The most beautiful Christmas markets in Belgium
In Belgium, quite close to home, there are some special Christmas markets to be found. The Belgian Christmas markets are especially Burgundian, but they also have a pleasant atmosphere due to the baroque and at the same time fairytale-like appearance of the cities. The largest Christmas markets in Belgium can be found in Brussels and Antwerp. In Liège, you will find the largest Christmas village in Belgium, while Hasselt stands out as the “residence” of Santa Claus. Leuven and Ghent also have charming Christmas markets.
Christmas market in Brussels
The Christmas market in Brussels consists of one long row of more than 220 stalls, from the Grand Place to the Quai aux Briques. Many activities take place on the various squares, such as the Grand Place, the Place Sainte-Catherine, and the Fish Market.
In the stalls, mainly Belgian delicacies are sold, such as the real Brussels waffles. In addition, you will find a wide variety of trinkets. Above the large Christmas market, you can see the enormous Ferris wheel decorated with hundreds of lights. True winter enthusiasts can put on their skates at the ice rink. The Christmas market in Brussels is open daily until January 1, 2014, from 11:00 to 21:00. On December 24 and 31, 2013, it closes at 18:00, and on December 25 and January 1, it opens at 14:00.
Christmas market in Antwerp
The Christmas market in Antwerp is highly recommended due to the many music performances, the special Christmas lighting, and the large nativity scene. The well-known “ice rink” is also present in the atmospheric city center.
On the Steenplein, the Suikerrui, the Grote Markt, the Handschoenmarkt, and the Groenplaats, you will find a large number of market stalls where all kinds of nice Christmas gifts are sold, and especially many delicious warm and cold treats can be bought. The Christmas market in Antwerp is open until December 31, 2013. From Monday to Thursday, the opening hours are from 12:00 to 21:00, on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 23:00, and on Sunday from 11:00 to 21:00. The Christmas market is also open on December 25 and 26 from 12:00 to 21:00.
Christmas market in Liège
During the Christmas market, Liège is transformed into the largest and also the oldest Christmas village in Belgium. It is a real village with a village council, various streets, and many chalets. It has its own inhabitants and even a mayor, who is responsible for all activities. The Christmas market in Liège attracts more than one and a half million visitors annually.
The Christmas village can be found on Place Saint Lambert, with an extension to Place du Marché. There is also a sledding hill, as well as a beautifully lit Ferris wheel. There is also a large ice rink. In the more than 200 wooden chalets, you can find many Christmas gifts, including artisanal typical Walloon and French items, but also treats such as marzipan, sausage, mulled wine, special Christmas beer, chocolate, and gingerbread. The Christmas market in Liège is open daily until January 1, 2014, from 11:00 to 21:00. For a cozy and atmospheric Christmas market, you can certainly visit Belgium, close to home!
