During the most magical time of the
year, the cities of Brussels and Bruges, Belgium are transformed into winter
wonderlands with their Christmas markets. The Brussels market takes place in
the picturesque Grand-Place, surrounding the Bourse, the Place de la Monnaie,
the Place Sainte-Catherine and the Vismet. In Bruges, there is a market with
different attractions, which is set up in Market Square and Simon Stevinplein.
The Bruges also features snow and ice sculpture and dance festivals. Brussels
and Bruges are just an hour apart by train, so you can easily get to both galas
in one weekend. This year, it will be especially accessible for citizens of the
U.K. to travel to the markets. The DFDS Seaway has made a decision to offer
daily ferries from Newcastle to Amsterdam. From Amsterdam, people are
encouraged to go to the markets and experience the fantastic holiday
celebration.
The
Brussels Christmas market was established in 2000, and is more modern than many
of the other markets around Europe in places such as Berlin and Prague. Last
year at the Brussels market, there was a lot of controversy with the modern
Christmas tree, replacing the traditional one. Instead of having a normal
Christmas tree at the festival, there was a lit-up geometrical figure that was
made to look like a tree. After receiving many complaints in 2012, the art
piece will not be returning to the market this year. To keep the modern art
theme going however, this year there will be an innovative and interactive
lit-up iceberg through which attendees can walk. The iceberg lights up
different cool colors: blue, pink and purple, which reflect off of the snow and
make for a beautiful small light show. Similar to this is the Grand-Place light
show, which actually runs from the summertime through the winter. It is
especially exciting during the holiday season because there is sound to go
along with the lights. When I was just in Brussels in mid-November, the
lightshow occurred every night at 9 o’clock. It really was an amazing sight,
and also something that attracts a lot of people into the square. If you have
not yet been to Brussels, the Grand-Place is a beautiful attraction all year
round. I met both locals and tourists alike watching the lightshow on a
Saturday night. These modern aspects are only part of what makes the Brussels
market so special.
The
Christmas markets attracts people of all ages. There are around 250 chalets set
up throughout the city center. These chalets are wooden structures, built just
for the market to look like gingerbread houses. They sell souvenirs, chocolate,
Christmas ornaments and more. Their twinkling lights and white-capped roofs
will make you feel like you are at the North Pole. While I was in Brussels the
market was beginning to be set up and it already felt like Santa’s workshop. The
Brussels market is very child-friendly and aims to attract families with the
Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, slalom track and ice-skating rink. Just a quick
train away, another joyful festival is set up, in the sentimental city of
Bruges.
Bruges is
the perfect holiday getaway for a couple. By mid-November, all of the streets
are lit-up, ornament stores are open, and the big tree is placed in the Center
of Market Square. Bruges boasts to be a romantic city with beautiful, historic
places to kiss. While less family-friendly than the market in Brussels, it
appeals more to the young adult. Belgian florists prepare their most pristine
garland centerpieces, wreaths, baskets and bulbs. They will teach you how to
make these decorations and famous Belgian florists will present their latest
winter works for all the guests to see.
During your stay in Bruges, I
highly recommend buying decadent sweets from Pur Chocolat. It is just about a five-minute walk from the train
station towards the city center. Compared to many other chocolate shops (there
is one on every corner), it is inexpensive and tastes better than the pricey
places. When I asked the woman behind the counter what her favorite piece was
she pointed to them all and said that she had been trying to figure it out
since she was six years old. She is the daughter of the owner, and has worked
there her whole adult life. She grew up being the best taste-tester her father
has ever had. She nibbles on chocolate while helping customers, and will
eagerly tell you through broken English about the most popular chocolates
behind the glass. I suggest getting a box of café truffles, and a bag of
assorted candies of your choice. I can personally say that I had the best
chocolate I had ever tasted at this little shop in Bruges.
There is really no better way to immerse
yourself in celebration and get into the Christmas spirit than by attending the
festivities in Brussels and Bruges. Belgium offers something for people of all
ages and interests. There are options for the artsy type, the child-at-heart,
the romantic, and the foodie. The holidays are a time of indulgence and
appreciation meant to spent with the people that mean the most. So whether you
are looking to get away with your family, your girlfriends, a loved one or a
group of friends, Belgium is the place to go.
Picturesque Bruges in November
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