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The Old Market square in the centre of Bruges decorated for Christmas(Image: KavalenkavaVolha\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe Christmas markets are among the very best in EuropeThe Old Market square in the centre of Bruges decorated for Christmas(Image: KavalenkavaVolha\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Bars and restaurants go all out with their Christmas lights and decorations in Bruges(Image: Loop Images\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The total journey time is just three and a half hours. A Eurostar return ticket will set you back around the \u00a3170 mark in December, which is presumably when you’d want to go.<\/p>\n
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The traditional Christmas market in front of the famous Belfry Tower(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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The canal based city is often dubbed ‘the Venice of the North'(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/a> Described as “enchanting” and “spectacular” by travel gurus at Get Your Holiday<\/a>, this winter paradise is the ideal location to immerse yourself in the festive cheer, with twinkling lights<\/a>, yuletide stalls and Christmas delicacies.<\/p>\n Even better, return flights start from a mere \u00a332 via easyJet<\/a>, making it a budget-friendly festive escape. “There’s something truly enchanting about Christmas markets,<\/a> particularly when they’re nestled in the picturesque heart of a historic European city,” emphasised the travel expert.<\/p>\n But if you’re a home bird and want to stick about in the UK, then Bath is a solid shout<\/a>. Want something a bit more niche, though, and Knebworth, just 20 minutes from London, is way more intimate and only runs for three days.<\/a><\/p>\n