From 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, Brussels transforms into Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver / Winterpret), a luminous winter trail of Christmas chalets, art installations and festive attractions stretching across the historic city centre. With around 238 cosy wooden chalets, free animations and a strong focus on creativity and solidarity, it is one of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets, welcoming millions of visitors every year.
This year, the theme highlights connection and care for others. On Grand-Place, the traditional Christmas tree is reimagined as a “solidarity tree”: after the festivities, the tree will be recycled and its decorations auctioned to support food banks, turning the city’s most iconic symbol into a concrete gesture against food waste and poverty.
New in 2025, Place Poelaert hosts a miniature Christmas village overlooking Brussels, where you can enjoy sweet treats, comforting drinks and one of the best views over the city. The square also becomes a collection point for toys that will later be distributed to sick or disadvantaged children by local associations. An interactive map on the Winter Wonders website helps you navigate the trail, locate chalets, attractions and art works, and plan your evening in just a few clicks.
Most of the action unfolds around Place Sainte-Catherine, the Vismet and Place de la Bourse, where you will find food stalls, crafts, bars and the famous Ferris wheel. At Place De Brouckère, the ice rink and curling lanes return yet again, offering fun for couples, families and groups of friends. Some attractions on De Brouckère continue until 4 January 2026, extending the festive atmosphere even after New Year.
For guests of Yadoya Hotel, Winter Wonders is practically on your doorstep. Located within walking distance of the city centre, Yadoya is about a 15 minute walk from Grand-Place and close to key Winter Wonders locations such as Sainte-Catherine and De Brouckère. Start your evening with a peaceful moment in our Japanese-inspired lobby, then follow the lights into the city centre for mulled wine, Belgian chocolate and late-night shopping. When you return, your room offers a calm, minimalist retreat after the bustle of the market.
To make your visit easier, Brussels authorities recommend arriving by train, metro, tram, bus or bicycle, as the surrounding streets can be very busy during Winter Wonders. From Yadoya, you can reach the market on foot, or take the nearby metro for an even quicker ride into the heart of the festivities.
Whether you are visiting Brussels for a weekend or for a longer stay, Yadoya Hotel is an ideal base to experience Winter Wonders 2025 in comfort and authentic Japanese-inspired serenity.
