If there is any time to visit Belgium, it is definitely during the Christmas Market season. There is nothing better than a long winter weekend exploring the Christmas Markets in Belgium and sipping mulled wine in enchanting storybook towns.

Brussels Market Square during a Christmas market in Belgium!

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Why a Christmas Market in Belgium?

My parents had previously visited Belgium in December and sang praises about the beautiful Christmas Markets. When I moved to Spain I knew that traveling to Belgium during this time of year was high on my list.

Brussels and Brugge are home to unique buildings, stunning city centers, and charming cobblestone streets.

These cities would be beautiful to explore any time of year. However, a light dusting of snow, twinkling lights, warm mulled wine, and the smell of roasting chestnuts add a little extra magic.

I’ve never felt the Christmas spirit quite as strong as I did here.

Travel to a Christmas Market in Belgium

There are two international airports in Brussels and it is also an easy train ride from other nearby cities such as Paris or Amsterdam.

Our flight flew from Madrid into Brussels Charleroi Airport but Departed from Brussels Zaventem for only about 30 euros.

If you have the choice to strictly fly through Brussels Zaventem, I highly recommend it. Zaventem is much closer and better connected to the city.

Once we landed at the Charleroi airport, the only option into the city was by bus, or taxi (a taxi would be quite expensive) since Charleroi is about 34 miles outside of the City. The bus has several stops throughout the city, but we chose to get off at Brussels – Midi Station.

Travel from Brussels to Brugges

A Christmas market trip to Belgium is not complete without a visit to idyllic Brugges.

From Brussels – Midi station we hopped on the next train to Brugge.

The train ride lasts about 1 hour and there are no assigned seats.

There is no need to book ahead! Simply show up, purchase a ticket, and hop on the next train.

Your ticket should be valid all day from Brussels to Brugge and any stops in between. That being said, if you wanted to get out and walk around Ghent, you should!

It is also good for a return trip on the same day. They call it a Happy Ticket and it will only cost you about 15 euros.

Accommodation for the Belgian Christmas Markets

Stop 1: Brugges Christmas Market

The Holiday spirit can be seen everywhere in Brugges. From the doors decorated in garland to the stalls selling gifts at a Christmas market in Belgium

We chose to spend the night in Brugges, unlike most visitors who opt for just a day trip.

Our stay at the St. Christopher’s Brugge Hostel was one of my favorites in all of Europe. Not only was it clean, perfectly located, and offered a great free breakfast, it had an attached Belgian Beer Bar.

The Bauhaus Bar carries many Belgian Beers and stays open later than most establishments in the sleepy town of Brugge.

A bonus is that for being a hostel guest, you get a significant discount on drinks and food at The Bauhaus. 

We had so much fun enjoying the music, Belgian beer, and our fellow travelers at St. Christopher’s Hostel. I am really glad that we spent the night here

Brugges, Belgium

Afternoon 1: Predikherenstraat Bridge

After all the planes and trains we didn’t check in to St. Christopher’s until late afternoon. We quickly dropped our bags and set out to explore the cobblestone streets of Bruges.

Predikherenstraat bridge, is a a picturesque stop on the way to the Brugges city center

Our walk began through the charming canals that earned Bruges the title of “Venice of the North.”

Many of the bridges along the way are perfect backdrops for stunning photos.

One of my favorite bridges is the Predikherenstraat Bridge. It is not crowded and the quaint buildings and canal-side restaurants are the definitions of charming.

Afternoon 1: Rozenhoedkaai

My favorite chocolate shells from a cute shop near Rozenhoedkaai!

As you near the city center of Bruges, you come across the most breathtaking corner of the City. It is called Rozenhoedkaai and it sits at the junction of several main canals.

From here you can see the Belfry of the city and the sweeping branches of the iconic weeping willow.

This is also a boat dock, so several canal cruises can be picked up in this area for only 8 euros!

Nearby are several cute shops that sell Belgium goodies, tasty beer, and CHOCOLATE!

