Christmas Markets are basically the holly grail of winter wonderlands in Europe! Belgium, although small, boasts some notable markets throughout the country. Both the Plaisirs d'Hiver in Brussels and the Kerstmarkt in Antwerp were on my list this year.
I made my way to Brussels one evening last week to enjoy the crisp, holiday filled air. The main christmas market in Brussels is a bit farther north than the city center, where the square is lined with stalls offering all sorts of treats, including candied nuts, chocolates, gluhwein (hot, spiced red wine), belgian sausages, crepes and much more. Jenever is a holiday speciality in Belgium, which is a liquor offered in all sorts of flavors (think cactus, apple, chocolate, amaretto... the list goes on and gets progressively more... interesting) that is served as shots offered up on long wooden paddles. For the perfect night cap, make your way over to the ice skating rink situated in front of the beautiful opera house. Its the best place to burn off some of the holiday indulgences!
Antwerp kicked off its festivities on December 5th, with its markets located in the center of the city, near the cathedral and the Groenplaats. Antwerp offers a less tourist focused market experience but the central location is beautiful and the A-town night life culture is omni-present when the evening arrives, the remarkable square lights up and the glasses are filled to the top with steaming wine and cold, crisp Belgian beer.
I made my way to Brussels one evening last week to enjoy the crisp, holiday filled air. The main christmas market in Brussels is a bit farther north than the city center, where the square is lined with stalls offering all sorts of treats, including candied nuts, chocolates, gluhwein (hot, spiced red wine), belgian sausages, crepes and much more. Jenever is a holiday speciality in Belgium, which is a liquor offered in all sorts of flavors (think cactus, apple, chocolate, amaretto... the list goes on and gets progressively more... interesting) that is served as shots offered up on long wooden paddles. For the perfect night cap, make your way over to the ice skating rink situated in front of the beautiful opera house. Its the best place to burn off some of the holiday indulgences!
Antwerp kicked off its festivities on December 5th, with its markets located in the center of the city, near the cathedral and the Groenplaats. Antwerp offers a less tourist focused market experience but the central location is beautiful and the A-town night life culture is omni-present when the evening arrives, the remarkable square lights up and the glasses are filled to the top with steaming wine and cold, crisp Belgian beer.