Lille and Bruges Christmas Markets
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Christmas Market on Markt and Simon Stevin Square ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan Darthet
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Christmas Market on Markt and Simon Stevin Square ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan Darthet
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Bruges, Belgium
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Christmas Market in Lille ©Fèdèration Lilloise du Commerce, de l'Artisanat et des Services
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Christmas Market in Lille ©Fèdèration Lilloise du Commerce, de l'Artisanat et des Services
Get into the festive spirit with a trip to the Christmas Markets in Lille and Bruges. Beautiful cities at any time of year but during advent, the Christmas atmosphere makes them irresistibly enchanting. Lille hosts Northern France’s largest markets, and at Bruges Christmas Markets in Grote Markt square there’s a large open-air ice rink.
From late November to mid-December, step into continental winter wonderlands. There, local crafts, handmade artisan objects and perfect Christmas gifts are aplenty. Mulled wines and hot chocolates steam warming your fingers and tickling your nostrils with their tempting aromas. Indulge in traditional Christmas Market foods such as Bratwurst, waffles and pancakes.
Perhaps take a stroll through the maze of cobbled lanes in Lille’s old town or wander along the charming canals in Bruges. See the towering Belfry dominate Bruges’ old market square, and then watch the swans swim serenely on the Lake of Love. Art lovers should take the opportunity to visit the Notre Dame church which houses Michelangelo’s Madonna.
Dates
late November - late December 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover and board the ferry to Calais or Dunkirk. Continue across northern France and into Belgium to Mouscron for the next 3 nights. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Lille’s Christmas Markets (Village de Noël)
Spend a morning at leisure in Mouscron with time to visit the nearby Christmas market in Mouscron, which is within walking distance of the hotel.
This afternoon we travel to Lille to explore the Christmas Markets, meet up with a local guide for a walking tour along the cobbled streets of the old town ‘Le Vieux Ville’ with its charming patchwork of pretty squares and the ornate 17th Century Vielle Bourse, Lille’s finest building. After the tour the markets should be ready to open at around 11.00 hours (daily).
For over 30 years, the Lille Christmas Market (known locally as the Village de Noël) has been a signature festive event in Northern France, attracting thousands of visitors from France and beyond. They are traditionally held on the centrally located Place Rihour offering around 90 different stalls selling all manner of festive surprises and culinary delights. Enjoy a spectacular view over the city by taking a ride on the Big Wheel. Below the Winter Wonderland will sparkle – the Christmas village is covered in artificial snow and an 18 metre tall Christmas tree evokes festive cheer. Be sure to sample some local delights and purchase some traditional Christmas presents to take home.
Following time at leisure for dinner, this evening we return to the hotel.
The markets are usually open daily Mon-Thurs & Sun (11.00-20.30 hrs) and Fri/Sat (11.00-22.00 hrs) – subject to confirmation for 2026 onwards
Day 3
Bruges’ Christmas Markets and Ice Rink
Depart after breakfast and make the short drive across the border into Belgium and to the medieval city of Bruges. The Christmas Market stalls open daily from about 10.00-11.00 hours and are located on two squares: Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein. Grote Markt features wooden chalets selling Christmas items and local food. An ice rink and large Christmas tree are central attractions. Simon Stevinplein offers a less crowded market with crafts and carnival games for kids. It is part of a larger winter festival called “Winter Glow”, a light experience trail through the historic centre with atmospheric lighting and decorations, ice rink with unique decor on the Minnewater (Lake of Love) and a cosy winter bar.
If you want to take a break from the markets, why not visit the Historium and look back at the history of Bruges from 1435 in 5S, a new concept that stimulates the five senses. From a cinematic panorama to breathing in different aromas you will have a magical experience (entrance not included) or take a relaxing canal cruise (subject to canals not being frozen!) and see the town from a different angle or visit one of the many museums housing some of the finest examples of Flemish Art. Enjoy the many tourist attractions including the brewery, chocolate museum or just wander the cobbled streets filled with tempting shops, bars and restaurants.
We return to the hotel for dinner.
The markets are usually open Sun-Thurs (10.00-22.00 hrs) and Fri/Sat (10.30-23.00 hrs). Closed Mondays. Subject to confirmation for 2026 onwards
Day 4
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and drive to Calais or Dunkirk for the ferry across to the UK.
Featured hotel – Visited by Greatdays staff in 2024
4* Hotel Alize, Mouscron
Ideally located just a stone’s throw from the bustling Grand Place, this is the perfect base from which to explore the Ypres memorials or the charming city of Lille.
The hotel has 62 bedrooms including rooms specially adapted for people with reduced mobility. All are air-conditioned and equipped with ultra-comfortable beds, a seating area with smart TV and fast Wi-Fi, courtesy tray, private bathroom and toilet. Enjoy a rich breakfast buffet and dinner in the restaurant or enjoy the fitness room or relax in the sauna. Free coach parking outside the hotel.
4* Hotel Alize, Mouscron
| Departure Date | 3 nights / 4 days | Single Supplement |
| November/December 2026 | From £319.00 per person | From £94.00 per person |
