Christmas markets belong to the darkest months of the year like hot chocolate to cold hands. But for wheelchair users they can quickly become frustrating: crowds of people, cobbled streets, shallow passageways between stalls. Fortunately, the major Belgian Christmas markets have become more conscious of accessibility in recent years. In this guide we discuss the six best Christmas markets in the country, each with an honest take on what you can expect as a wheelchair user.
Winter in Antwerpen: flat Groenplaats and Grote Markt
Winter in Antwerpen spreads across various squares in the historic centre, with the Groenplaats, Grote Markt and Steenplein as main locations. Groenplaats and the zone around the cathedral are largely asphalted and flat, so rollable. The Grote Markt is cobbled, but stalls are set up with wider passages than before. For breaks you can head for accessible places like Brasserie Appelmans or the hotel-restaurant at Hilton Antwerp Old Town. The public adapted toilets on Groenplaats are open longer during the Christmas season.
Plaisirs d'Hiver (Winter Wonders) Brussels: the biggest in the country
The Brussels Christmas market around the Grand Place, the Vismet and Sint-Katelijneplein is the largest in the country, with more than 200 stalls. The route is broadly level, but cobbles in the side streets are tough going. The Ferris wheel on the Vismet is not wheelchair-accessible, but since 2023 there is an adapted entrance to the ice rink (support on request). A rest point can be found in accessible bistros such as Café Belga or Belga Queen Brussels. Feel free to combine a visit with a look at the illuminated Cinquantenaire Park, which hosts light installations during the Christmas season.
Wintergloed Bruges: atmosphere in a historic setting
Wintergloed (Bruges' Christmas market) takes place on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, with an additional route through the illuminated Minnewaterpark Bruges. The main squares are cobbled (unavoidable in Bruges), but negotiable with pneumatic tyres. Some of the stalls have lowered counters so that wheelchair users can order easily. The Historium Bruges extends its opening hours especially during the Christmas season and offers a warm, fully accessible break from the market. For overnight stays, Grand Hotel Casselbergh or Hotel Navarra Brugge are comfortable choices.
Ghent Winter Festivities: light and warmth in a compact route
The Ghent Winter Festivities extend over Sint-Baafsplein, the Korenmarkt, Emile Braunplein and the Ferris-wheel location at Portus Ganda. The heart of the route is low-traffic and largely level. The iconic light installation on St Bavo's Cathedral can be admired from a distance without obstacles. Unlike Brussels or Antwerp, it is usually a little quieter here, which makes manoeuvring in a wheelchair easier. Plan a visit to Gravensteen Ghent during the day; in the evening the castle is beautifully lit, but the accessible entrance closes earlier.
Wintert in Hasselt: compact and accessible
Hasselt organises "Wintert", a fine medium-sized Christmas market on the Grote Markt, Kolonel Dusartplein and around the town hall. The whole central zone has largely been redesigned with wide, level walking zones. Without exaggeration it is one of the most wheelchair-friendly Christmas markets in Flanders. Combine it with a visit to the Japanse Tuin Hasselt (closed in deep winter but open on mild days) or stay at the adapted Radisson Blu Hasselt.
Leuven Christmas Market: compact, cosy, close to everything
The Leuven Christmas market on Herbert Hooverplein and Bondgenotenlaan is small-scale but warm. Bondgenotenlaan is level and low-traffic, which, combined with the short distance to Leuven station, makes a pleasant afternoon visit by train. M Museum Leuven has extended opening hours during the Christmas season and is fully accessible.
Honourable mention: Sint-Niklaas
The Grote Markt Sint-Niklaas is the largest market square in Belgium and in December hosts a smaller but very level Christmas market. Because the square is completely flat and asphalted, wheelchair users can move around with great freedom. The city also has one of the strongest adapted-parking infrastructures near the centre.
Practical tips
- Visit on weekday afternoons. The difference between Saturday evening and Tuesday afternoon is enormous, both for crowds and accessibility. Many markets open from 11:00.
- Wear cycling gloves or thick mittens. Your rims get icy cold very quickly; insulated gloves with grip are your best friend.
- Check the toilets in advance. Not every market provides mobile adapted toilets; use accessible cafés or hotels along the way as rest points.
- Reserve adapted parking in advance. In Brussels and Antwerp, adapted spaces near the Christmas markets fill up quickly; consider park-and-ride with accessible public transport.
- Wear several layers. Wheelchair users are less active than walkers and cool down faster. A fleece blanket over the legs makes a world of difference.