Brussels Christmas Market Guide
The Christmas markets in Brussels attract 2.5 million visitors each year. They start at Grand Place and meander for over a mile, the whole area merging into one giant celebration.
With 50 countries across the regions of Europe, opportunities to explore feel almost endless.
For history buffs, there are battlegrounds, monuments, and museums. For cultural explorers, there are castles, markets, and immersive experiences. For foodies, there are Michelin-starred restaurants, cooking classes, and food markets. For outdoor and nature enthusiasts, there are mountains, parks, and fjords to explore.
Europe has it all. And we love it all.
From the food markets of Provence to the wineries of Tuscany, Europe is delicious. From Ireland’s green rolling hills to the pristine beaches of Albania, it is beautiful. From the couture capital of Paris to the hot springs of Budapest, Europe is a cultural playground.
There are several countries that we can’t seem to stay away from on our travels. We have written extensively about:
Some of our favorite articles about things to do in Europe come from destinations we’ve visited several times. They include:
The Christmas markets in Brussels attract 2.5 million visitors each year. They start at Grand Place and meander for over a mile, the whole area merging into one giant celebration.
Brightly-colored vegetables spill forth from the stands. The aroma of roasted chicken drifts through the air while locals arrive for their daily baguettes. The ambiance at weekly markets – particularly at a Provence market – is addicting.
Millions of gleaming lights, hundreds of vendors, and numerous city squares decorated with distinctive themes make the Cologne Christmas market one of the best markets in Europe.
Italy conjures up images of homemade pasta and fresh mozzarella. When I think of France, it’s wine, butter, and the flavors of Provence in summer. But what is Baltic food?
One of the interesting things about Italy is that each region has its own cuisine. While there are some commonalities, there are significant differences in what’s traditional and readily available on menus in different areas.
Markets don’t get more unique than Valkenburg Christmas market in the Netherlands. Primarily set within two historic caves, this popular holiday attraction draws visitors from all over.
Tirana, Albania isn’t at the top of most travelers’ lists. Even in Europe, it has a rather checkered reputation. But we found the Albanian capital city to be a fun and lively place.
Provence has something for just about everyone.
the visit to the Nuremberg Christmas market was a charming and romantic experience–where tourists and locals commune together in the cold and embrace the season. To put it simply, Nuremberg’s Christmas markets are absolutely enchanting.
The history of the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, goes all the way back to the 12th century, so they’ve had a lot of time to perfect things to this degree…and it shows.