Bruges, Chistmas Market with Oli & Marguerite

 Bruges Christmas Market

Bruges is one of Europe’s best-preserved cities and really lives and breathes history with its cobbled streets and winding canals. The minute we had stepped into the city centre we were suddenly surrounded by the culinary culture of chocolate and lace! We strolled along the narrow streets breathing in the smells of the famous Belgium chocolate whilst marvelling at the twinkly Christmas lights and decorations festooned around the bustling streets. 

As we walked around, we spent a while marvelling at the chocolate window displays, shopping for souvenirs and of course chocolate tasting and buying! We then made our way to Simon Steven square boasting a small Christmas market. The linden trees on the square were decorated with pretty fairy lights and the smell of warm waffles was to die for. The market was full of local food specialities like cheeses, charcuterie and pâtés as well as gifts, crafts and knitted items to keep you warm.

A memorable experience of the day was a scenic boat ride along Bruges’ historic canals and waterways with a running commentary from our captain. We viewed famous places of interest such as Saint Johns Hospital which has an 800-year-old history of caring for pilgrims, travellers, the poor and the sick. Next was Liberty of Bruges where the city archives are now stored, the fish market and the Belfry and Carillon which stands 83 metres tall and has 366 steps to climb to the top of the tower were just a handful of wonderful sights. We had to keep our heads down low many times as we passed under bridges causing much laughter in our boat. The scenery was beautiful, a great way to see this ancient city. 

Grote Markt (market square) was our next experience; this is the city’s main square and perhaps one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe. The Belfry towers over the fairytale square which hosts wooden huts full of traders offering all manner of festive foods and goods. We strolled around happily taking in the smells of the market, watching crowds of festive people enjoying the atmosphere. 

We were in chocolate heaven as we explored the history of Belgian chocolate at Choco-Story Brussels, the first chocolate museum in Belgium. Located in the heart of the capital, the museum traces the history and evolution of chocolate through an entertaining and interactive visit.

We got to watch Brussels' chocolate-makers at work where he explained and showed us the secrets of his art of making the famous hand-made Belgian pralines. Lots of goodies were bought to take home especially delectable Belgium chocolates. 

It was soon time to do what we had all been waiting for, a horse and carriage ride around the city. We queued excitedly and soon clambered aboard our carriages, snuggled under cosy blankets and set off for an exhilarating journey around the city taking in all of the wonderful scenery Bruges had to offer. 

Hot chocolates with whipped cream were a firm favourite, just what was needed to warm us all up.