The pretty little European city with two gorgeous Christmas markets

Those looking to make a late festive getaway could do a lot worse than visiting this charming European city, which boasts incredible Christmas markets and streets that look like they are straight out of a fairytale. Bruges, in Belgium's Flanders region, looks like a scene from a Christmas card with its gingerbread house-style buildings and picturesque cobbled streets.

It boasts two highly regarded Christmas markets that attract thousands every year, featuring stalls selling a wide range of goods, from sweet treats to arts and crafts, alongside a central ice rink that glistens against the backdrop of twinkling lights. The markets run from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, providing visitors with ample time to soak up the festive atmosphere. They even opens over Christmas Day and New Year's Day. One of the market can be found in Market Square and has a more traditional offering than the one in Simon Stevin Square, which puts the emphasis on arts and craft products. Of course, most visitors to Belgium will be looking to get their hands on the country's famous chocolate, and the capital of Flanders has plenty for those with a sweet tooth.

Not only is Bruges home to the Choco-Story chocolate museum, which tells visitors the history of the brown stuff, but it also has the Belgian Chocolate Workshop offering courses on making the perfect bars, hot chocolates and truffles, among other items.

Landmark lovers will find plenty to gaze upon in the city, including the towering Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Groeningemuseum, which houses a collection spanning six centuries of Flemish art.

Those who want to see the city without getting tired can take a relaxing boat ride around the city's canal, which showcases most of the city's historic architecture, including some sights that would not be visible on foot.

Shoppers will find plenty of independent traders across the city with something to suit all tastes from record shops to vintage clothing dealers.

The Bruges Beer Experience offers visitors the perfect way to end the day, by sampling a massive selection of booze and learning about the world of brewing.

Those wishing to sample Bruges for themselves can get a train there from London, catching the Eurostar to Brussels and getting on a local service to Bruges.