If you are traveling to Belgium, you MUST indulge in their hand-crafted chocolate.

Just down the street, I found my favorite chocolates in the world! When I was a kid my dad would travel to France and Belgium for work, and would ALWAYS bring us home these chocolate seashells.

Finding these was one of the highlights of my trip to Belgium! I also found little chocolate beer bottles that were filled with Belgian beer!

Evening 1: Burg Square & Belfort Brugge

The Belfry of Brugges towers over the Christmas market in Brugges.

Nearby you will find Burg Square, which is lined with the grand, gothic, City hall museum, and the equally dazzling Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Fun Fact: The Basilica of the Holy Blood claims to protect a piece of cloth with the actual blood of Christ on it.

If you love religious artifacts, this would be a great destination for you.

During this time of year, the square is illuminated with twinkling Christmas lights!

Follow the wonderful smells of Markt Square. On the edge of the square sits the soaring Belfort Brugge.

This Medieval bell tower marks the Center of Brugge and is also said to have the most stunning views of the city. If you arrive before 6 pm (which we did not. so sad.) you can climb all 366 steps of the Belfry.

Evening 1: Markt Square

Step back in time with Horse-drawn carriages on the cobblestone streets. Enjoy the charming atmosphere!

Markt Square is surrounded by the 12th-century Belfry of Brugge and a string of many restaurants and shops in colorful and interestingly shaped facades.

The square is now a pedestrian-only zone with an exception only for horse-drawn carriages.

Cobblestone streets, unique buildings, and old-world charm create the perfect setting for a Christmas Market in Belgium!

Imagine snow falling softly, live Christmas music playing, all while enjoying a warm drink in the historic square.

What a perfect way to feel the Christmas spirit!

When can I visit a Christmas Market in Belgium?

While Markt square remains the heart of the city all year round, you can find the Christmas Markets there annually from mid-November through the first week of January.

Food at the Christmas Market in Brugges

The best Bratwurst come from a Christmas Market in Belgium. Prove me wrong!

I cannot begin to explain how amazing a Christmas Market in Belgium smells.

The aromas of buttery waffles, grilled bratwurst, and melting chocolate from the Market stalls radiate across the entire city.

Rather than sitting down at a restaurant in the city, we chose to eat at the market where every stall offered something special.

It is impossible to resist famous Belgian Frites, scalloped potatoes, fresh seafood, warm Belgian waffles, crepes, and bratwurst.

After heavy consideration, the freshly grilled bratwurst just seemed right. Between the seasonings, the toppings, and the sauces, it was hands down the best Bratwurst I’ve ever eaten.

Brugge Christmas Market: Drinks and Gifts

Let the Glühwein from a Christmas market in Belgium warm your cold hands and your insides. Let it fill you with the Christmas Spirit!

To wash it all down, nothing is better than a warm glass of spiced wine or Glühwein.

Glühwein is a Christmas market staple across Europe and nothing keeps the cold away quite like it.

If that isn’t your thing, you can enjoy some of the best hot chocolate in the world!

With your cozy warm beverage in hand, it is the perfect time to shop the handmade ornaments, trinkets, and gifts at the stalls.

My favorite part was the wide selection of scarves, hats, and gloves.

I wear the scarf I bought in Belgium all the time during the cold Michigan winter. It always makes me daydream of the magical holiday bubble in Belgium!

I’m not sure if it was the wine or the Christmas Spirit, but I could feel myself warming from the inside out! This Christmas Market in Brugge is small compared to others around Europe, but the quaint Markt square is an idyllic setting for a cozy Christmas Market.

Evening 1: Sint Gillis Quarter & Sint Anna Quarter

These are some of the charming canals that make Brugges such a wonderful backdrop for a Christmas Market in Belgium.

Sint Gillis and Sint Anna Quarters are the bordering neighborhoods to Markt Square.’

These are some of the most charming neighborhoods of Brugge. Their quiet, low-traffic streets, are perfect to escape from the bustle of the city center.

I enjoyed admiring the homes, with their stepped-gable roofs perched on the side of the canals.

