Christmas Markets in Brussels, with Railbookers

Europe is brimming with Christmas markets and it is not too late to get your fair share of festive fun. The only thing that may be stopping you is that it’s that time of year when holiday allowances are running dry and time is short. But this need not be a problem, Brussels and all its yuletide splendor is a relaxed two hour train ride away, making it a great option for a weekend break. The city center is small enough to feel conquerable in two days and since you can walk everywhere, you come away feeling rather refreshed. Book through Railbookers and they’ll sort you out with the best train times and a central hotel, to optimize the time you have available.

>> To see more details of this trip and information about how to book with Railbookers go to Brussels Christmas Market. 

Bright lights, mulled wine and festive fun in Brussels. Photo: Holly Tuppen

Plaisirs d’Hiver/ Winter Pret
It wasn't until I picked up the scent of l’escargots stewing in garlic after walking past a bratwurst stand that I fully appreciated Brussels' unique quality when it comes to Christmas markets. Whilst in many walks of life I imagine the mixed French, Dutch and German influences cause a slight identity crisis, when it comes to stalls selling food and drink, it is a huge advantage. The food at the Christmas market here is very varied and, since the city is renowned for its fine food, it is high quality too. Head to where the locals are tucking in for the best value and tastiest options.

Fun for all the family. Photo: Holly TuppenThe Brussels Christmas Market runs until the 1^st January, coming alive in the evenings when lights twinkle and everyone bundles along together, keeping warm with outdoor heaters and general merriment. Arts and crafts, food, drink and lights unsurprisingly play a large part of the Market. Slightly stuck out of the way but worth a look is the ‘micromarket’ on Quai a la Houille, which showcases work by recent art graduates. The 2km long ‘light trail’ is also worth a wander, since it takes you through some of the best bits of the city past good pubs and cobbled streets littered with market stalls.

There are also some other more unusual features. The city is installing a 150m ski slope right next to the central station for the first time, a 40m long ‘ice dinosaur’ promises to gobble up kids as they walk by, the ice rink hosts plays and musicals at weekends and there’s even a toboggan run. If you have kids then the great news is that Brussels is doing its best to entertain them, if you don’t then you get to ignore it all and stick to the far more civilized food and drink.

Cobbled streets and grand shopping arcades. Photo: Holly TuppenUnsurprisingly there is a very global feel to the Brussels Christmas market. Every year a guest country is welcomed to take over the market are in the Pl. Ste. Catherine. This year Greece are offering kebabs, olives, feta, ouzo and shots of Metaxa in an area so crammed with outdoor heaters, it is as if they are trying to provide the associated sun too. Just across the street is an excellent little outdoor Tapas bar, serving grilled calamari and other seafood delights with wine, sherry and bread. A short walk back towards Grand Place will take you through China town, where quick service noodle bars sit side by side with high-end Vietnamese restaurants. Further still and sushi bars occupy a cobbled side street, peppered with rowdy bars, karaoke joints and casinos. 

Special events & tips
The following events are worth catching if you can:

• Every Saturday until the 1^st January the Rendez-vous Electrabel puts on a creative and gravity-defying show in Grand Place.
• On the 3^rd December Saint Nicholas Parade takes place through Grand Place.
• On the 4^th December at 17:00 and 20:30 seven ice skaters tell the story of migrating birds through dance on the main ice ring.
• On the 22^nd December at 17:00 Grand Place will be filled with choral music from Choir Les Partoureaux.

Look out for the 'Magic Booklet' stand, which will save you some money if you plan to take part in most of the activities on offer. For 15 Euros you get a whole host of special offers including free skating and skate hire, free ride on the big wheel and free sledging as well as discounted meals and souvenirs.

The pretty square next to Marche-aux-herbes. Photo: Holly TuppenAccommodation
If you book through Railbookers they will find a hotel to match your budget and ensure you are close to everything you want to see and do. Several hotels and B&Bs in Brussels have recently been given the Green Key label, which means they have shown commitment to sustainability. For a comfortable stay close to the Central Station and Grand Place head to the Novotel on Marche-aux-Herbes Grasmarkt, a pleasant square close to good bars and restaurants. For a good value option right in the thick of the Christmas Market action the Welcome Hotel is a good bet.

Travel
Brussels is incredibly easy from London by train. The Eurostar goes direct, via Lille, and takes approximately 2 hours. For more information see our Plan your journey to Brussels by train section.

Why book with Railbookers?
Very simply put, Railbookers make the whole process of booking a holiday by train easy and efficient. It is a customer care based service, which means that you will plan and book your holiday with expert travel consultants over the phone. As well as organizing train tickets and hotels, Railbookers are also able to provide advice about tours and events in the destination or other arrangements that you might like to book before you leave. For a list of all our Railbooker holidays see Railbookers holidays throughout Europe. 

For further information about visiting Brussels and Ghent contact Tourism Flanders-Brussels on 0207 307 7738 (Live Operator Line, Mon – Fri) or visit www.visitflanders.co.uk for more details.

Dramatic light shows fill grand squares. Photo: Holly Tuppen