There’s nothing quite like visiting a Christmas market to get that festive feeling as the countdown to the big day begins. With just four weeks to go until Christmas, fitting everything in can feel difficult. But thanks to cross-Channel ferry operator DFDS, festive shoppers can take in all of Belgium’s best Christmas Markets in a short weekend break.

Bruges
Whatever the weather, Bruges is a city unrivalled in its beauty, so it’s no surprise that at Christmas it becomes even more magical as the Winter Glow festival begins. From 25 November the streets and squares of Bruges are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, including more than 500 Christmas trees. Stalls and chalets pop up in the two Christmas markets where you can pick up some handmade gifts and regional treats to enjoy as you take in the festive atmosphere.

Explore the city in style by horse-drawn carriage or by boat along the canals, passing the beautiful old buildings that are lit up like gingerbread houses. Get your skates on and hit the ice rink on the Minnewater, saddle up on the vintage carousel, then warm yourself up with some gluhwein at the Vorst Winter Bar.

On 18 December locals take part in the traditional Christmas dive from the Carmelite Bridge into the icy waters of the canal, many dressed as Father Christmas, which is one of the most popular events during the festival and attracts hundreds of spectators. For those who want to stay warm and dry, the Christmas Star Parade re-enacts the Nativity, with more than 100 actors, an orchestra, and some live sheep.

Don’t miss: Since 2019 Bruges has had a light experience trail featuring installations in various iconic places throughout Bruges, bringing the city’s past to life and looking forward to its future. The installations can be found in the city’s parks, squares, and open spaces, reflecting the beautiful natural and architectural sights of Bruges.

Where to stay:

Great for families: Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges

Perfect for couples: Hotel de Orangeries, Bruges

Ghent
Ghent’s Christmas market is more compact and less touristy than Bruges or Brussels, but rest assured it is no less magical. 150 stalls line the winding streets and majestic squares of Ghent’s old town, selling gifts, artisan crafts and the usual Christmas fare. Make sure you pick up some of the famous Ghent pralines and kroakemandels (fried and salted peas) that are specialities of the region, and don’t forget to try some Sneeuwballen with your gluhwein!

You certainly shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to take in Ghent’s stunning architecture. Start at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (and visit the magnificent Ghent Altarpiece while you’re there) and work your way along the old streets and past the beautiful buildings as you follow the path of the market. Look out for the fiery dragons that are dotted around, representing the city’s mascot.

Don’t miss: Ghent’s moated castle, the Gravensteen, is transformed into the Winter Wonderland Castle from 10 December. The imposing structure sits high above the city, and you can climb the shadowy spiral staircases to the top of the castle walls and look out over the sparkling lights of the city centre. Walk through hundreds of years of history as you explore the illuminated castle at night and enjoy the haunting atmosphere of this centuries-old fortress.

Where to stay:

Great for families: Novotel Gent Centrum

Perfect for couples: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel, Ghent

Brussels
Brussels is a key stop on any Christmas market tour and as one of Europe’s largest it’s easy to see why. The Winter Wonders event takes place from 25 November until 1 January and is a truly packed celebration.

More than 200 chalets stretch along 3km of the city centre, selling all manner of gifts, decorations, and handmade crafts. Visit the apres-ski village for a game of curling and enjoy some of the delicious local and regional food and drink on offer as you sit in one of the covered terraces while watching the hustle and bustle of the market. There is a Ferris wheel, carousels, and an ice rink in the Grand Place, which also contains a huge Christmas tree and a breath-taking sound and light show projected onto the buildings around the square for an immersive 360-degree show.

For something a little bit different, the Plaisirs d’Hiver events feature a range of unique activities to get involved in and enjoy, including giant musical swings and a secret garden.

Don’t miss: From 2 December to 8 January the Bois de la Cambre becomes the Wonder Woods, where you can explore the park by foot or by pedal car and see the light decorations, art installations and performances, as well as enjoy the music, food and ice skating.

Where to stay:

Great for families: Hygge Hotel, Brussels

Perfect for couples: The Hotel Brussels, Brussels

Liege
Liege is known as the European Capital of Christmas, and it certainly lives up to the name. As the largest and oldest Christmas village in Belgium, there is so much to do at this Christmas market that you’ll be spoiled for choice. 1.5 million visitors from all over Europe descend on Liege for the duration of the Christmas village, which features more than 150 chalets and 300 artisans selling food, gifts, and handcrafted products.

The village is steeped in tradition, combining the proud heritage of Liege with the magic of Christmas. The Christmas Village Council keeps these traditions going, and puts on many activities for visitors to get involved in. Festive favourites like the toboggan run and Ferris wheel and performances from DJs and live music artists take place for the duration of the Christmas village.

Don’t miss: The ice rink has been an integral part of the village since 1999 and more than 20,000 skaters enjoy it every year. It has its own opening festival at the same time as the opening of the Christmas village and is a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike.

Where to stay:

Great for families: Mercure Liege City Centre, Liege

Perfect for couples: pentahotel Liege, Liege

Explore these winter wonders on a short break to France with DFDS. Prices on the Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk routes start from £39 for a car and up to four people. For more information or to book visit www.dfds.com.

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For further press information, please contact:

Michelle Ulyatt / Adam Toombs / Karen Bayfield
Roch PR Ltd
T: +44 1304 807744
E: dfdsteam@rochpr.com 

About DFDS:

DFDS provides ferry and transport services in and around Europe, generating annual revenues of EUR 2.3 bn.

To over 10,000 freight customers we deliver high performance and superior reliability through ferry & port terminal services, and transport and logistics solutions. DFDS delivers high reliability to more than 10,000 freight customers through ferry and port terminal services and transport and logistics solutions.

For more than five million passengers, it provides safe overnight and short sea ferry services.

Our 8,000 employees are located on ships and in in offices across 20 countries. DFDS was founded in 1866, is headquartered in Copenhagen, and listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen.

In the UK, DFDS operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.

DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for eleven years running (2012-2022), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last eleven years (2011-21).

DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and Calais and Dunkirk.  DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the UK network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven and Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is owned by Transmanche Ferries.

For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, visit www.dfds.com.