Also in the Sint-Anna quarter is Sint-Annakerk, which uniquely fuses the Romanesque and Gothic styles to create an impressive church and Abbey.

Once you’ve finished exploring these tranquil streets, cross through Markt Square, and begin your walk to the famous Halve Maan Brewery.

Evening 1 : Bonifacius Bridge

The canals of Brugges are so romantic and picturesque.

On our way from Markt Square to Halve Maan, we walked along the main canal for as long as we could. We were rewarded with the picturesque bends in the canal, the stillness of the water, and the buildings emerging from it.

Of Brugge’s many bridges, its youngest is also it is most iconic.

The Bonifacius Bridge is a small pedestrian bridge that has the most scenic views of medieval buildings and the Gruuthuse Palace.

The bridge itself was only built in 1910, but the surrounding area is one of the oldest. There is also a legend surrounding the Bridge.

Legend states that you will marry the first person you see after crossing the bridge.

Night 1: Huisbrowerij De Halve Maan

All smiles at the Huisbrowerij De Halve Maan . Enjoy a locally brewed Belgian beer at the Brewery itself!

After a chilly walk throughout the snowy city, the perfect way to warm up is with a strong Belgian beer.

Belgium is recognized throughout the world for its rich beers.

The Brewing culture here was started and continued for a long time by Trappist Monks. The Trappist Monks still brew the strongest and best beers, but there are now upwards of 300 breweries across the country of Belgium that carry on the traditions.

Brugge has their own Brewery, Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan (Half Moon Brewery)

If you arrive before 4 pm you can tour the brewery and learn the secrets behind brewing world-class Belgian Beer.

However, if you arrive later, you can sample the beers in the Tap Room and enjoy your beers with a hearty meal at their restaurant.

It is important to note that Belgian Beers are much stronger than most other beers and is common for Belgian beers to have a much higher alcohol percentage than the rest of the world.

The beers from Halve Maan are no exception. Cheers!

Night 1: 2be Bar

Belgian Beer is a staple of the Culture. Be sure to try it while you are in Belgium!

We retraced our steps along the canal and were ready to warm up with another beer. At the Beer Wall, you can find the 2be Bar.

The 2be Bar had a cool atmosphere. It has a cozy pub feel to it and a massive selection of Belgium beers.

Each beer is served in a unique glass that is designed specifically for it, as is the practice in Belgium.

2be also has a beautiful terrace that overlooks the canals. We opted to stay indoors due to the cold weather, however, I feel that it would be perfect for any other time of year.

Night 1: Burg Square & The Bauhaus Bar

The Christmas Tree in Burg Square is truly remarkable. It makes this storybook town feel as if it is from a Christmas story.

Brugge begins to close up on the early side, so after the “last call,” we made our way back to the hostel.

Burg square, home to City Hall, was on the route home and I am so glad it was.

It is so beautifully decorated for the season and is a marvelous sight at night. Between the tree and the lights around the square, it belongs on the front of a holiday card!

We stopped for a while to admire the beauty of the square, then hustled to the hostel in an attempt to escape the cold.

Back at the hostel, The Bauhaus Bar was still open and still poppin’. It is one of the only bars in the city to stay open late, and for that reason, it was busy!

We grabbed our 2-for-1 beer (a perk of being a hostel guest) and enjoyed the company of the locals and other travelers. The perfect way to end a brisk December night in Brugge.

Morning 2: Minnewater Park

Tranquil mornings at Minnewater lake. Take in the romantic peaks and quiet energy of Brugges.

Breakfast is free to hostel guests if you book directly through the Hostel Website. St. Christopher’s always has a fantastic breakfast and the Brugge location was no exception.

After filling up and grabbing a little extra snack for later, we grabbed our bags and began walking towards the train station.

Minnewater Park is a tranquil green space in Brugge. It is the perfect place to take a morning walk, or sit and enjoy a coffee and pastry.

To feel refreshed, all you need is to breathe in the cool air by the still Minnewater lake, or as the locals know it, “The Lake of Love.”

