Christmas Day 2025

Description

Christmas Day in Belgium celebrates the birth of Jesus. It is both a Christian religious day and a time for families to be together. People go to church, sing carols, give gifts, and enjoy festive meals with loved ones.

Christmas takes place on December 25 each year. It is a national public holiday across Belgium. Schools, many shops, banks, and most offices are closed so people can rest and celebrate. Some events and markets stay open for visitors and tourists.

The day is important because it mixes faith and tradition. It brings families together and creates a warm feeling of sharing. For many Belgians it is a quiet, happy time to enjoy food, lights, and being with family and friends.

Traditions

Belgian families often spend Christmas Day together. They decorate Christmas trees, visit Christmas markets, and attend church or midnight mass. Children may get gifts from Santa Claus though Saint Nicholas is celebrated earlier in December.

The big Christmas meal can include roast turkey, goose, seafood, or game in the Ardennes. People enjoy chocolates, speculoos cookies, and a Yule log cake. Mulled wine is common at markets and family gatherings to keep warm and festive.

Towns display nativity scenes and bright lights. In Flanders Dutch is spoken and in Wallonia French is spoken, but traditions are similar. Regional foods and local markets give each area its own special flavor during the holiday.

Travel Tips

On Christmas Day expect many shops and museums closed and reduced public transport. Some restaurants and hotels stay open but need reservations. Churches hold services and some towns have small markets or concerts earlier in the day.

Plan ahead for busy trains and roads, book tickets and meals, and carry ID. Enjoy festive food, join a church service, or take a winter walk through decorated streets. Stay aware of pickpockets in crowds and know how to reach emergency services.