BELGIUM
Ostend at Anchor © NIck Decombel Fotografie
Belgium Events Looking for something different? With so much to discover, Belgium hosts an exciting range of annual events including colourful nautical festivals, spectacular parades and flower festivals as well as traditional Christmas fairs. Match the excursions which appeal most and choose from a range of hotels and dates to suit your clients. SHORT BREAK
Floralia Brussels
FLORALIA BRUSSELS (APRIL /MAY 2026)
BELGIUM AT CHRISTMAS
A floral adventure in the beautiful private park of Groot-Biigaarden castle in the capital city of Brussels, Floralia Brussels features a million spring bulbs of colourful tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in beautifully landscaped flower beds.
Traditional European Christmas markets take place in several cities throughout Belgium including Brussels, Brugge, Leuven, Ghent, Liege and Antwerp. Brussels is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 200 chalets. To add to the festive atmosphere, watch skaters take a turn around the outdoor skating rink and enjoy the spectacle of the ferris wheel. Every evening, the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Grand Place is lit up with a sound and light show Bruges is known as one of the most romantic cities in Europe with its cobbled lanes, pretty canals and walkways and colourful history. Explore the Belfry of Bruges and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride or relax on a romantic canal boat ride. At Christmas, the city comes alive with sparkling lights, beautiful gabled houses and festive markets. With a fairytale atmosphere, Christmas music, the aromas of mulled wine and winter spices fills the air. Leuven . In winter’s darkest months, what could be more magical than the enchanting sight of the centuries-old facades of the Grand Beguinage lit by candlelight or one of Belgium’s oldest Christmas markets in Ladeuzeplein. As magical as ever, stroll around the decorated stalls selling authentic souvenirs and cinnamon spiced biscuits. Ghent . In early December, Ghent’s medieval Castle of the Counts is transformed inside and outside into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, enchanting lights, and merry music. Stroll around the grounds of the castle garden or head to the Christmas market with over 150 stalls to choose from. Liege . Just an hour from Bruges is the historical city of Liege filled with must- see sights such as the Prince-Bishops’ Place, Liege-Guillemins Station and Museum of Walloon Life. In December each year, it hosts Belgium’s oldest Christmas markets selling decorations, illuminations and delicious festive treats of gingerbread, mulled wine and Christmas beer. Antwerp . In the city of diamonds, it’s no surprise that Antwerp shines brightly during wintertime! Along with a Christmas market and ice skating, Groenplaats in Antwerp keeps the Christmas spirit alive. The market stalls are spread over different squares in the historic city centre including close to the atmospheric Steen Castle.
FLORALIES (1-10 MAY 2026)
Every five years in springtime, the iconic Floralies Hall in the Citadel Park in Ghent is the setting for the most beautiful floral creations by national and international florists, ornamental horticulturists, gardeners and artists. Returning in 2026, the themed indoor garden and discovery trail showcases incredible floral displays, trees and shrubs.
OSTEND AT ANCHOR (28-31 MAY 2026)
A celebration of Belgium’s maritime history through to present day, this thrilling event will see more than 150 unique ships sailing into Ostend. Visitors can admire the impressive ships, enjoy tours, listen to classic sea shanties and taste delicious smoked fish as they stroll through streets around the harbour.
TALL SHIPS ANTWERP (11-14 JULY 2026)
Antwerp is set to be one of the friendly host cities as the world-famous Tall Ships sailing race takes place in summer 2026. One of Europe’s largest ports, this historic city will be the backdrop as traditional tall ships sail into the harbour for all to admire from Antwerp’s quayside.
CARPET OF FLOWERS, BRUSSELS (AUGUST 2026)
Taking place bi-annually, this memorable flower festival takes place in the ornate Gothic setting of Brussels’ Grand Place. With a special theme and made entirely of dahlias, the extraordinary spectacle of a flower carpet is created in the square. Measuring 70 metres long by 24 metres, visitors can stroll alongside taking in the fragrant scent and incredible floral designs. Popular with UK groups, an evening sound and light event adds to the party atmosphere.
We offer a range of hotels to suit your requirements and budgets for all the events. Ask you Account Manager for details.
Christmas in Antwerp
Tall Ships Antwerp © LUCID
Bruges Christmas Market © Jan D’Hondt
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