Lille Christmas Market
Lille
November 21-December 30
Lille’s Christmas Market is one of the largest in Northern France and being so conveniently reached by Eurostar, it has become very popular with the British.
The Place Rihour area in the heart of the city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with over 80 wooden chalets and stalls offering festive treats, dominated by the 50-metre high ferris wheel and 18-metre high Christmas tree.
Short breaks to Lille Christmas Market
Brussels
November 30-January 6
Set around the beautiful buildings of the Grand Palace in the heart of the city, Brussels' Christmas Market is often hailed as Europe's most original market, with 240 wooden chalets spread around the Bourse (Stock Exchange), Place Sainte Catherine and Fishmarket.
While traditional arts and crafts, jewellery and handmade tree decorations can be found in abundance, this is really the market for gourmets - think marzipan, gingerbread, waffles and, of course, plenty of Belgian chocolates.
Short breaks to Brussels Christmas Market
Bruges
November 23-January 1
There can be few settings more beautiful at Christmas than medieval Bruges, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, with horses and carts plodding by. The market is held in the spectacular Markt Square and forms a ring around an open-air ice rink.
Colourful lights illuminate festive stalls crammed with Christmas goodies, where shoppers can browse tables laden with elegantly-packaged chocolates, brightly-coloured sweets and unusual hand-made decorations. After a hard day's shopping, why not relax in a cosy bar with a local beer?
Short breaks to Bruges Christmas Market
Antwerp
December 8-31
Just like last year, Antwerp's Christmas market will be winding its way through the city and across several squares, forming a trail from Steenplein over Suikerrui to Grote Markt. Over 40 wooden chalets will be selling an array of crafts, decorations and gourmet treats.
Other attractions include a Christmas village and a 200-ft-long skating rink in the Marché aux Poissons Squar, whilst pavement artists, bands and a nostalgic merry-go-round will further add to the festive atmosphere.
Short breaks to Antwerp Christmas Market
Ghent
November 23-December 6
Ghent's Christmas market offers a delightful location from which to start your present shopping or just get yourself into the Christmas spirit. The Grote Markt and Sint-Baafsplein are magically converted into a festive village, transforming the square in front of the cathedral into a winter wonderland.
Around them, fifty wooden chalets are assembled and filled with Christmas goodies for you to enjoy, from delicious smelling candles and beautifully crafted decorations, to handmade greeting cards and unusual jewellery.
Short breaks to Ghent Christmas Market
Short breaks to Europe's Christmas Markets with AA Getaways
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