What’s on 11-17 Dec 2025
⭐ This Week's Top Picks
Winter Glow is now at its festive peak, with the light trail, ice rink, winter bar and two Christmas markets running daily across the historic centre until 4 January – ideal for family evenings.
December Dance continues in Bruges’ theatres, bringing international contemporary dance to Concertgebouw and CC Brugge for curious first-timers and dedicated fans alike.
The Bruges Unicars Christmas Run lights up the centre with costumed runners and walkers.
🎨 🎻 🧺 Art, Music & Markets
The FREE Contemporary Exhibition at Kunstkring IRIS (Sint-Jakobswijk) runs through mid-December, showcasing painting, photography, glass art, textiles and sculpture from local artists – a relaxed, budget-friendly culture stop.
Dalí Cybernetics continues at Oud Sint-Jan’s Dalí Xpo Gallery, pairing Dalí prints and objects with digital installations that work well for teens and adults.
Winter Glow’s Christmas markets on Markt and ’t Zand are open every day, generally 10:00–22:00 (later on Friday and Saturday), with food, crafts and gifts; the regular Saturday market at ’t Zand and Wednesday market on Markt also go ahead for fresh local produce.
https://visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/shopping/markets-in-bruges
🎬 🎭 Stage, Screen, and Scene
December Dance continues this week across Concertgebouw and Cultuurcentrum Brugge, with a rolling programme of evening shows and some earlier performances; check the festival overview for exact dates, venues and age guidance.
https://www.concertgebouw.be/en/december-dance-25
On 12 Dec, December Dance 2025 – Kassia Undead by Lara Barsacq brings eight dancers and singers to the Royal City Theatre (Stadsschouwburg) to explore the life and music of 9th-century composer Kassia; a FREE introduction starts at 19:15 before the 20:00 show.
Cinema-wise, Lumière Brugge (Sint-Jakobsstraat 36) offers independent and family-friendly films (often in English or with English subtitles), while Kinepolis Brugge (Koning Albertlaan) screens the latest blockbusters; both recommend booking online.
⚽ Game On: Sports & Recreation
Jan Breydelstadion is quieter this week after a busy early-December run of home fixtures, but it still pays to check Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge’s official calendars for any late-scheduled league or European games.
Stadium tours at Jan Breydel remain a fun way to get pitch-side without a ticket: families can explore the stands, dugouts and club history while keeping dry and warm.
For your own exercise fix, the Bruges Unicars Christmas Run on 12 Dec lights up the centre with costumed runners and walkers; even if you don’t enter, it’s a cheerful spectacle around ’t Zand. https://portinari.be/en/experience-bruges/events
🍻🎶 Bruges After Dark: Nightlife
Cactus Muziekquiz at Cactus Club on 12 Dec – a playful music quiz night for teams.
DUYSTER. Festival with The Notwist, Anna B Savage, deathcrash, Adrian Crowley, Siem Reap and Emma Hessels at Cactus Club on 14 Dec – a one-day indoor festival of atmospheric indie and slowcore.
https://cactusmusic.be/EN/Concerts
The wider Cactus calendar through December mixes indie, experimental and heavier sounds at Cactus Club and more intimate evenings at Cactus Café; check listings and book ahead, as smaller shows often sell out.
🌈 Family Fun: Events & Adventures
Atelier Matinée at Concertgebouw usually runs on select Sunday mornings with creative workshops tied to the main programme; families visiting this weekend should check the online agenda to see if a session falls on 14 Dec.
https://concertgebouw.be/nl/programma
Historium’s winter offer on Markt combines a story-driven walk through medieval Bruges with VR, a tower view and a themed Christmas trail, making it an easy half-day option whatever the weather. https://historium.be/en/winter
With school holidays approaching, this can be a good week to beat the crowds at LAGO Olympia swimming complex https://www.lagoolympia.be
Or to plan an off-peak ice-skating session at the Boudewijn Seapark covered rink. https://www.boudewijnseapark.be
🌤️🌧️ Weather
Expect classic Bruges winter conditions: daytime highs around 4–7°C, chilly evenings near freezing, and a good chance of light rain or drizzle on several days – warm, waterproof layers are your friend. The damp coastal air can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests, especially around Markt and ’t Zand, but the payoff is atmospheric mist, glowing lights and plenty of excuses for hot chocolate stops between events.