Weather
December is the start of winter in Belgium and one of the coldest months of the year (next to January). It's also a pretty dark month, with the shortest day in late December, so expect the sun to rise at around 8:30 am and set by about 4:30 pm. While these short hours might impact your ability to get outdoors, the main attractions in Belgium in December are its cities and indoor venues anyway.
Belgium's climate varies slightly between coastal, inland, and highland areas. Coastal Flanders (the Flemish-speaking northern region of Belgium) tends to be the mildest region, with a maritime climate that tempers cool or heat extremes. On the other hand, the southern, inland Ardennes hill and forest region is the coldest, with more snow and fog in winter. Brussels is inland, so it has more of a continental climate than coastal cities like Bruges or Antwerp, but it still doesn't experience freezing temperatures. Brussels sees an average high of 43°F (6°C) in December and a low of 35°F (2°C).
Crowds & Costs
Early December is the low season for travel to Belgium, with visitor numbers and prices at their lowest—this is a good time for an affordable city break. Christmas markets draw visitors from mid-December, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. Book accommodation in advance if you're planning on staying in a popular city in the run-up to Christmas or between Christmas and New Year.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
Some of the best places to visit in Belgium in December are those cities with lively Christmas markets. And while not as famous as those in neighboring Germany, they're great fun and beautiful, making Belgium a great alternative December destination.
The Christmas markets in Brussels are delightful due to the set up of a large fairground, with Ferris wheels and light shows. Meanwhile, the French-speaking city of Liège is home to the country's oldest and biggest Christmas markets. Seek out the oysters, which you can wash down with mulled wine or hot chocolate. The markets in Bruges are also beautiful and are divided into different areas to make shopping a bit easier, but center around the prominent Grote Markt. If you want to spend time in Belgium's smaller towns, Ypres, Namur, and Mechelen all have great Christmas markets, too.
What to Do
If you like to get outdoors and be active in the winter, you can enjoy winter sports this month. Ice skating is a popular pastime, and you can find constructed rinks in many towns and cities, plus the frozen Lake of Love in Bruges. Head inland, and you can find other frozen lakes and canals to skate. To try cross-country skiing in a pretty setting, visit the Ardennes region, where there are trails through the forests.
Belgium is justifiably famous for its food and drink, and December is an excellent time to take a food-focused tour. It hardly matters what the weather's doing outside when you're cozied up in a gastropub with moules-frites and Belgian beer. Take a tour of a Belgian brewery (there are many!), enjoy a hands-on chocolate-making workshop, and warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate from a street stall. These foodie attractions are available throughout the country, and you can also sample many local specialties at the Christmas Markets.
Events in December
Christmas Village, Liège. The oldest Christmas market in Belgium comes alive in December with over 200 chalets, lights, and more.
Antwerp Christmas Market, Antwerp. A charming old-town festival includes fireworks, market stalls, and ice skating through December.
Plaisers D'Hiver and Brussels Christmas Market, Brussels. This "Winter Wonder" has over 200 market stalls, fairground attractions like Ferris wheels, and fantastic light shows.
More Helpful Information
Belgium in November
Belgium in January
Best Time of Year to Visit Belgium
How Many Days to Spend in Belgium