Dedicated to a tragic couple from local legends, Minna and Stromberg, the park has become a popular place for lovers.

Legend also has it, that if you cross the bridge named for these star-crossed lovers with your own love, you will be rewarded with the gift of eternal love.

Train from Brugges to Brussels

From Minnewater Park, we walked the rest of the way to the Train station and caught the next departing train from Brugge to Brussels. (you can purchase tickets at the train station).

The train arrived at Brussel-Centraal station, by this time, we were hungry and ready to explore every side of Belgian Waffles

Brussels, Belgium

Afternoon 2: Lunch at Peck 47

The best Savory Waffle ever at Peck 47!

Peck 47, puts a savory spin on Belgian Waffles. I devoured “The Peck Special,” chorizo and cheese-filled waffle, topped with bacon, hollandaise sauce, and two poached eggs.

In my opinion, this is the perfect brunch food that is served all day long. It also has made my list of the “5 Best Foods in Europe

Full and happy, we continued our walk towards our hostel, all the while admiring the charming streets of Brussels.

Afternoon 2: Place Sainte- Catherine

This steampunk style Carousel is truly a work of art and it is so unique amongst the others of Europe.

In the square at Place Sainte-Catherine there was a small market set up, with several food vendors, and other local artists.

I was most impressed by this unique, steam-punk-style carousel. The animals and objects to ride on all had a very industrial esthetic. It was truly unlike any other carousel I have ever seen, a beautiful piece of art.

After a quick browse through the market, we continued across the Canal de Bruxelles into the Molenbeek neighborhood of the city. This is where our Hostel was located.

Accommodation in Brussels: Meininger Hotel

The canal through Brussels is beautiful and I love the pinwheels along the water!

Meininger Hotel is located in an old brewery warehouse, that has been converted into an industrial feeling Hotel.

Meininger Hotel is open to all ages, including families. You can also rent beds in a dorm hostel style. This is what we chose. It was very nice since their dorms are small. Our dorm only had 4 beds and a private bathroom.

Although the dorms were small, it was still one of the loudest accommodations that I have stayed in.

Mostly, because this is open to all ages and families we, unfortunately, had kids running up and down the hallway all night.

Meininger offers many amenities, including breakfast, a game room, and bike rentals. However, it does not have the same feeling of community that most hostels do.

I did love the location of Meininger. It is located right next to the canal in an artsy area of the city. The neighborhood is full of beautiful street art and art museums. Just next door to the Meininger is the Mima Museum, a modern visual arts museum.

Night 2: Christmas Market in Brussels, Belgium

La Bourse de Bruxelles is a beautiful backdrop for a Christmas market in Belgium. The pillars are truly impressive, especially when covered in Christmas lights.

Brussels Christmas market is set up in front of La Bourse de Bruxelles, the Brussels Stock exchange building, and spans most of the city center.

This Christmas Market in Brussels is much larger than the market in Brugge but is just as magical.

With the market being larger there are even more options and different types of goodies that you can fall in love with.

The hand-painted ornaments were my favorite items that I found. They are the perfect souvenir because, from that point on every time you put it on your tree, it is a happy reminder of the cozy Christmas markets in Belgium!

When is the Christmas market in Brussels?

Similar to any Christmas market in Belgium, the Brussels Christmas markets run from Mid-November through the first week of January.

Brussels Christmas Market: Food & Drink

Get your warm raclette baguette at a Christmas market in Belgium and let it change your life!

At the Brussels market, the melting chocolate, melting cheese, roasting almonds, and the warm spices from the Glühwein all mixed together for the most intoxicating smell.

In addition to the Christmas market staples like waffles, crepes, Belgian Frites, and Bratwurst. There are a few options that are more unique to Brussels, including the world-famous mussels.

My personal favorite, the raclette baguettes.

Raclette is the practice of heating a large wheel of cheese and scraping the melted parts into your dish.

