The 9 most beautiful Belgian Christmas markets: from Bruges to Durbuy

In winter, Bruges feels like a fairy tale and is without a doubt one of the nicest Christmas markets in Belgium. Lights twinkle everywhere between the old facades and along the canals. From Friday 21 November to Sunday 4 January, the market features wooden stalls full of Christmas presents, waffles and hot chocolate. In King Albert I Park, skate among the warm glow of Christmas decorations, as if you were in a Christmas movie. For an even more magical perspective, take a cruise through the illuminated canals, where the historic buildings and bridges reflect beautifully in the water. Make a stop at The Chocolate Line on Simon Stevinplein, where you will find, for example, the 'Tarte Citron'. This is a praline with Italian meringue and cream of kalamansi. End your day with a climb to the top of the Belfry, where you'll have a great view over wintry Bruges.

Winter in Antwerp should definitely not be missing from this list of Christmas markets in Belgium. Antwerp shines from 5 December to 4 January during Winter in Antwerp. It is the largest and for many the most fun Christmas market in Flanders and attracts many visitors. On the Groenplaats, skate with a view of the cathedral. The Grote Markt, Suikerrui and Handschoenmarkt have Christmas stalls with treats, gifts and crafts. Be sure to try a handmade Antwerp Handje. This is the famous butter biscuit in the shape of a hand, symbol of the city. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel on the Scheldt River for a great view of the city. The music and smell of waffles make winter in Antwerp truly magical.

Brussels turns into a true Christmas paradise from 28 November to 4 January. Christmas market Winterpret has the most stalls in Belgium, more than 200 spread throughout the city. On the Grand Place, there is a huge Christmas tree and a light and sound show illuminating the town hall. At Place de Brouckère, you can skate while enjoying the smell of hot waffles and mulled wine. In the smaller squares, such as Place Sainte-Catherine, you will find handmade gifts and artisanal delicacies such as Belgian chocolates.

The Ghent Winter Festivities are among the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Belgium. They bring warmth and cosiness to the medieval centre of Ghent. From 4 to 31 December, more than 150 wooden chalets are spread across Sint-Baafsplein, the Botermarkt, Klein Turkije and the Korenmarkt. Here you will find many local and handmade products. Be sure to try Ghent cuberdons. These are cone-shaped sweets with a hard exterior and soft raspberry syrup on the inside. You'll also find artisan candles and handmade jewellery. Want to escape the crowds? Unwind with a beer at local café Chez Babette. During the day there is a cosy atmosphere with a fireplace and in the evening it turns into a live music bar with performances by bands and DJs. Here you will experience the perfect après-ski party in the centre of Ghent!

Liege's Christmas market, officially Le Village de Noël, is the oldest but also the most fun in Belgium. Between 28 November and 30 December, more than 200 wooden chalets adorn Place Saint-Lambert and Place du Marché. Visitors feast on specialities such as pékèt (a local gin), marzipan, and cured meats. Attractions such as a Ferris wheel, a Christmas pyramid and an ice rink can be found at Place de la Cathédrale. At Place Saint-Lambert, there is also a large toboggan run again this year. Behind the chalet restaurant, both young and old can zip down the exciting track. Live performances by musicians and acts by street performers bring the Christmas market to life. Liège combines historical charm with vibrant Christmas fun.

Between 9 and 21 December, the Leuven Christmas market will fill the Ladeuzeplein and Hooverplein with more than 100 atmospheric chalets. Among the wooden stalls, you will discover local specialities and winter snacks from different countries. Including poffertjes from the Netherlands, crêpes from France and langos (a savoury snack made of oliebollen dough with toppings) from Hungary. A special attraction is Winterstube 'Rudolf'. Here you warm up with mulled wine or a hot chocolate. The cosy wooden furnishings create a real Christmas atmosphere. From the University Library Tower, you have a wonderful view over Leuven. The illuminated squares and historical buildings sparkle like a winter wonderland from 40 metres up. With its cosy atmosphere and cosy chalets, this Christmas market is definitely among the nicest in Flanders.

The atmospheric winter market in Hasselt is one of the cosiest Christmas markets in Belgium. It takes place on the Kolonel Dusartplein between 14 November and 4 January. There is a 1,000 m² indoor skating rink and a large Ferris wheel. Visit the authentic mountain chalet the mega-slide toboggan or Santa's house. Wooden chalets full of handmade gifts and local delicacies invite you to browse and discover. Try Hasselt speculaas, for example. This speculaas is a lot thicker and softer than traditional speculaas and has a softer taste. For the little ones, a Christmas train rides through the market area. The combination of attractions, places to eat and drink and the historic city centre makes Winterland Hasselt a warm winter experience.

By the sea, Christmas gets a fresh, wintery twist in "Winter in the Park" in Ostend. From 28 November to 4 January, wooden chalets offer Christmas items, snacks and hot drinks, while the indoor ice rink brings fun for young and old. Christmas visits from Father Christmas will ensure a warm Christmas atmosphere. Santa's House and the Christmas tree maze on the beach provide extra enchantment. The light show Lightwave transforms the city into a beautiful illuminated walking trail at night. The Light Wave walk covers about 3.8 kilometres and takes you past seven illuminated stops in the city centre. At each stop, you will hear part of an immersive audio part through headphones, in which a young beachcomber-girl takes you through alleys, squares and along the sea. This gives Christmas in Ostend a touch of sea, light and winter charm.