Brussels at Christmas Our Family’s Must See Festive Spots

(There’s so much to see in Brussels, but since our family isn’t into museums and time was short, we planned the highlights that capture the city’s festive spirit, beautiful architecture, and delicious traditions.) These are the sites we hope to see on our upcoming trip to Brussels.

Top Sights

☐ Grand Place (Grote Markt) – UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its nightly Christmas light show and grand tree.
☐ Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert – Elegant 19th-century shopping arcade with chandeliers, boutiques, and chocolate shops.
☐ Mont des Arts – Scenic overlook for sunset views and twinkling lights across the city.
☐ Manneken Pis – Brussels’ small but iconic statue, often dressed for the holidays.
☐ Royal Palace of Brussels – Beautiful exterior and nearby park, perfect for photos at dusk.
☐ St. Michael and St. Gudule Cathedral – Free to visit; stunning Gothic interior, stained glass, and a peaceful nativity scene at Christmas.

UNESCO Highlights

☐ Grand Place – Brussels’ architectural jewel and most famous UNESCO site.
☐ Victor Horta Townhouses – Art Nouveau façades like Hôtel Tassel and Hôtel Solvay (view the exteriors).
☐ Stoclet House – Private residence representing early modern architecture.

Chocolate Stops

☐ Mary Chocolaterie – Refined pralines and truffles from Belgium’s royal chocolatier.
☐ Wittamer – Family-run shop in the Sablon; famous for rich hot chocolate and its pink storefront.
☐ Pierre Marcolini – Modern, art-inspired chocolates with elegant packaging.
☐ Elisabeth Chocolaterie – Charming boutique with artisanal pralines and beautifully wrapped gifts — a cozy local favorite.

Waffles

☐ The Waffle Factory Taste both Brussels (light and crisp) and Liège (caramelized and sweet) waffles near Grand Place.

Pommes Frites

☐ Maison Antoine The best fries in Brussels since 1948. Double-fried in beef tallow for perfect crispness and served in a paper cone. Try with Andalouse or Samurai sauce and enjoy them at the cafés around Place Jourdan.

Beer Sampling

☐ Cantillon Brewery (Brasserie Cantillon) – Historic lambic brewery with traditional gueuze and kriek tastings.
☐ Delirium Café – Guinness record holder for over 2,000 beers; try the festive Delirium Noël.
☐ À La Mort Subite – Classic Art Nouveau beer hall with warm atmosphere and house lambic.
☐ Moeder Lambic Fontainas – Modern craft bar specializing in lambics and Belgian ales.
☐ Poechenellekelder – Cozy, puppet-filled tavern near Manneken Pis; perfect for Trappist beers like Rochefort or Westmalle.

Christmas Markets

☐ Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver) – Brussels’ main Christmas festival stretching from Grand Place to Place Sainte-Catherine. More than 200 wooden chalets selling gifts, chocolate, and festive food, with lights, music, and a Ferris wheel.
☐ Grand Place Christmas Tree & Light Show – Free nightly show with music and dazzling architecture all around.
☐ Place Sainte-Catherine Market –Ice rink, Ferris wheel, and cozy food stalls offering mulled wine and frites.
☐ Evening Stroll – Walk from Grand Place → Galeries Royales → Mont des Arts → Sainte-Catherine to enjoy the city’s lights.

💫 Suggested Walking Route

☐ Grand Place → Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert → The Waffle Factory → St. Michael & St. Gudule Cathedral → Delirium Café → Mont des Arts → Royal Palace → Wittamer → Mary → Pierre Marcolini → Elisabeth Chocolaterie → Maison Antoine → Winter Wonders Market → Cantillon Brewery