Event Details
Bruges in Winter: Winter Glow 2026/2027
From 20 November 2026 to 14 February 2027, the medieval city of Bruges transforms into one of Europe's most enchanting winter destinations. The city-wide festival Winter Glow brings together two Christmas markets, a magical light trail, an ice skating rink at Minnewater, and a cosy winter bar in the heart of the historic centre.
Highlights
- Christmas Market on Grote Markt beneath the 83-metre Belfry of Bruges
- Second Christmas Market at Simon Stevinplein
- Ice Skating Rink at Minnewater (Lake of Love) in Koning Albert I Park
- Free light trail through the historic old town
- New in 2026: a Winter Legend for Bruges and a brand-new light and music spectacle
- IJsgloed Winter Bar with a view of the ice rink
- Car-free festive shopping days with free public transport
- Running until 14 February 2027, well beyond Christmas
Christmas Markets in Bruges
The centrepiece of Winter Glow is the Christmas Market on Grote Markt, Bruges' central square framed by the iconic Belfry, the Provincial Palace, and historic guild houses with stepped gables. Festive wooden stalls offer handcrafted gifts, Belgian chocolates, waffles, and mulled wine. The second market at Simon Stevinplein offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Both markets are open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Reduced hours apply on 24, 31 December and 1 January.
Ice Skating at Minnewater
One of Winter Glow's most popular attractions is the outdoor ice skating rink in Koning Albert I Park by the Minnewater (Lake of Love). The rink is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Entry including skate rental costs approximately €8 per person (children under 4 free; group rate €7.50 for 10 or more people). Visitors may bring their own skates. The rink uses high-quality synthetic ice, making it fully weather-independent. The adjacent IJsgloed winter bar is the perfect spot to warm up afterwards.
Light Trail & New Highlights in 2026
The free Light Experience Trail winds through lesser-known streets and squares of the old town, illuminated every evening from approximately 5:30 PM until midnight throughout the festival. Two brand-new experiences debut in 2026: a Winter Legend created especially for Bruges, and a completely new light and music spectacle. The recommended route starts from Bruges railway station and leads through Minnewaterbrug, Gentpoortvest, Jakobinessenpark and on to Gruuthusepaleis.
Opening Hours at a Glance
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- 24 December: until 5:00 PM
- 25 December: open with limited hours in the afternoon
- 31 December: until 5:00 PM
- 1 January: open with limited hours
Visitor Tips
- Arrive by train directly to Bruges; the station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
- Book accommodation early; Bruges fills up fast, especially on weekends and over Christmas.
- Try a Liège waffle with caramelised pearl sugar and Belgian frites with sauce — both are essential.
- The light trail is free and best experienced from 6:00 PM onwards.
- No reservation needed for ice skating; simply pay at the entrance on the day.
- Easy to combine with Brussels or Ghent, both reachable by train in under an hour.
