Bruges Christmas Market

A Christmas trip to Belgium’s medieval city of beautiful Bruges has got to be up there on any cool cat traveller’s list of things to do come the winter season, not least because of the freshly baked waffles and rounds of beer flowing at those picture-perfect Christmas markets…

Hop off the plane as the coastal breeze from the North Sea air freshens your senses and in no time, you’ll find yourself spinning on the spot in winter wonderland Bruges, marvelling at the twinkling lights, the ancient medieval buildings and the all-round Christmassy vibes.

Running from 25^th November – 31^st December 2019, jingle your way to the main event at Bruges’ Grote Markt. Set in the historic market square beneath the majestic belfry tower, in age-old Belgium this was once the site of medieval festivals, tournaments, uprisings and executions, although now you can expect the scent of gingerbread and honeyed nuts, the sounds of choirs and the sights of perfectly lit wooden chalets emanating Christmas cheer by the city’s fave ice-rink. How times have changed.

This is also the time of year for Bruges’ famous Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival, so keep your eyes out for some seriously ‘cool’ themed artworks as you browse the market stalls for unique Christmas gifts: baubles, decorations and of course traditional Belgian chocolate.

You could also pop to Bruges’ smaller but no less lovely Simon Stevinplein market, a tree-lined square of similarly Christmassy vibes and stalls, where there is even daily fresh flower arranging, and with so many chocolatiers and cosy cafés on route from Grote Markt, you may take that wee bit longer than expected. After all – samples are one of life’s little gifts that simply must be taken advantage of, especially when they are of the chocolate kind, and this is Belgium - land of the really good stuff.

A half hour drive from Bruges’ Christmassy town centre sits the little B&B of peaceful, stylish imaginings, Spoor.62. In the tiny countryside village of Moere just outside the little town of Gistel, Spoor.62 is a beautifully renovated station from the once famous Paris-Belgian Coast Pullman Express. Styled with Eames and Le Corbusier and with a garden (and views) to die for – you won’t want to continue your evocative Christmas journey any further. Crack open the Christmas tree, you’re here to stay. 

Editor’s Journal Edit

For more Christmas-themed goodies check out famed markets in Zurich and Vienna in our Travel Journal for a really merry old time. Check out our Ski Genre for those who like a Christmas on the slopes, and for more style dens of utmost subtle glam, check out our Culture Kids, where we can really see you spending many a happy Christmas day, should you wish.