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Visiting a Christmas market is one of the delights of the festive season. Sipping on steaming mugs of gluhwein, munching on tasty treats and soaking up the atmosphere is guaranteed to put you in the Christmassy mood. While Manchester’s markets are pretty hard to beat in the UK, there’s something about a European Christmas market which feels like it’s on another level. If you make it part of a citybreak then it’s the ultimate winter getaway in the run up to the big day. Belgium is often overlooked as a festive destination, especially when it comes to Christmas markets as people head to the likes of Germany, Austria and Scandinavia. Yet this tiny country packs a punch when it comes to Christmas, with several cities hosting amazing markets in November and December. Join our Christmas in Manchester WhatsApp group HERE In fact, two of the country’s markets have been named in Conde Nast Traveller’s list of the 30 best Christmas markets in Europ e. Both Antwerp and Brussels made the list, and the latter is served by direct flights from Manchester Airport . Skyscanner currently shows flights from Manchester to Brussels in December from as little as £15 one day, with returns available for a similar fare. It’s important to note that this doesn’t include seat allocation and baggage allowance. From November 28 markets take over the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine, and the Marché aux Poissons in Brussels, “transforming the city into a winter wonderland”, writes the travel publication. They recommend that it's perfect for the whole family “with more than 200 wood chalets, a covered ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a light and sound show projected onto the Grand-Place.” Of course one of the joys of visiting a market abroad is trying the different foods on offer. Conde Nast Traveller recommends: “crisp fries with mayonnaise, tartiflette (a French potato casserole), Belgian chocolate (obviously) and waffles dotted with pearl sugar.” Enough to make anyone's mouth water. Christmas Markets aside, the city is a perfect destination for a winter city break. It’s packed full of museums, beautiful buildings and cosy cafes and restaurants where you can seek shelter from the chilly winter air. For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
