Looking for a festive European getaway that won't break the bank? We found the perfect destination: Brussels at Christmas. This vibrant city transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a magical experience with an incredible value. Get ready for twinkling lights, delicious food, and a Christmas market trail that will leave you spellbound.
Brussels is a beautiful city to visit any time of the year, but especially during the festive season. The capital of Belgium and Europe offers a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy with your family, friends or partner. Whether you are looking for culture, history, gastronomy or entertainment, Brussels has something for everyone.
A European Steal: Our Budget-Friendly Trip to Brussels
We were on a mission to find a European city with a great Christmas market, cheap flights, and affordable accommodation. We hit the jackpot with Brussels! We managed to snag flights to Charleroi Airport for under £30 per person return from Liverpool Airport. This was a fantastic deal that set the tone for a budget-friendly trip.
Our luck continued with accommodation. We found the Hotel Aris, perfectly situated right in the centre of Brussels on a street next to the main square. For less than £150 for two nights, this hotel was an absolute steal. The total cost for the three of us to have three days in Belgium was under £300, making this trip a true bargain.
Getting from Charleroi Airport to Brussels
We landed at Charleroi Airport on a Friday morning, ready for our festive adventure. Getting into the heart of Brussels was straightforward. We hopped on a bus right outside the airport, which took about 45 minutes to get us to the city centre. It was a smooth and easy journey, giving us plenty of time to check in and start exploring.
Our Home for the Weekend: Hotel Aris
Finding the right hotel can make or break a trip, and Hotel Aris was the perfect choice for us. It's location was unbeatable. We were on a street just off the Grand Place, the city's main square, which meant we were at the very heart of the action. Being so central allowed us to walk everywhere, from the main market trail to the famous chocolate shops and the Manneken Pis statue.
The hotel itself was clean and comfortable, offering everything we needed for a weekend break. Considering it's prime location and the incredible price we paid, it was an absolute steal. It proved that you don't have to sacrifice comfort or location to have a budget-friendly trip to one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
The Brussels Christmas Market Trail: A Festive Wonderland
We’d heard good things about the Brussels Christmas markets, but nothing prepared us for the reality. It wasn’t just a single market, it was an entire Christmas trail woven throughout the city! Wandering the historic streets of Brussels, we discovered a series of different activities and attractions at every turn and Charlie's eyes sparkled as he enjoyed the hands on experiences.
What to Expect on the Trail:
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Food Stalls: The air is filled with the tempting aroma of festive treats. From traditional Belgian waffles and cookies to savoury sausages and melted cheese, there's something to satisfy every craving. Be sure to try some hot chocolate or a cup of warm mulled wine (vin chaud) to keep you toasty.
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Light Shows & Illuminations: The entire city is illuminated with stunning Christmas lights. As you follow the trail, you'll be treated to spectacular light shows and beautifully decorated buildings that create a truly magical atmosphere. The Grand Place, the main square, was the epicentre of a stunning sound and light show that truly took our breath away. Every night, from 17:00 to 22:00, you can marvel at a spectacular display of lights and music that illuminates the historic buildings and the majestic Christmas tree. The show is free and lasts for around 15 minutes, creating a magical atmosphere that will leave you breathless
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Unique Activities: We were delighted to find unique and interactive installations along the way. There was an ice rink where you could glide under the stars, a giant light-up keyboard on the floor that played music as you stepped on the keys, and even light-up seesaws!
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Unique Rides and Attractions: The trail is dotted with fun fairground rides, including old-fashioned carousels that add a touch of nostalgia and charm. These rides are perfect for both kids and adults who want to feel like a kid again.
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Handcrafted Goods: The market stalls are brimming with handcrafted goods, from intricate decorations and beautiful jewellery to unique souvenirs. It's the perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts.
The trail eventually leads to a larger, more concentrated area that felt like the heart of the Christmas market. Here, you'll find the iconic Big Wheel and countless stalls selling everything from food to gifts. The energy in this central hub is incredible, with the scent of festive treats and the sound of laughter filling the air.
A Family-Friendly Discovery: The Natural History Museum
While the Christmas markets were the main event, we decided to take a break from the festive hustle and bustleand find another activity that Charlie would enjoy. We decided on a visit to the Museum of natural history. This turned out to be a brilliant idea, especially with our little one, Charlie, in tow.
The museum is home to the largest dinosaur gallery in Europe, and it was a jaw-dropping experience. Charlie's eyes lit up as we walked into the enormous hall, filled with towering skeletons of prehistoric giants. He and his mark had a blast re-enacting the poses of the dinosaurs, roaring and stomping their way through the exhibit. It was the perfect escape for a few hours, offering a mix of fun and education that delighted all of us.
A Culinary Journey Through Brussels
While the rides and lights were amazing, the food was the star of the show. Brussels is a city made for foodies, and the Christmas markets are the perfect place to indulge. We made it our mission to sample everything we could, from sweet treats to hearty street food.
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Belgian Waffles: This is a non-negotiable! We tried many delicious Brussels waffles topped with a generous drizzle of warm chocolate sauce, fruit or other sweet treats, they were an absolute dream.
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Belgian Fries: Forget "French" fries; in Belgium, they're simply "frites." Served in a paper cone with a side of creamy mayonnaise or a rich sauce, these perfectly double-fried potato sticks are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are a true work of art.
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Decadent Hot Chocolate: You haven't had hot chocolate until you've had it in Brussels. This isn't your average powdered mix, we found stalls where they literally melted thick slabs of real Belgian chocolate into hot milk right in front of us. It was a rich, velvety, and an utterly divine experience that warmed us from the inside out.
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Unforgettable Chocolate: Brussels is the chocolate capital of the world for a reason. Beyond the markets, we ventured into some of the famous chocolate shops, like Godiva and Neuhaus, just steps from our hotel. The selection of pralines, truffles, and other creations was incredible. We picked up a box of chocolates to take home, but they didn't last long!
Why Brussels is the Perfect Christmas Destination
Brussels is a wonderful destination for a Christmas getaway, with plenty of things to see and do for all tastes and ages. It's a magical, city that offers an unbeatable combination of festive charm, affordability, and a unique, trail-like Christmas market experience. You can enjoy the festive spirit of the city by visiting its markets, shows and attractions, or venture out to nearby towns like Bruges for a change of scenery (Viator offer some great inexpensive excursions). Whether you're looking for delicious food, unique gifts, or simply a dose of holiday cheer, Brussels has it all. Don't miss out on this festive gem
I hope this blog post has inspired you to plan your trip and given you some useful tips and recommendations. Have you ever been to Brussels at Christmas? What did you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Originally written December 2016, updated December 2024
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