Christmas in Brussels

If there was ever one city that looked so magical at Christmas you’d expect to see elves strolling down cobbled lanes and goblins spilling out of toasty pubs, then Brussels is it. Ranging from Gothic cathedrals and the glorious classical façades of the Royal Palace, to art nouveau and art deco houses, Brussels is one of those rare places where even a flowerpot demands closer inspection.

You can imagine the effect during Christmas, when these majestic old buildings are cloaked in snow and millions of little lights cast spellbinding reflections off stained glass-windows. Add the sight of horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping along the narrow lanes and you’re suddenly back in prosperous medieval Europe, and, during Christmas, there’s no finer place to be.

As well as Brussels, this festive break also includes an optional visit to the Christmas Markets at awesome World Heritage site of Bruges, a picture-postcard city of winding canals, atmospheric churches and historic squares. Definitely not for children is the beer that is specially brewed for Christmas, like the Amber-red Bush de Noel with hints of raisins and fruits, and the dark red Gluhkrick, which tastes of cherries and cloves and is served piping hot. You could perhaps consider purchasing some of those little tins of the finest Belgian handmade chocolate for friends and family back home.

This optional excursion of fine festive fare continues to the coastal town of Ostend, where you can take advantage of the terrific shopping opportunities, the splendid decorations, the extraordinary sights, the spicy aroma of warming mulled wines and the taste of those sumptuous, fresh and creamy Belgian chocolates. A gem of a holiday!

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Christmas in Brussels

Tour Code XIB