Brussels: Christmas lights bus tour with Tootwalks

Summary

Ride through Brussels’ festive streets, then wander markets & lights

You’ll ride an electric bus through Brussels’ sparkling Christmas lights with a live guide sharing stories in English and French. Afterward, use your ticket for self-guided Tootwalks to explore markets and sights like Manneken Pis dressed as Santa. Includes a free hot chocolate at Place De Brouckère—just enough warmth to remember Brussels by.

What’s the experience like?

The second we hopped onto the electric bus at De Brouckère, it felt like the city had decided to put on a show just for us. Our guide switched between English and French so easily — I tried to keep up, but mostly I just watched the lights flicker past the windows. There’s something about seeing Avenue Louise all dressed up for Christmas that makes you forget how cold your toes are getting. The playlist was full of those old songs you only hear in December, and someone behind me hummed along (off-key, but honestly it made me smile).

We rolled past Grand-Place — honestly, I’d seen photos but nothing really prepares you for how the tree glows against those old guildhalls. The air smelled faintly of waffles and wood smoke when we slowed near Place Sainte-Catherine. Our guide pointed out the Palace of Justice and told a story about Victor Hugo calling Grand-Place “the most beautiful square in the world.” I didn’t expect to actually agree with him, but there you go. At Cinquantenaire Park, some kids waved at us from under the arches — their cheeks were red from the cold and they looked so happy it was contagious.

The tour doesn’t stop for photos (which is probably good or I’d still be there), but after we got off near Centrale Station, we followed one of those Tootwalks on my phone. It led us through the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert — all glass ceilings and chocolate shops — and then to Manneken Pis dressed as Santa. Li laughed when I tried to say “Joyeux Noël” in Dutch; pretty sure I butchered it. We ended up at the Christmas market where my ticket got me a free hot chocolate at Cécémel’s chalet. It was thick and sweet and warmed my hands right up.

I still think about that moment outside Grand-Place, when everything felt golden and everyone seemed softer than usual. If you’re in Brussels around Christmas, this bus tour with Tootwalks is a weirdly perfect way to see how the city glows — not just from lights, but from people too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Brussels Christmas Highlights

• Visit Grand Place
• Pass by European Parliament
• Explore Cinquantenaire Park
• Walk through Mont des Arts
• See Flagey Square
• View Palace of Justice
• Pass Brussels Royal Palace
• Experience Winter Wonders event

Top questions

Is there a live guide on the Brussels Christmas lights bus tour?

Yes, tours are live-guided in both English and French.

Does the tour include stops for photos?

No, it’s a non-stop panoramic bus tour through illuminated areas.

Are Tootwalks included with my ticket?

Yes, access to self-guided walking tours (Tootwalks) is included after your bus ride.

Is there anything special included at the Christmas market?

Your ticket gets you a buy-one-get-one-free hot chocolate at Cécémel chalet in Place De Brouckère.

Is this Brussels Christmas tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and buses are wheelchair accessible.

What main sights does the route cover?

You’ll see places like Grand-Place, Place Sainte-Catherine, Avenue Louise, Cinquantenaire Park, Royale Place, and more.

Can infants join this Brussels Christmas lights tour?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap or in a pram or stroller.

Do I need to download anything before joining?

You get free access to the Tootbus app onboard for Tootwalks and Wi-Fi is available during your ride.

What’s included

Your experience includes an electric bus ride with live guidance in English and French through Brussels’ festive streets; access to self-guided Tootwalks via app; free Wi-Fi onboard; themed Christmas music; wheelchair accessibility; plus a buy-one-get-one-free hot chocolate offer at Cécémel chalet by showing your ticket at Place De Brouckère.