Christmas Markets in Belgium

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | November 21, 2021

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Christmas markets are street fairs traditionally held in the town square during the four weeks of Advent leading to Christmas. They likely stemmed from Vienna’s “December markets” dating from 1298. Munich held the first actual “Christmas Market” in 1310.

One nice thing about the Belgium Markets is all but Liege and Leuven remain open into the first week of January. This year, they’re not open due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so I thought we could all remember last year’s while looking forward to next.

The markets have food, drinks and seasonal items for purchase from open-air “chalets” amidst traditional singing and dancing. We quickly learned how similar the markets were. Each gorgeous in its own way, with the location special for different reasons, but with similar booths, similar crafts, similar games and similar food.

Knitted goods. Olive woods. Santa hats and winter caps. Christmas ornaments and decorations. Mugs. Alpine houses. Intricate jewellery. Homey goods. Pottery. Brilliant illustrations.

Belgian waffles and Flemish fries. Potato swirls. Hot chocolate. Appelbottons. Empanadas. All the meats of the day.

So, what are the differences?

How cold is it at the top of a ferris wheel in December?large image

HASSELT

The most carnival-like of all the markets we visited, enter Hasselt to the smells of carnival food from meat to crepes. With a brilliant Ferris wheel, best-kept ice rink, carousel, fun house and twirly ride, you can toss rings, shoot arrows at water balloons, take a sack down the slide or put the kiddos on a little train.

Then shop at the “Kerst Market.”

Ahh… memories of childhood!large image