Brussels Tootbus Christmas Tour

Bright Lights and Festive Atmosphere on the Brussels Tootbus Christmas Tour

The Brussels Tootbus Christmas Tour offers a lively way to enjoy the city’s holiday glow for $27.78 per person. With approximately one hour of touring, the experience takes place in the evening, starting at 7:00 pm from Rue Antoine Dansaert 90. The tour is conducted on 100% electric buses with a mobile ticket and includes a live-guided experience in English and French.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its focus on illuminated Brussels, highlighting Instagram-worthy spots like De Brouckère, Dansaert, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Avenue Louise. While the experience does not include hop-on hop-off flexibility or food and drinks, it offers a perfect snapshot of the city’s winter charm. The addition of Tootwalks afterward provides a chance for a deeper exploration of places like Manneken Pis and the Royal Galleries, with themed walks hosted by local guides.

A key consideration is that restrooms are not available on the bus, so planning accordingly is advised. The tour’s small group size, capped at 55 travelers, helps preserve an intimate atmosphere, and the free Wi-Fi onboard enhances the experience.

Key Points

• One-hour evening tour exploring Brussels’ Christmas lights and major landmarks
• Cost of $27.78, with advance booking recommended
• Self-guided walking tours follow the bus ride, including places like Place Saint-Michel and Manneken Pis
• Enclosed glass-roof bus allows for clear photos and warmth during the ride
• Tour is live-guided in English & French, with a festive playlist onboard
• No restroom facilities on board, so plan ahead

The Bright Lights of Brussels: Illuminating the City’s Holiday Spirit

During the Christmas season in Brussels, the city transforms into a magical scene of dazzling lights. The Tootbus takes visitors on a non-stop ride through the illuminated streets for about an hour, showcasing some of the city’s most Instagrammable spots. The bus’s glass roof and sliding windows ensure travelers enjoy a comfortable yet clear view of the festive sights.

This tour emphasizes visual delights, including the capital’s prettiest Christmas tree and the Brussels Christmas Market at Grand-Place. The route covers several areas, such as Dansaert, Place Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Géry, and Avenue Louise, giving a broad snapshot of the city’s holiday decoration efforts.

Though the tour doesn’t stop at each location, it provides an excellent overview of Brussels’ festive ambiance, making it a good choice for visitors wanting a quick sample of Christmas cheer with minimal effort.

Visiting the Iconic Grand Place in a Festive Glow

The Grand Place serves as the highlight of the tour’s itinerary, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often called “the most beautiful square in the world” by Victor Hugo. During Christmas, the square is adorned with thousands of lights and hosts the Winter Wonders event, which features over 200 chalets and a lively market scene.

The bus’s proximity to this area offers a stunning view of the historic buildings bathed in holiday lights. While no stops are made here for extended exploration, the visual experience of the illuminated square from the bus is captivating.

The Mont des Arts garden and Place Royale nearby add to the scenic backdrop, with the Royal Palace visible from a distance, highlighting Brussels’ blend of historic grandeur and festive beauty during the season.

Exploring the European Quarter’s Holiday Lights

The tour includes a drive through the European Quarter, home to key institutions like the European Parliament. The area is notable for its modern architecture and government buildings, which are subtly decorated during Christmas.

Though no in-depth visits occur, the highlight is observing the blend of Brussels’ political heart and holiday spirit from the comfort of the bus. The Parliament building and the surrounding area are part of the route, giving travelers a sense of the city’s administrative importance amid the festive lights.

Cinquantenaire Park and the Mont des Arts During the Festive Season

The Parc du Cinquantenaire, established in 1880, is a major highlight for its vast green spaces and monumental arches. During winter, the park is decorated with festive lighting, making it a photo-worthy spot from the bus.

Similarly, the Mont des Arts, situated beneath the royal quarter, offers a green space with city views that look especially striking when lit up at night. The tour captures these key scenic spots, showcasing Brussels’ cultural landmarks infused with holiday splendor.

The Royal Palace and Brussels’ Christmas Market Scene

While the Royal Palace functions as the King’s residence and administrative seat, it is also a focal point during the Christmas season, with decorations and lights adding to its majestic appearance. The bus route provides a view of the palace from a distance, allowing guests to appreciate its grandeur during this festive time.

Adjacent to the Grand-Place, the Brussels Christmas Market features more than 200 chalets, selling seasonal food, drinks, and crafts. Although visitors cannot walk through the market during the ride, the bus route is designed to highlight its location and the holiday atmosphere surrounding it.

The Post-Tour Tootwalks and Additional Exploration

After the bus ride, the tour continues with Tootwalks, offering themed guided walks through iconic spots like Place Saint-Michel, the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, and even the famous Manneken Pis dressed as Santa Claus. These walks are led by local guides who provide stories and insights into Brussels’ history and culture.

This extension allows travelers to dive deeper into the city’s festive traditions and visit specific landmarks at a slower pace. The guided walks are an engaging way to enhance the initial visual experience of the bus tour.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Duration, and Booking

The Brussels Tootbus Christmas Tour departs from Rue Antoine Dansaert 90 at 7:00 pm. The tour is approximate 1 hour long, making it suitable for those with limited time or wanting a quick overview of Brussels’ holiday lighting.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially since the tour is most popular 48 days ahead. The tour includes free Wi-Fi onboard, a Christmas playlist, and access to self-guided Tootwalks. Note that restrooms are not available on the bus, so travelers should plan accordingly.

The group size is capped at 55, ensuring a comfortable experience, and service animals are allowed. The tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for most travelers who dress warmly, as outdoor temperatures can be chilly.

Who Will Enjoy This Christmas in Brussels Tour?

This one-hour illuminated city tour is ideal for visitors seeking a visual experience of Brussels’ festive lights on a comfortable, eco-friendly bus. The route’s focus on iconic landmarks and Instagrammable sights makes it perfect for photo enthusiasts and those interested in holiday scenery.

Since the tour doesn’t include food or drinks and has no hop-on hop-off flexibility, it suits travelers looking for a guided overview rather than a full day of sightseeing. The additional Tootwalks provide an opportunity for more in-depth exploration afterward.

The Sum Up: A Bright, Festive Overview of Brussels

The Brussels Tootbus Christmas Tour delivers a convenient, scenic snapshot of the city during its most festive time of the year. Its glass-roof bus ensures passengers can enjoy the dazzling lights in warmth and comfort, with plenty of photo opportunities. The inclusion of self-guided walks allows for further discovery of key sites like Manneken Pis and the Royal Galleries.

While the tour’s short duration and lack of food options might be limitations for some, its affordable price and easy logistics make it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a light, visually stunning experience of Brussels’ holiday season. It is particularly suited for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a quick, festive overview of the city’s Christmas ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bus enclosed?
Yes, the bus features a glass roof that slides open, allowing for clear photos and keeping everyone warm during the ride.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately one hour.

What are the departure times?
The tour departs at 7:00 pm from Rue Antoine Dansaert 90.

Can I join the tour spontaneously?
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during the busy Christmas season.

Are restrooms available on the bus?
No, there are no restrooms onboard, so plan accordingly.

What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket grants access to the electric bus tour, live-guided commentary, a festive playlist, and free Wi-Fi.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions are not mentioned.

Can service animals join the tour?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

Is there any special offer with the ticket?
Yes, presenting your ticket at the Cécémel chalet at Place De Brouckère entitles you to a free hot chocolate.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly is strongly recommended, especially in winter evenings.