Belgium’s holiday markets transform the country into a festive winter wonderland of twinkling lights, quaint decorated shopping chalets, ice skating rinks, carriage rides and even Ferris wheel rides in the snow. Then there’s the iconic food options, from hot chocolate to mulled wine and, of course, waffles.
You are invited to take a curated Christmas market adventure with GetAway Travel, or we can craft you a holiday adventure of your own! The GetAway option is particularly attractive because it’s a river cruise which means no packing and unpacking. We are going to divide the blogs on our proposed destinations into two parts because there’s a lot to cover.
Some history and tips
Christmas markets in Europe actually began in the Middle Ages when local citizenry got together, with the blessing of local nobility, to stock up for the cold, lean winter months. They gradually evolved into events where baked goods and crafts were sold, then beverages, then some singing and dancing and then — Christmas markets. In the past only local tradespeople were permitted to sell at the markets so each market had a distinctive regional flare. Although that tradition has been eased up a bit, each market still does pride itself on catering to local tradespeople.
Some of the vendors take credit cards, most do not so bring Euros. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Although you can’t beat the evening atmosphere, it is a bit less crowded in late afternoon to dusk. Remember, the markets open later in the day so you’ve got the morning and afternoon to enjoy other areas of interest in the city.
When you get a beverage, unless it is in a souvenir mug, you are paying a deposit on the cup. There are people who wander the crowds asking for your empty cups and that’s because they are returning them for the deposits. Typically, beverage prices and the deposit amount are listed on the vendor’s menu. Sometimes you also get a token and you must return the cup and the token to the vendor to get your deposit back, or some markets have central drop-off areas.
You, of course, can keep any cup or mug you get because after all, you paid for them. Some of them are decorated with the name of the city and date so they make nice souvenirs. It wouldn’t hurt to pack a sheet of bubble wrap or two in your suitcase if you think you are going to be keeping mugs.
Brussels, Ghent and Bruges
Brussels lays claim to being the largest holiday market in the country. Called Winter Wonders or WInterpret, the market has more than 200 chalets (vendors) as well as a giant Christmas tree, ice rink and a sound and light show at the Grand Palace.
Brussels Grand Place at Christmas
The market is in the heart of the city around the Grand Palace, the Beurs and Saint-Catherine Square. Around the Christmas tree is a nativity and stable scene.
In addition to the huge, festive Ferris wheel, there is also a nostalgic carousel
The Grand Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the town squares, ringed with ornate guild halls, are some of the most beautiful in Europe.
Grand Place, Brussels
The city goes all out for the winter season and it wraps itself in to a festive ball of cheer, chocolates and waffles. In addition to chocolates and waffles, you can also find vendors selling mussels, fries, meatballs, Flemish stew (slow simmered beef or pork with vegetables) shrimp croquettes and paling in het groen which is eel in green herb sauce.
Spanning the historic city center, the Ghent Christmas market has a roller rink. Rent some skates and give it a whirl. There’s usually about 150 vendors to visit and, of course, a Ferris wheel. The view from the top of the 145-foot high Ferris wheel is phenomenal. As an aside, the Ferris wheel is as tall as the Arc d’Triomphe.
Ghent
Thousands of twinkling lights with fairytale decorations are off the square highlighting the three medieval Gothic towers of St. Bravo Cathedral, Ghent Belfry and City Theater.
Gravensteen or Castle of Counts is nearby and it transforms into Winter Wonder Castle during the season of Christmas market. The castle functioned as a court facility, mint and even a cotton mill. Admire the amazing chandeliers, elegantly set dining tables and Christmas decorations. There’s a popular pop-up bar in the stables.
Gravensteen Castle
Vendors sell the tasty oliebollen, a dense yeasty doughnut ball stuffed with raisins, currants or chopped apples. They are served warm and doused in powdered sugar. Nibble on cheese or prawn croquettes, try gentse kop, meat from the head of a pig that is cooked, shredded and set in its natural gelatin. It is seasoned and served on a thick slice on bread. Stoverj is slow stewed beef or pork made with beer and mustard and thickened with bread. Vol-au-vent are small, round pastries filled with a savory mixture of fish or meat in a sauce. Gentse waterzooi is soup with many boiled ingredients and balletje are meatballs simmered in a rich gravy. You can also get churros, roasted chestnuts and there are a number of pop-up bars around the square with everything from champagne to juniper flavored gin.
Oliebollen
The iconic 272-foot Belfry Tower functions as the historic backdrop for the Bruges Christmas market.
Bruges at Christmas
Try tartiflette, a layered treat with potatoes and reblochon cheese, lardons and onions, the beer stew, waffles and, most definitely, try the chips. Bruges has the only potato chip museum in the world.
Tartiflette
If you don’t want to rent some skates and take a turn or two on the ice skating rink, take the Winterglow Walk. There are 10 amazing light installations set up on a walking route.
Bruges has so many canals it is referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Speaking of the ice skating rink, it is actually an artificial rink set up on a pontoon boat on one of the canals.
You can admire the market with a carriage ride around the square, or take a boat ride on the canals around the market.
We don’t know what the weather is like where you are now, but we know winter and shopping wouldn’t be so bad now… stay tuned for the more on our Christmas market getaway.
Lyon built its fortune on the silk trade. During the 16th century it was estimated that there were at least 180,000 looms in the city.
