Bruges Christmas Market

[hattie43]

Has anyone been to a European market. I'm going to Bruges this December for my first time . Is anyone able to tell me the sort of Xmas things they sell and what would be good to bring back. I'm not sure what to expect but hope to see things we don't see here .

I thought Bruges itself was beautiful, especially at Christmas but found the market stalls sold the same stuff as every other typical wooden cabin type Christmas markets we see in the UK and all over Europe.

Brugge xmas market i felt was very disappointing. Tbh but the place itself is gorgeous

It's a lovely city, but I've been put off the Christmas markets because of bad reviews www.reviewcentre.com/reviews81026.html

Sorry, same as above. Popped in last Christmas and was very disappointed. The city looked beautiful and I would return to visit properly, just wouldn't return for the market.

Am not sure Bruges was a traditional Christmas market town, just one that has joined in.

Plus Bruges is beautiful but overwhelmingly touristy.

Every Christmas market sells the same stuff! You get a bit of variety in food and drinks if you are in a historic market, and possibly variety in goods eg nativity scenes in Munich which are a longstanding feature of particular markets. But basically you can go to the market in Birmingham and see 90% of what will be in any market.

Oh that sounds disappointing. We are looking forward to the trip but maybe change our mindset to a city break rather than Christmas market experience.

The market is lovely for soaking up the festive atmosphere and Bruges is fab, but I don't think any of the markets are that great for actual shopping. It's more about the experience.

There are lots of lovely shops in Brugge anyway for a spot of Christmas shopping, the market is just an extra. You'll love it anyway.

If you can stretch the distance, Aachen is a bit of a hidden gem. Lovely atmosphere, not too big, and there is the Lindt chocolate factory shop on the outskirts of town.

I haven’t been to the Christmas market there but I did buy some beautiful lace tree decorations when I was there in the summer a few years back. Delicate snowflake / star type things.
It’s a beautiful place and I’m sure will be atmospheric at Christmas. To echo what pp have said, I’ve been to Munich Christmas market before and I bought a couple of small decorations but it’s quite expensive so I wouldn’t bank on doing lots of present shopping while you’re there as a lot of the things are fragile and you can get similar at markets in the UK. Just enjoy the food and drink and atmosphere. Have a great time!