Things to Do in Bruges in December

December Weather in Bruges

7°C (45°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

88% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas Market season runs November 26-January 6, transforming the city with 45 wooden chalets in Grote Markt and Burg Square selling handcrafted ornaments, local lace, and warming Belgian hot chocolate
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer peaks, with luxury canal-view rooms available for €120-180 instead of €250+ in July-August
Authentic cozy atmosphere with locals gathering in brown cafés - December is peak season for warming jenever tastings and hearty carbonnade flamande in traditional pubs
Minimal crowds at major attractions - Belfry tower climbs take 10-15 minutes instead of 45+ minutes in summer, and you can photograph canal views without tourist hordes

Considerations

Daylight limited to 8 hours (sunrise 8:30am, sunset 4:30pm) severely restricts sightseeing time and outdoor photography opportunities
Persistent dampness makes 2-7°C (36-45°F) feel much colder - the humidity penetrates clothing and chills you to the bone despite mild temperatures
Many canal boat operators reduce schedules or close entirely due to weather, limiting this quintessential Bruges experience to weekend-only services

Best Activities in December

Historic City Center Walking Tours

December's cool weather is perfect for extensive walking through cobblestone streets without summer's exhausting heat. The medieval architecture looks particularly atmospheric under grey winter skies, and you can warm up in chocolate shops and cafés every few blocks. Christmas decorations add extra magic to already stunning Gothic buildings.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (9-11am) to maximize daylight hours. Walking tours typically cost €15-25 per person. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) that include indoor stops at chocolatiers or breweries. Reserve 3-5 days ahead through licensed city guides.

Traditional Brewery Tours and Tastings

Winter is peak season for Belgian beer culture - locals consume 40% more beer in December-February. Brewery cellars maintain perfect temperatures year-round, and the warming alcohol is especially welcome in cold weather. December releases include special Christmas brews and aged winter ales unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Book afternoon tours (2-5pm) when breweries offer the most comprehensive tastings. Tours cost €25-45 including 4-6 beer samples. Choose breweries that offer indoor seating and traditional pub atmosphere. Book 7-10 days ahead as winter tours are popular with locals.

Chocolate Making Workshops

December is peak season for Belgian chocolate production with special Christmas molds and seasonal flavors. Cool winter air helps chocolate set properly, and workshops offer perfect indoor activities during December's frequent drizzle. You'll learn techniques used for holiday pralines and seasonal specialties unavailable in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Morning workshops (10am-12pm) offer freshest ingredients and better lighting for detailed work. Classes cost €35-65 per person including materials and tastings. Book 10-14 days ahead as Christmas workshops fill quickly. Choose venues with heating and comfortable indoor spaces.

Art Museum and Gallery Tours

December's limited daylight makes indoor cultural activities essential. Museums are heated and uncrowded, perfect for appreciating Flemish Masters without summer tourist pressure. Special winter exhibitions often debut in December, and you can spend entire rainy afternoons in world-class collections like Groeningemuseum.

Booking Tip: Visit mid-morning (10am-1pm) for best natural lighting in galleries. Museum passes cost €15-25 for multiple venues. Many offer December discount packages for 3+ museums. Book museum-hopping tours that include transportation between venues to minimize outdoor walking.

Traditional Flemish Cooking Classes

December features hearty Flemish winter cuisine - carbonnade flamande, waterzooi, and seasonal game dishes perfect for cold weather. Cooking classes offer warm indoor activities during short daylight hours, and you'll learn to prepare comfort foods locals actually eat in winter rather than tourist-focused summer dishes.

Booking Tip: Afternoon classes (2-6pm) work well with December's early darkness. Classes cost €55-85 including ingredients and full meal. Look for venues with cozy dining areas where you can enjoy your creations. Book 7-10 days ahead as winter cooking classes are popular during holiday season.

Christmas Market Shopping and Food Tours

Bruges Christmas Market runs November 26-January 6 with 45 chalets selling local crafts, artisanal foods, and seasonal treats. December is peak season with fresh stroopwafels, mulled wine, and traditional speculoos cookies. The market provides sheltered browsing during unpredictable December weather.

Booking Tip: Visit weekday evenings (5-8pm) for smaller crowds and best atmosphere with twinkling lights. Most items cost €5-25, with food portions €3-8. Guided food tours through markets cost €35-55 including tastings. Book food tours 5-7 days ahead during peak Christmas season.

December Events & Festivals

November 26 - January 6

Bruges Christmas Market

45 wooden chalets transform Grote Markt and Burg Square into winter wonderland with local artisans selling handcrafted lace, wooden toys, and Belgian chocolates. Features ice skating rink, carousel, and traditional Belgian holiday foods like oliebollen and mulled wine

Mid December through early January

Winter Glow Light Festival

Historic buildings illuminated with artistic light projections along canal routes and major squares. Local artists create installations specifically for Bruges' medieval architecture, turning evening walks into magical experiences despite December's early darkness

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof insulated boots with good traction - cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily on uneven medieval streets

Layered clothing system: thermal base layer, warm mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell - 88% humidity makes 2-7°C (36-45°F) feel much colder than dry climates

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - December averages 10 rainy days with sudden drizzle that can last 20 minutes to 3 hours

Warm hat covering ears and waterproof gloves - heat loss through head/hands is significant in damp conditions with 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) winds

Quick-dry pants and avoid jeans - wet denim takes hours to dry and becomes uncomfortable on long walking days through the city

Portable phone charger and waterproof phone case - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster, and you'll rely heavily on maps and translation apps

Warm scarf or neck gaiter - wind tunnels between medieval buildings create surprising chill even on calmer days

Cash in small denominations (€5-20 notes) - many Christmas market vendors and traditional cafés still prefer cash payments

Comfortable walking shoes for indoor attractions - you'll remove boots frequently when entering churches, museums, and some restaurants

Small day pack with water bottle - staying hydrated in dry heated indoor spaces is important when moving between cold outdoor and warm indoor environments

Insider Knowledge

Locals drink jenever (Belgian gin) and warm beer cocktails in December - try a 'bishop's wine' (mulled beer with spices) at traditional brown cafés, which locals frequent 60% more in winter months

Shop for lace and chocolates in late December after Christmas - artisans offer 20-30% discounts on remaining holiday inventory, and you'll get better quality time with craftspeople

Use the covered walkways and heated trams during heavy rain days - locals know the network of covered passages connecting major shopping areas and museums

Book restaurant reservations by 2pm for same-day evening dining - December's shorter days mean locals dine earlier (6-7pm instead of 8-9pm), filling restaurants faster than summer months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold and damp 2-7°C (36-45°F) feels with 88% humidity - tourists pack for 'mild' weather but end up miserable in penetrating dampness that chills through inadequate clothing

Planning too many outdoor activities without indoor backup plans - December averages 10 rainy days with unpredictable timing that can force last-minute itinerary changes

Assuming canal boat tours run on regular schedules - many operators reduce December service to weekends only or close entirely, leaving tourists disappointed at the dock