Skating: €9 per person, children up to and including 3 years free, groups of 10 or more €8 per person. You can pay by Bancontact, Payconiq or cash.
• Organiser: City of Bruges. For the latest information, see the Visit Bruges website.