Bumps in the Yuletide Road: My Brussels Christmas Markets Experience

Hello, again, Tripsters! As most of you know, I’ve been solo traveling throughout Europe’s enchanting Christmas Markets this season. Hence, why my blog posts are so sporadic and, mildly, chaotic. 😅

Brussels, however, presented itself as a city filled with unexpected twists.

While many anticipate the magic of the holiday season in this lovely city, my journey took an unexpected turn.

Join me as I share the lesser-known side of Brussels Christmas Markets during this holiday season!

Bumps in the Yuletide Road: My Brussels Christmas Markets Experience

To start this post off, well, let me not sugarcoat it…

The Unexpected Illness

You guessed it, I got a super nasty cold in Amsterdam and it lingered for a week and a half. Needless to say, discovering a new city from the confines of my Airbnb was not part of the plan. Even though I was pretty miserable, it showed me how to roll with the punches as a solo traveler during the holiday season.

Not to mention the reason I wrote my blog post on The Best Packable Wellness Kit for Travelers!

A Nightclub Vibe at the Christmas Market

Brussels surprised me not only with its architectural marvels but also with the Christmas Market’s distinctive ambiance. Unlike the traditional markets I’d experienced, and expected, Brussels was … BUMPIN’. 🤘

Haha. I’m not kidding. It was like embracing a lively, almost nightclub-like atmosphere. It was a very young environment and this was the only Christmas Market I felt like the goal was to get drunk off of Glühwein. It was definitely an experience.

Additionally, the Christmas Market spanned for at least 2 miles. You’d think it was ending but then there was another one 4 blocks down. One section was all food. Another had an ice skating rink, curling, and a merry-go-round. The biggest stretch had the Ferris Wheel as the main attraction and a huge tower bar. It was a lot of fun to people watch but I can honestly say that this vibe wasn’t my favorite.

The Hunt for Handcrafted Treasures

In a city known for its artisanal chocolates and waffles, my quest for handcrafted holiday treasures (especially ornaments) led me to be disappointed. From delectable treats to unexpected French cuisine street food (escargot), Brussels had its own way of showcasing its holiday spirit but homemade goods were not one of them. The only ornaments that had “Brussels” on them were flimsy wooden ones that looked like they were made and manufactured in China. 😔

That said, the food was fantastic! There was also so much to do and see. Plus, the setting of Brussels as the background? *chef kiss* It’s really what made this trip so special. I loved Grand-Place square so much. The big beautiful tree in the center really made it feel like Christmas.

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Though I had to pivot all of my activities due to the unexpected turns of my Brussels Christmas experience, I genuinely loved the memories I was able to make along the way. After all, it’s these twists and turns that make solo travel an adventure. Right? 😊

P.S. Once I was feeling better, I had my photos taken and I had the best experience with my photographer. I found her on Aribnb. Her info is below if you’re looking for a photographer while in Brussels.

Photographer: Emily Warm | IG: @photogenicbrussels

More to come on Brussels in the future!

Other posts you might enjoy:

• My Christmas Market Bucket List
• The Best Packable Wellness Kit for Travelers
• What I’m Doing and Not Doing This December