More Christmas markets in Belgium

Part 2 of our guide to festive happenings in Brussels and beyond

Each weekend more towns and cities across the country open more traditional markets and villages. As the nights draw further in there is nothing better to lift winter spirits than Christmas lights, flickering candles and glasses brimming with some warm, fragrant brew. And there is an ever increasing choice of markets and towns to explore. With a nod to the first snowfall in the country we finish off with a quick guide to Belgium’s ski runs. Don’t laugh, the Ardennes is proud to have a collection of mini downhill runs and plenty of cross country ski options.

 
Christmas markets in Brussels

For an instant fix of festive spirit look no further than Brussels’ own extravaganza, the big daddy of Christmas markets, euphemistically named Winter Wonders. Beyond the controversial electronic Xmas 3 in the Grand’Place, the historic square will be illuminated by no fewer than 1,600 LED fairy lights. The market extends as usual to the Place du Vieux Marché aux Grains and Place Sainte-Catherine, with its traditional ice-skating rink and big wheel. A series of events will animate the market, including music from Balkan Trafik and an exhibition of China’s legendary Terracotta Army at the Bourse. Hundreds of festooned chalets await you to ply their wares and serve up mulled wine and the usual array of tempting seasonal bites. Until January 6

The worst gifts from Father Christmas, Until December 30, Musée d’Art fantastique, 7 Rue Américaine, Saint-Gilles

20th Christmas market at Karreveld, Until December 9, 3 Avenue Jean de la Hoese, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. 02.415.96.12

Christmas market: designers & Créateurs, Until December 9, La Lustrerie, 153 Rue des Palais, Schaerbeek

Brussels African Market, December 8 & 9, Passage Rogier, Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode

Christmas Market, December 9, Résidence Seniors CPAS, 50 Avenue des Hannetons, Watermael-Boitsfort

Dimanche des Créateurs, December 9,  73 Rue de l’Eté

Finnish Christmas market, Until December 9, Finnish Seaman’s Church, 33 Rue Jacques de Lalaing, Etterbeek

Sale of Christmas trees, gifts and items, Until December 21, 82 Rue Voot, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

Christmas markets outside Brussels

The festive season is a perfect excuse to venture outside the capital and explore one of Belgium’s historic cities.

Until December 9

 
Traditional market in La Hulpe’s Saint-Nicolas church square.

Artisan Christmas market in the Hainaut town of Binche which is home to the world-famous carnival clowns, the Gilles. Take the time to visit the ancient town, its ramparts and carnival museum Musée international du Carnaval et du Masque.

Until December 16

 
The largest Christmas market in the Brabant Walloon province Nivelles awaits you in the town cloisters and under heated big tents.  Numerous artisan stands plus a Christmas manger competition. Try the famous ‘al D’jote’ tart and Nivelles sweeties for some local flavours.

Until December 30

In Liège lies Wallonia’s largest and oldest market with more than 200 chalets. The ardent city’s Christmas Village boasts four themed chalets dedicated to Gruyère cheese, Ardennes products, the local alcohol Peket and a chalet offering a ski slope for children.

Until December 31

Starting later in the season, heralded by a light parade, is Antwerp’s Christmas market. It spreads through the centre, from Steenplein to Suikerrui to Grote Markt.

Travelling south to Wallonia, the regional capital of Namur offers about 100 chalets, serving mulled wines, local alcohols and steaming dishes of tartiflette, chilli and mushrooms, in addition to regional specialities. The main market is in the Place d’Armes, while children’s activities take place at the Grognon.

Until January 2

Heading north, Bruges has a large Christmas market, complete with skating rink in the market square and annual snow and ice sculpture festival (until January 6) in front of the station.

 
Until January 6

In the Flemish Limburg province lies Winterland Hasselt. It promises an atmospheric market, large skating rink, ferris wheel and a Christmas train.

 
The coastal town of Ostend has its own Christmas market and skating rink in Wapenplein.

 
The romantic woodland domain of Modave Castle, near Huy (Liège province) is the setting for this World Christmas event. The château and grounds, including a hotel restaurant are already worth the detour

Durbuy Christmas Village and Market specialises in artisan goodies and decorative crib scenes. One of the prettiest villages in the Ardennes, it attracts an international crowd every weekend. The village is also home to some excellent restaurants. For the holiday season there is a skating rink in Roi Baudouin park

The historic Meuse Valley town of Huy plays host to a Christmas market and skating rink. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree donated by a local resident.

Equally medieval and magnificent, but with fewer crowds, is Ghent, which has a 53-stand market in the historic city centre between Sint-Baafs Square and the Belfort.

Skiing in Belgium

One advantage of the  arrival of snowfall  is the opening of ski slopes in the Ardennes. If the flakes continue to fall and the barometer barely hovers above freezing, then head to the hills of Wallonia for some pre-season and festive practice runs. The country proudly possesses 11 downhill ski runs with a top altitude of 900 metres and 62 cross-country circuits that provide a full work-out within an outstanding landscape of woodlands and snowflake-fringed fir trees.

Baraque de Fraiture

www.ski-baraque.be (three pistes)

Francorchamps/La Gleize (Mont des Brumes)

www.montdesbrumes.be  (two pistes)

Ovifat

www.skialpin-ovifat.com  (three pistes)

Spa (Thier der Rexhons)

www.skispa.be  (one piste)

Lierneux

www.lierneux.be  (two pistes)

Nidrum Zosterbach

www.eastbelgium.com/zosterbach (one piste)