2024 Europe Markets – Adventures of the Empty Nesters

Christmas Markets

We were so excited to dive into the Christmas spirit on our trip, and exploring the Christmas Markets was the highlight! We started with some small, cozy markets and gradually made our way to the big, stunning ones, each more magical than the last!

Netherlands

Amsterdam

As we left the Van Gogh Museum in Museumplein, we encountered our first Christmas market. The skating rink was open, but the vendors were still setting up for the day.

By early evening, the Christmas lights and decorations began to shine. We took a leisurely stroll by several small neighborhood markets.

Although we intended to visit the markets later in the evening, the cold and rainy weather prompted us to return to Haarlem after dinner.

The Hague

After enjoying our visits to the Mauritshuis and Peace Palace museums, we headed over to the Royal Christmas Fair.

This cozy neighborhood market featured delightful local entertainment, charming handmade items, and a delicious assortment of food and drinks.

The chilly weather inspired us to indulge in some comforting hot drinks – specifically, Glühwein. The Glühwein served at the Royal Christmas Fair market was hot, red wine with orange and spices (cinnamon, cloves, anise). It was very sweet but definitely warmed us. It was such a fun way to soak up the festive spirit!

Haarlem

We were fortunate to visit Haarlem during the weekend of its annual Christmas market. The town was beautifully transformed, featuring over 350 stalls that offered a variety of food, drinks, and crafts.

The Grote Markt was just a short walk from our hotel, and the stunning St. Bavo Cathedral served as a perfect backdrop for the main stage. I’ve included a short video of Haarlem’s very own De Muggenblazers, a 15-piece orchestra that has been performing since 1978. It’s clear that Mariah Carey is a universal Christmas favorite!

The market provided an extensive selection of food and drink options, including oysters, cheese, meats, waffles, champagne, hot apple gin, hot chocolate, and, of course, hot Glühwein. Although some vendors closed early due to the weather, we still enjoyed a wonderful evening.

Belgium

Brussels

Brussels had several neighborhood markets scattered throughout the city. During our visit, we explored the Sablon area. Despite the dreary weather, the festive holiday decorations added a cheerful touch.

We sought refuge from the chill in the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, which featured stunning arched glass-paned roofs. Built in the 1840s, these galleries predate other famous European shopping arcades, such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and the Passage in Saint Petersburg. Notably, the original Neuhaus chocolate boutique was still located in the Galerie de la Reine, the Queen’s Gallery section of the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries.

We also visited the Palais de la Bourse, the former Stock Exchange building. While the Christmas decorations were lovely, they couldn’t overshadow the ornate architectural details and sculptures. The entrance vestibule featured four caryatids by Rodin, representing Protection, Trade, Art, and Victory.

The Grand Place is one of the world’s most beautiful squares. It is surrounded by extravagant Baroque guild halls, the city’s Town Hall, and the King’s House.

During the Christmas holidays, the square showcased a large Christmas tree, a nativity scene, and a festive light show. The light show occurred every half hour and concluded with Santa appearing through the windows of his top-floor retreat, encouraging the crowds to cheer.

Brussels’ largest Christmas Market was located at the Marché aux Poissons, the former fish market. Here, we admired the iconic “Grand Roue,” a giant Ferris wheel, along with vibrant party pavilions and hundreds of wooden chalets offering a wide range of handmade gifts, food, and drinks.

Adjacent to the Marché aux Poissons was the Place Saint-Catherine, which was also lined with wooden chalets. This market stretched between the carousel and the beautifully illuminated St. Catherine Cathedral.

The Place de la Bourse market was just a short walk away from the Grand Place. Its central location and close proximity to other markets attracted significant pedestrian traffic. Many long-time artisans had wooden chalets there.

In addition to the Christmas markets, the streets were beautifully decorated. Since 2012, the “Brussels by Lights” initiative has illuminated an increasing number of streets and shopping avenues throughout the City of Brussels. It was delightful to see the variety of lights representing different areas.

Ghent

Ghent offered the perfect blend of festive Christmas activities and a medieval ambiance. The Ghent Winter Festival transformed the historic city center into a winter wonderland with wooden huts, vintage merry-go-rounds, and sparkling lights. There were more than 150 wooden huts spread around the Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Belfry, and the Saint Nicholas’ Church areas.

During the holidays, the underground banquet hall of the Castle of the Counts was transformed into a festive Winter Bar. We enjoyed drinks before taking an evening stroll through the Christmas market.

The Winter Festival featured a giant Ferris wheel, rides in the Children’s Village, and a roller rink instead of ice skating.

In the afternoon and early evening, the market was lively with families and children. However, as the evening progressed, the atmosphere shifted to a party vibe that lasted until midnight, likely influenced by the nearby University of Ghent. After dinner, we decided to return to Brussels.