It tends to be thought of as a high-end dish, but in Brussels, they make it the perfect Market food. The vendors allow you to pick a slice of meat to accompany the crunchy baguette and smothering of warm melty cheese.

Night 2: Christmas Lights

Brussels is one of my favorite places to admire the Christmas lights in the world!

From the center of the market, we branched off and followed the Christmas lights to find other gems throughout the city.

There is so much happening during this time of year. A few blocks away from the main market you can find ice skating rinks, a large Ferris wheel, and parties in an igloo.

 I absolutely loved walking around admiring all the lights and festivities that were going on around me.

Night 2: Galeries Royales Saint- Hubert

The decorations of the Galeries and the smell of warm chocolate really put you in the Christmas Spirit!

We followed the lights into the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

The Galeries were built here to rival those of Milan, it operate as a luxury shopping center, and were created to be a center of culture in the city.

In the past, they have hosted artist galleries, cafes, theaters, and luxury goods. While also serving as the meeting place for intellectuals in the city.

Currently, you can still find some luxury stores but mostly you can find chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.

During the holidays the galleries are immaculately decorated with radiate smells of warm chocolates and delicious sweets. It is worth the window shopping.

I had been advised by several locals that If I wanted Belgian chocolate to avoid buying it from the Galeries. It’s known to be overpriced and not the highest quality that Belgium has to offer.

For the best quality chocolate look to the more local chocolatiers.

Night 2: Light show in the Grand-Place

The Grand Palace during the Christmas Markets in Brussels is absolutely stunning. Especially the tree and nativity scenes!

Walk a short couple of blocks from the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Grand-Place of Brussels.

The main square of Brussels is illuminated at night. In the Center of the square, you can admire the monstrous Christmas tree.

Next to the tree, there is also a life-sized constructed Nativity scene that is beautiful.

That is not all this square has to offer.

Every hour, on the hour between 5 pm and 10 pm there is a spectacular light show. The show lasts about ten minutes and is a dramatic show of multicolored lights moving over the ornate City Hall and surrounding Guild buildings. It is a wonderful sight to see.

We were lucky enough to catch two shows in one night!

Night 2: Belgian Waffles in Grand Place

Oooey gooey chocolate covered Belgian Waffles are an absolute MUST while at a Christmas Market in Belgium.

Finally, the moment we have all been waiting for. Chocolatey, buttery, fluffy, and gooey Belgium Waffles, straight off the hot iron.

There were so many Waffle shops directly off the Grand-Place square that I genuinely cannot remember which one we ended up going to.

I ordered my fresh Belgian Waffle with chocolate and strawberries, while my friend ordered hers with bananas and chocolate. So Yummy!

You must try a waffle while in Belgium, especially one that is loaded with chocolate and all the goodies. There are no excuses! They even have some vegan waffle options if that is something that would typically hold you back.

Night 2: Late Night Snack at Poechenellekelder

Drink with the puppets at the Poechenellekelder. It will be a dining experience you will never forget!

One of the best things about Brussels is that it is full of charming cozy pubs, that ALWAYS have a selection of GREAT beers.

Poechenellekelder is one of these cozy pubs. It is eclectic, with the highlight decor items being old puppets.

I enjoyed a warm bowl of the Soup Du Jour, with my hearty Belgian beer. This effectively warmed me up after a day out in the cold.

The restaurant is located next to Mannekin Pis (The peeing boy statue) so it is a very convenient stop if you are seeing the sights.

From here we made our way through the decorated streets and back to the Hostel.

Morning 3: Grand-Place

We started the morning with a quick breakfast at the hotel, then walked to Grand Place to catch the Sandeman’s Free Walking Tour.

The gold ornate details around the grand palace are what make this place special! To imagine these are not government buildings but belong to the Unions!

The tour began in the Grand-place where we learned about many of the important historical figures and events that shaped Brussels and the Grand-Place square.

The next stop was the most underwhelming tourist attraction of all time. Manneken Pis. The TINY statue of the tiny peeing boy.

