I’ve been to a lot of European Christmas markets. In summary, some are dazzling, some are ho-hum and some are disappointing. I’m always curious to visit Christmas markets outside of Germany. Consequently, I took a day trip from our home on the German border to Brussels. Excited to explore what the city had to offer at holiday time, I discovered Brussels Christmas Markets Have International Flair.
Like most larger European cities, Brussels Christmas Markets are scattered around the city. Following my own advice, upon arrival, I picked up Christmas market map. Consequently, this made it easier to navigate from market to market.
Particularly this time of year, there was so much here to see and eat. How cute are these Belgian waffle sticks? In contrast, if those seem too skimpy to you, no problem. There were epic versions available as well. No Brussels Christmas Market is complete without them.
There were some unusual things to buy like these Reindeer, Elk and Moose pelts.
Also present was the trendy salmon cooked on a plank.
There were a fair amount of common stands at the market.
However, after passing by a few average stands found at most European Christmas markets, I stopped in my tracks at this vendor.
This was the very first time I have ever seen edible bugs at a Christmas market.
I’m still not sure the two go together. They were serving pasta with insects. I passed.
Raclette and Belgian fries with mayo are more my speed.
Moving on from the bugs, I immediately noticed how many other global varieties of delicacies that were available.
Thirsty?
How creative is this Cuban mojito bar?
Speaking of bars, Ireland was well represented.
Step into this plastic champagne parlor resembling a bouncy castle for adults only. In any case, between these and numerous Vin Chaud (hot mulled wine) stands. There was no shortage of stops where one could get their drink on.
This Tunisian stand had the most elaborate and gorgeous sweets.
Seriously. Especially these with dried rose petals. Wow.
French Canada was well represented with this Quebec vendor.
As well as Brazil and the Cévennes region of France.
Speaking of France, this Alsace hut was especially adorable.
In addition, the good old USA was represented there by this bagel hut. Not to mention the cute bagel wreath.
Meanwhile, I came upon this very cool Steampunk themed carousel and was mesmerized.
After exploring the markets, then I did a lap around the city’s shops stopping to check out the sculpture and the street art.
Undeniably, my day had come to an end. At this point, it was time to make my way back to the train station. However, I may or may not have snagged an extra Vin Chaud on the way.
Like this “Brussels Christmas Markets Have International Flair” post? Check out some of my other Travels to European Christmas Markets:
Before you go:
My Top 10 Tips When Visiting European Christmas Markets
Germany:
A Christmas Market with a Conscious – Tollwood in Munich, Germany
Aachen, Germany Christmas Market
Cologne, Germany Christmas Market
Freiburg, Germany Christmas Markets
Hamburg Has the Sexiest Christmas Market in Germany
Munich Christmas Market Roundup
Munich – Tollwood, A Christmas Market with a Conscious
France:
Colmar, France Christmas Market
Strasbourg, France Christmas Markets
Holland:
Maastricht, Holland Christmas Market
Valkenburg Holland Christmas Market in the Caves
Switzerland:
Basel, Switzerland Christmas Market
Geneva Switzerland
Lausanne, Switzerland
Montreux, Switzerland
