The Christmas markets are among the very best in Europe
The Old Market square in the centre of Bruges decorated for Christmas(Image: KavalenkavaVolha/Getty Images)
While summer getaways to warm destinations are always a treat, winter is when some of Europe’s most picturesque cities truly shine. A Christmas escape to a cosy destination brimming with festive cheer and history can make for an ideal weekend away.
One such city that flourishes in the winter is the breathtaking old Belgian market town of Bruges. With a history spanning millennia visible throughout its cobbled streets, the entire city is recognised as a World Heritage Site.
Similar to Amsterdam, which sees more visitors, Bruges also boasts a canal-based layout. The combination of crystal clear water and twinkling Christmas lights creates spectacular vistas amidst the Gothic Medieval architecture that populates the city.
Bars and restaurants go all out with their Christmas lights and decorations in Bruges(Image: Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
What makes Bruges even more appealing for Londoners is the ease of travel. The Eurostar takes you directly to Brussels, where a local train transfer will bring you to Bruges.
The total journey time is just three and a half hours. A Eurostar return ticket will set you back around the £170 mark in December, which is presumably when you’d want to go.
The traditional Christmas market in front of the famous Belfry Tower(Image: Getty Images)
Once you arrive, the enchanting charm of the old city becomes apparent. The renowned Market Square is adorned with twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree, festive bunting and a bustling Christmas market offering mouth-watering seasonal food and drink, as well as an array of handmade items perfect for gifting.
The city boasts several must-see attractions, including the ornately decorated Basilica of the Holy Blood, a Roman Catholic basilica reputed to house a vial of Christ’s blood, and the iconic Belfry Tower, which played a significant role in the 2008 cult classic film In Bruges.
The canal based city is often dubbed ‘the Venice of the North'(Image: Getty Images)
Additionally, the city offers the romantic Lovers Bridge in Minnewater Park, and for those with a taste for the macabre, the Torture Museum located in an underground bunker in the city centre provides a gruesomely fascinating experience.
If you’re down for something a bit further afield, you may want to check out Prague, which is also an absolute belter at Christmas time. Described as “enchanting” and “spectacular” by travel gurus at Get Your Holiday, this winter paradise is the ideal location to immerse yourself in the festive cheer, with twinkling lights, yuletide stalls and Christmas delicacies.
Even better, return flights start from a mere £32 via easyJet, making it a budget-friendly festive escape. “There’s something truly enchanting about Christmas markets, particularly when they’re nestled in the picturesque heart of a historic European city,” emphasised the travel expert.
But if you’re a home bird and want to stick about in the UK, then Bath is a solid shout. Want something a bit more niche, though, and Knebworth, just 20 minutes from London, is way more intimate and only runs for three days.
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