In the first half of the tour they also take you to The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and La Bourse de Bruxelles. I felt that the tour became more interesting as the guide began to unravel the many layers of the city.

Morning 3: Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal palace of Brussels is essentially built on blood money from the "colonization" of the Congo. See its grandeur and learn its horrific history.

One of the last stops on the tour was the Royal Palace of Brussels. The palace is massive, and a sight to be seen.

What I found the most interesting is the controversial history behind it.

Many people notice Belgium, the capital of the EU, and recognize its beautiful palaces, buildings, and riches.

For Belgium, like many countries in Europe, the riches stem from a dark history of colonization.

The former monarch, King Leopold II personally “colonized” the Congo. He enslaved and abused the native people, with the purpose of harvesting rubber from the rainforests.

The Congo was under Leopold’s control from 1890 to 1908, during this time he committed numerous atrocities including holding women hostage and cutting off limbs of workers who did not meet their monthly quotas of rubber harvesting.

Due to these horrendous practices, the native population of the Congo decreased by 50%.

Afternoon 3: Royal Museum of Fine Arts

The royal museum has a spectacular view of the city of Brussels as well as an amazing collection. Come for the art or the views. Either way you will not regret it!

The tour leaves you on the steps of the Royal Museum of Fine arts, looking out on the city.

If you are interested in seeing art from old masters like Rembrandt or the largest collection of surrealist artists, you can experience this here.

I personally took some time surrounded by lavish buildings that were all built with money stolen from the Congo.

Of the many tours I have taken in Europe, this was the first to dive into the atrocities of colonization. It not only highlighted the beautiful city that stood before us but also the suffering that built it.

This tour and this guide dramatically impacted me as a traveler and allowed me to reevaluate what kind of traveler I want to be.

One that can appreciate the beauty on the surface, but also learns and gains valuable perspective along the way.

Afternoon 3: Mont des Arts

The Mont des Arts clock is my favorite clock in the world. It's chimes are beautiful and the detail is exceptional!

Mont des Arts is a central garden with a stunning view of the city.

The Mont des Arts are surrounded by The Royal Library of Belgium, The National Archives of Belgium, and other influential art museums.

My favorite part about the square is the Klokkenspel van de Kunstberg which is more commonly known as the Carillon du Mont des Arts.

While in Mont des Artes when we noticed chiming from this striking starburst-faced clock.

As the chimes continued, we noticed the perfectly choreographed figures within the clock dancing to a Flemish folk song.

After researching the clock more, I learned that it was designed in 1964 by a Belgian Architect. The twelve figures in the clock each represent an influential person from Belgian history and are placed in chronological order around the face.

Carillon du Mont des Arts are not typically listed as a top sight to see, but I believe that should be.

Afternoon 3: Sablon Neighborhood

The city is beautifully decorated with ivy, twinkling lights and glitter all for the Christmas season.

Sablon is the neighborhood near Mont des Arts. Many locals recommended going to Sablon and checking out many of the upscale bars and shops.

Sablon became the heart of the upper class of Belgium in the 1700s and maintained this status until the early 1900s.

After a brief stint, the upper-class returned to the Sablon neighborhood in the 1960s.

I would highly recommend taking some time and walking through this lovely area and exploring some of the antique shops and chocolatiers.

Some highlights of this neighborhood include: the charming Petit Sablon garden, the gothic Notre-Dam du Sablon Church, and the book market on Saturdays and Sundays

After this, we were hoping to check out the European Union Headquarters and the European Parliament.

However, at the time we were visiting there were intense protests regarding immigration policy. We decided it was safer for us to avoid that area.

Brussels as the capital of the European Union is a very political city, and there are FREQUENT PROTESTS.

Before you go to the area of the EU headquarters, I would recommend checking the news first.

With the political status of the city, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings no matter what area you are in.

Afternoon 3: Lunch at Ballekes

Hearty Belgian Meatballs with rich sauces and classic Belgian Frites

Belgium is well known for its hearty dishes, and one of its most famous is its meatballs.

