There’s nothing that gets you in the festive spirit quite like wandering round a Christmas market. It’s the perfect place to sample some delicious food, drink a warm cup of mulled wine, and prepare for the festivities by picking up some cute homemade gifts. 

The UK does Christmas markets pretty well, but if you’re looking to go slightly further afield, there are so many amazing ones across Europe. One of them was ranked one of the best by Eurostar, and it’s not one of the big hitters in Berlin or Copenhagen. In fact, it’s very cheap to get to, with £27 return flights in December. 

Brussels in Belgium might not initially come to mind when you think about Christmas markets, but it hosts a hugely impressive one every year – and it’s spread across a few different areas, so there’s so much to see and do. 

It kicks off on November 28 this year, running all the way until January 4 2026, giving you plenty of time to plan a quick trip for some festive family fun. 

December is actually the cheapest month to get there too, with return flights to Charleroi from Manchester and Newcastle starting at £27, and Edinburgh for £35, so it’s ideal if you want a Christmassy getaway on a budget. 

The Winter Wonders event, as it’s known, is made up of two kilometres of charming wooden chalets, rides and other fun attractions. It’s located along the famous Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons, so you’re right in the centre of town and can easily spend hours wandering around. 

The best way to see the expanse of the Christmas markets is to take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel which overlooks everything, and from there you can plan where you want to visit. 

You’ll find pop-up restaurants and bars serving steaming hot mulled wine and other hot drinks, traditional Christmas market foods like bratwurst, and Belgian delicacies like waffles dripping in chocolate. 

The biggest section of the market is at Marché aux Poissons, where more than 200 snow-roofed, illuminated stalls sell Christmas ornaments and festive treats. 

However, for a more a cultural touch, visit Place Sainte-Catherine and La Tour Noire, where you can enjoy food and crafts from Belgium, France, Germany, and Hungary, perfect for finding original presents and unique stocking fillers for your friends and family back at home. 

If you’re looking for a thrill, there are two ice skating rinks, as well as merry-go-rounds and even a curling track – so it’s unlikely that you’ll run out of things to do when visiting this winter wonderland.