Belgian Holiday Markets

As far north as Brussels, night falls early during this time of year—which means we have the good fortune to be able to catch the Christmas market light up for the evening. Our driver will drop you right off at the city center, where a guide will walk you to the market to explore on your own. The largest in Belgium, Brussels’ market has over 200 stalls. Perhaps you’d like to enjoy the city’s most famous sweet holiday-style, with a delicious cup of hot chocolate from one of the market’s many vendors.

On our way into the city center, we'll take you on a panoramic tour of the major sightseeing spots in Brussels, such as the Royal Residence, Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Pagoda. From there, we'll set out on foot to see the city up close—and taste some iconic Belgian chocolates along the way! At one of the chocolatiers, Neuhaus Chocolate, you’ll learn about the benefits of sustainable chocolate practices. Neuhaus uses beans harvested from their own cacao farm, which means they can ensure their chocolate is of both of a superior quality and produced by fair labor.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; and Global Goal 15: Life on Land.

Since cars are completely banned in Ghent’s historic center, it’s a particularly pedestrian-friendly area. Stroll with your guide from the Church of Saint James, with its two Romanesque towers, to the Friday Market square, which, as its name suggests, was the site of a huge market every Friday in the Middle Ages. You’ll pass the magnificent 15th-century Great Butchers’ Hall and the elegant medieval trading houses that line Graslei and Korenlei streets. Your last stop is the Belfort, the great bell tower that rises above the Old Town.

You’ll have time to explore Ghent’s winter festival, complete with well over a hundred Christmas market stalls following your tour. Breathe in the wintry smell of pine that distinguishes this town’s holiday festivities.

Please note: the Christmas market in Ghent will not be available on the November 25 and December 2 departures of this itinerary.

Walk through the UNESCO-designated city center of Bruges with a local guide to see why this lovely city is a popular favorite of visitors to Belgium. The town grew up around a fort built by the first Count of Flanders to defend against Viking invaders. By the 14th century, Bruges had become the center of the international cloth trade. Merchants and traders worldwide came to Bruges for Flemish cloth, and the town’s bounty of beautiful churches and mansions testify to its prosperity. It's even more wonderful in the wintertime, when the crowds of tourists have dwindled and locals decorate the city in festive fashion. Christmas trees, twinkling lights and the sweet scent of holiday treats fill the streets.

Your guide will bring the tour to a close at the wonderful Christmas market of Bruges, which you’ll have some free time to explore before returning to the ship.

Hasselt Winterland is truly something to behold, often boasting such attractions as an ice skating rink, a carousel, a small roller coaster and more. It’s not short on the classic holiday market staples either, with plenty of vendors selling seasonal food and drinks, Christmas decorations and other crafts. We’ll visit in the evening, when the whole affair is splendidly lit.

The only German Christmas market we’ll visit on this itinerary, Aachen's market has frequently been named among the best in Europe. The area surrounding the Aachen Cathedral turns into a bustling Christmas village every year, known foremost for its local take on gingerbread. Aachen Printen, as it is known, has many varieties, so make sure to try as much as you can during your time here!

Here’s your chance to experience something utterly unique: the underground Christmas market of Valkenburg. Cozy stalls and twinkling lights line the stone walls of this enchanting cave, where you can shop for classic holiday gifts and treats while escaping the weather. And if you venture outside, you’ll find even more Christmas spirit spreading out from the cave across the entire festively-decked town.

Once named the World Book Capital by UNESCO, Antwerp has a dedicated relationship with literature. The Nottebohm Room of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library illustrates this well. Walk in to see two open stories of wooden bookshelves, filled to the brim with leather bound volumes. A wrought metal balustrade bisects the two, giving librarians access to the incredible collection of rare items inside. Some particularly exciting members of this collection are accessible to you on the ground floor, including an iconic pair of globes by Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu.

Belgium is a beer lover’s dream, where a wide variety of brewing styles and tastes offers a seemingly endless selection of unique beers to explore for every palate. Get a crash course on some outstanding local brews today during a tasting in Antwerp.