We ventured back towards the Grand-Place area and found a well-reviewed Meatball restaurant, BALLEKES.

At BALLEKES you are promised authentic Belgian meatballs, which I did not originally realize were so large.

You can choose from 3 different protein options for your balls, a Pork/beef combination, Chicken, or Vegan. Then you can choose from 6 different sauces to top the Meatballs.

With so many great options it is extremely difficult to choose. I believe that you cannot go wrong with any option.

They also offer meal options, 1 meatball, 1 sauce, 1 side, and a BALLEKES beer is only 12.50 euros and would be more than filling!

Evening 3: Christmas Market

Chestnuts and Almonds roasting on an open fire at a Christmas Market in Belgium. You can almost see the aromas in the cold air.

We had a couple of hours before the Belgian Beer tour we had scheduled earlier that day. We decided to take another look around the shops near the Grand-Place and return for a walk through the main Christmas Market.

After days of being teased by the divine smells of roasting almonds, we finally caved and bought a bag.

While we were munching on our almonds and shopping we noticed more of a police presence than we had the day prior. I assumed It had to do with the protests near the EU headquarters.

All of a sudden the atmosphere completely changed, EVERYONE in the square began running. In all directions, with no warning.

We saw police, now in riot gear chasing and arresting people. We had NO idea what was going on and ducked into a nearby church with other patrons of the Market.

In a state of shock and fear, we waited in the church until we heard things calm down outside. Once the coast was clear we made our way out of the city center and to the starting point of the beer tour.

The scariest part of this experience was not knowing what was happening. Later after looking in the news, we saw that some protesters turned violent and ran trying to escape arrest into the city center.

Luckily, it was nothing more serious.

Evening 3: Belgian Beer Tour

Chimay is a classic Trappist Belgian beer, and is one of the beer names that made Belgian Beer famous! If you are at a Christmas market in Belgium you must try this rich beer!

Belgium is notorious for its robust beers, and its unique start in the brewing world. The culture behind Belgian Beer is fascinating, and we were eager to learn more about it.

We scheduled our tour through Sandeman’s New Europe (we were able to sign up during the break of our Free walking tour).

Their Brussels Beer Tasting Tour includes 1 Trappist beer, and several samples, as you are guided to quirky local bars that you would likely otherwise overlook.

I learned so much about the origins of Belgian beer. The reasoning behind the distinctive shapes of the glass, and the different types of Belgian beer. All while sipping on some of Belgium’s finest.

The tour we went on was quite small, and we really got to know the other people at our party. It also ends at a bar adjacent to the world-famous Delirium Cafe.

Instead of indulging in the over 2004 beers, they have to offer, we opted to go to an authentic Belgian restaurant with our guide and other guests on the beer tour.

It was an awesome inside look into the local favorites of Brussels.

Night 3: Traditional Belgian Dinner

A Local Belgian beer with a traditional meal to warm up after visiting a Christmas market in Brussels

Our guide took us to what he believes to be the best Belgian restaurant in the city 9 et Voisins.

It was a unique and cozy space, with the food to match. Belgian food is hearty and perfect for warming up after a cold winter walk.

If you are looking for a good Belgian meal, at a good price, this is your spot!

I enjoyed the atmosphere, and getting to know our new friends from around the world!

Night 3: Admire the Christmas Lights

From dinner, we walked back to our hostel and called it a night. Our flight departed early the next morning, and we got off the plane just in time for work on Monday Morning.

Should I Visit A Christmas Market in Belgium?

My time and experiences in Brussels reinforced to me the importance of awareness while traveling. In large cities especially political ones, you need to be doubly aware of your surroundings.

It is imperative to know what is happening around the whole city, not just where you are. Make sure to check the local news and avoid places that will put your safety at risk!

Belgium taught me a great deal about traveling, and whenever I think about the Christmas Markets my memories have a warm golden glow around them. It is an absolute must-have holiday experience!

Where to next?

Other countries that are famous for their Christmas markets are Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany. If you choose to explore these countries, definitely check out my Itineraries!

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