December mini break - Brussels or Bruges

[NotPennysBoat]

Looking to do a two or three night mini break in Dec 2019. Thinking of Bruges or Brussels - any opinions?
We are in the north of England so will be flying. Me, DH and DDs 4 and 7 (they are good and frequent travellers).
All tips welcome!

What about Amsterdam instead?
I used to live in Luxembourg, so Belgium was on my doorstep. Bruges might be a bit boring for 3 days and Bruxelles.... hum.... , a bit grey maybe in winter.
You need to take into account that it is possible you will have rain for the three days.
Amsterdam is lively and fresh, and even if the weather is awful, you will have plenty to do.
Another nice option for December would be Venice.
My last suggestion is Barcelona. I would go to Bruges or Bruxelles in Spring.

I think Bruges is much nicer than Brussels but weather will probably not be great. It was a while back when we went think we did boat trip, horse and carriage, chocolate tasting, eating mussels. I would get a nice hotel for December as may spend more time at it than would do in summer.

I agree with PP. There's definitely not enough for children in Bruges, and Brussels for 3 days is pushing it.... go to Amsterdam, Paris or Copenhagen!

Bruges is wonderful. We had our honeymoon there last year! Secret escapes have some good deals for the Christmas markets.

I’m assuming you’re going for the Christmas markets? I went to Brussels before kids and the markets were lovely. Plenty to do and bigger than brugge. We’re taking dd’s 3 and 6 to Bruges this year but only for 2 nights which will be plenty. I’ve heard the markets are smaller, we’ve only been in the summer but Bruges has a certain charm to it and is very easy to walk around. We plan on visiting the markets, stopping for hot chocolate and maybe some ice skating. Hopefully it will be dry and will get us feeling really Christmassy with all the lights and markets and cobbled streets.

If you’re flying, I would really recommend Cologne. The markets are beautiful and much bigger than Belgium. There will be plenty to do in 3 days and the markets are spread over the city. There is also a chocolate Lindt factory if you fancy a break from the cold which the children will enjoy.