If you’re looking for a fun and festive Christmas market, then you’ll be delighted to know there’s one in Europe that’s been ranked one of the very best and it’s also very cheap to get to.
Brussels Christmas Market is one of Europe’s best
Nothing quite ignites the festive spirit like a stroll around a Christmas market. It’s the ideal place to enjoy some delicious food, sip on a warm cup of mulled wine, and gear up for the holiday season by shopping for some charming homemade gifts.
The UK knows how to put on a good Christmas market, but if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, Europe is teeming with incredible options. One such market has been hailed as one of the best by Eurostar, and it’s not your typical big-hitter like Berlin or Copenhagen.
In fact, it’s a bargain to get to, with return flights in December costing just £27.
Belgium’s capital, Brussels, might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering Christmas markets, but it hosts an very impressive one each year – and it sprawls across several different areas, offering plenty to see and do.
This year, the festivities kick off on 28 November and run right through until January 4, 2026, providing plenty of time to plan a quick trip for some festive family fun, reports the Express.
December is actually the cheapest month to fly there too, with return flights to Charleroi from Manchester and Newcastle starting at just £27, and from Edinburgh for £35, making it the perfect choice for a budget-friendly Christmassy getaway.
Known as the Winter Wonders event, this festive attraction spans two kilometres of delightful wooden chalets, rides and other attractions. Nestled in the heart of the city along the famous Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons, it’s a place where you can easily spend hours exploring.
The best way to take in the vastness of the Christmas markets is by hopping on the towering Ferris wheel which offers panoramic views of the entire scene, helping you decide your next stop.
You’ll find pop-up eateries and bars dishing out piping hot mulled wine and other warm beverages, traditional Christmas market food like bratwurst, and Belgian specialities such as chocolate-smothered waffles.
The largest part of the market is situated at Marché aux Poissons, where over 200 snow-topped, twinkling stalls sell Christmas decorations and festive goodies.
For a bit of culture, make your way to Place Sainte-Catherine and La Tour Noire, where you can enjoy food and crafts from Belgium, France, Germany, and Hungary, ideal for finding original gifts and distinctive stocking fillers for your loved ones back home.
If you’re after some excitement, there are two ice skating rinks, merry-go-rounds and even a curling track – so it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be short of activities during your visit to this winter wonderland.
