A Christmas Delight: Discovering the Magic of Medieval Brugge

By A Venturing Nomad.

The theme tune of the Christmas classic, The Box of Delights, rings in my ears as I wander the cobbled streets of medieval Brugge and pass shop after shop with brightly coloured displays of festive chocolates. I truly am in my very own box and am especially delighted to be so.

Previously living less than 40 minutes away from this magical city, I am extremely biased about its beauty and charm at any time of year, as market days in the summer are spent sipping coffee on the square and having breakfast with my young daughter in a high chair, devouring pancakes, are memories I will treasure forever.

But if any city becomes even more perfect at Christmas, this has to be it.

With its domineering gothic bell tower and stunning facades of both shops and houses alongside the Town Hall, it seems the main square was almost built with this time of year in mind. As the sun starts to drop and the twinkle lights around the central ice rink become more prominent, the Christmas winter wonderland takes on a whole new vibe.

This picture book town of ancient Flanders, interwoven with waterways and canals, is undoubtedly a treasure for you to discover and enjoy, and around every corner....Chocolate! In all forms, shapes and sizes, from hand-made sculptures to tiny decadent details.

We sampled them all; in the true sense of research, you have to understand! And after 'taking one for the Female CEO team' our hands down favourite, as we basked in the light of the early evening dusk ice rink on the medieval square, White Hot Chocolate with rum! Definitely one for the grown-up children in the group!

So, if you are travelling with the Girls, Grandkids or the Grinch, do as the Belgians do! And spice up your life.

Brugge Christmas market runs from November 22nd, 2024 - January 5th 2025, and is just a 60-minute drive from Dunkirk port or 90 from Calais; accessibility from anywhere in the South East is reasonable - ever for the new trend in EDT's Extreme Day Trips - which I am such a fan of.

Or, for a more leisurely break, stay a night or two and truly immerse yourself in this magical marvel, with a vast choice of accommodations at all price ranges; you won't be disappointed. From the alpine cabins winding their way around the ice rink and snaking long winding cobbles to the horse-drawn carriages under blanket-covered rides around the old city, another holiday tune rings in my ears - I wish it could be Christmas; every day, however long you stay.

For more information visit Visitbruges.be

Not travelling overseas until age 19, this Venturing Nomad's work and life have taken her to just under 70 countries, with more adventures always planned. Twelve years as a Diplomat led to excitement and adventures across the globe, and she is now enjoying travelling with her young daughter and seeing the world afresh through her eyes.

A published author in fact and fiction, she firmly believes in the mantra "take only photos - leave only footprints". More of a feeder than a foodie, she has cooked her way around the globe, from the hill tribes in Thailand, Nonna's kitchen in Italy to the beachfront hotel in Morocco. There is always a story and, more importantly, a recipe.

You can contact her at [email protected]