Arrival at Brussels Airport and transfer to the hotel. The Belgian capital welcomes you with its spectacular Plaisirs d’Hiver market, which stretches from the Grand Place to the Place Sainte-Catherine. Among more than 200 stalls, you’ll find handcrafted decorations, unique gifts, and local delicacies such as waffles, speculoos, and mulled wine.
In the evening, enjoy the light and music show that illuminates the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After breakfast, depart by train for Antwerp (45 min). The city of Rubens dazzles with its creative atmosphere and its large Christmas market, set up in front of the cathedral and along the Scheldt River. Its wooden stalls offer jewelry, chocolates, and locally designed items, while the large Ferris wheel offers a panoramic view of the historic district.
Enjoy some free time to visit the Rubenshuis Museum or relax in one of the city’s cozy beer halls before returning to Brussels.
In the morning, take a trip to Leuven, a university gem just a 30-minute train ride away. On its Grote Markt, the Christmas market is set up in front of the splendid Gothic City Hall, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Amid the lights and Christmas carols, discover products made by students and local artisans, and savor a Stella Artois beer, which originated in this city.
Return to Brussels at sunset to enjoy one last night in the capital.
After breakfast, take the train to Ghent (approx. 40 min). Check in at the hotel and get a first taste of its charming atmosphere. The Ghent Christmas market takes place at Sint-Baafsplein, Korenmarkt, and Vrijdagmarkt, with the Castle of the Counts of Flanders serving as a fairytale backdrop.
In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll across St. Michael’s Bridge, where the lights reflecting off the water create an unforgettable scene.
Excursion to Bruges, the most romantic city in Flanders. Its squares are filled with stalls, music, and the scents of Christmas: the main market in the Market Square (Markt) and the one at Simon Stevinplein are perfect for sampling artisanal chocolates, waffles, or the classic mulled wine.
Free afternoon to explore the canals, visit the Lake of Love, or enjoy a hot chocolate at one of the charming cafés in the city center. Return to Ghent at dusk.
Breakfast and, if time allows, one last stroll through Ghent before returning to Brussels for the flight home. The sights, flavors, and welcoming atmosphere of Flanders will stay with you long after the trip is over.
