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Original poster

Christmas markets

10 replies

daisygirl999 · 25/09/2026 18:39

Hi thinking of going to a European Christmas market myself and my husband for 2 nights. I have narrowed it down to Berlin or Brussels
have anyone been to either and which would you recommend please

OP posts:
SaraHoliday · 25/09/2026 19:08

You might be better posting this in the 'Christmas' section 🎄

JennyWreny · 26/09/2026 20:43

I’ve been to Brussels but not Berlin so can’t compare the two. Brussels was nice enough but if I had to rank the ones I’ve been to it wouldn’t be near the top. Are you set on one of those two locations?

ToadRage · 26/09/2026 21:11

I haven't been to Berlin or Brussels but I have been to Munich, Nuremberg with school, Birmingham and a little one in Leamington Spa last year. My Mum insisted the thing to buy at a German Christmas market is a nativity set, I got a lovely stable but the figures were quite expensive so I only got little plastic Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. I have different figures now but I still use the stable tbh i could do with a new one, it's getting a bit old now.

reluctantbrit · 27/09/2026 09:23

We went to Berlin 3 years ago. Love it but it can be very cold - we had snow and frost during the day.
The markets are great, I loved the Rote Rathaus (Red townhall) one the best but it's very busy.

Depending how long you stay, there is plenty of other things to do and see so you can add a museum or two to warm up as well.

Nürnberg is also good - very busy again as it's popular with Asian visitor tour groups. I lived nearby and we only went during the week, never a weekend. It's good for a day and again things to do apart from the market.

We go regularly to Hamburg as that's DH's hometown.

Never been to Munich during December but it's a good town for a visit.

Prague was amazing as well. Again, it was very cold.

Decorhate · 27/09/2026 12:52

I prefer Berlin to Brussels as a city anyway. If I was going to Belgium I'd carry on to Bruges rather than stay in Brussels.

stringbean · 27/09/2026 15:22

I’d give Brussels a swerve and go to Gent instead. Bruges is an easy 30 mins train ride away so you can do both in one trip but a lot to see and do in Gent - it’s a beautiful and vibrant city.

cartagenagina · 27/09/2026 15:26

Strasbourg.

Applesandpears58 · 27/09/2026 16:13

We loved Berlin when we went. There’s so many Christmas markets across the city I think there’s over 80 in total, and lots of touristy things to do as well if you fancied a break from Christmas.

caringcarer · 27/09/2026 16:44

stringbean · 27/09/2026 15:22

I’d give Brussels a swerve and go to Gent instead. Bruges is an easy 30 mins train ride away so you can do both in one trip but a lot to see and do in Gent - it’s a beautiful and vibrant city.

Edited

I'd second Bruges and Gent. Bruges has a very large and busy Market all year around on a Saturday.

devonshireduke · 27/09/2026 16:47

caringcarer · 27/09/2026 16:44

I'd second Bruges and Gent. Bruges has a very large and busy Market all year around on a Saturday.

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I third this! Really easy to do both, two very different cities and both have lots to offer.

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