In addition to the traditional Christmas markets, the ice skating rink, and winter bar IJsgloed, residents and visitors can also help build the Winterreus this year. This participatory city project, running from Tuesday, November 17, 2026, to Sunday, January 24, 2027, promises to create a new Bruges winter legend.
The Christmas markets will take place on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein from November 20, 2026, to January 3, 2027. New this year are the Brugse Kabans, which will be used at the markets. The popular ice skating rink and winter bar IJsgloed will return to Koning Albert-I park.
From Friday, December 18, to Sunday, December 20, 2026, Handmade in Brugge will host the MAKERSmarkt in the Stadshallen. Visitors can discover the work of local makers and find original end-of-year gifts.
The participatory project 'Building the Winterreus' runs from November 17, 2026, to January 24, 2027, culminating in a grand finale weekend on Saturday, January 30, and Sunday, January 31, 2027, in the city center.
From Tuesday, January 26, to Friday, January 29, 2027, Uitwijken Winter will tour various Bruges neighborhoods with cultural activities and winter coziness.
The grand finale of the Winterreus on January 30 and 31, 2027, will reach its peak with a special puppet theater spectacle on the Burg, bringing residents and visitors together around a new city story.
A planned light and music experience in the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal has been postponed to Wintergloed 2027-2028. This winter, however, various atmospheric light beacons in and around the city will contribute to the warm Wintergloed for which Bruges is known.
Practical information: Christmas markets, ice skating rink, and winter bar IJsgloed run until January 3, 2027. The MAKERSmarkt is from December 18 to 20, 2026. Building the Winterreus runs until January 24, 2027, Uitwijken Winter from January 26 to 29, 2027, and the Winterreus finale is on January 30 and 31, 2027.
