I cannot believe we have already reached the end of the year! I already feel like I have celebrated Christmas, because earlier this month my mom visited for 10 days and we spent most nights exploring different Christmas markets! This was her second time visiting me in Belgium – she came last April and we had an amazing trip to Prague.

I was so happy for her second visit, especially to show her our new apartment— new is a bit of a stretch considering it was built in the 1800s. Nonetheless, her last visit was when we lived in the city center…and now we live in a much calmer, more pleasant neighborhood. Mallow also thoroughly enjoyed her visit, showing her our favorite local places and how she gets to play off leash in the park. I’m pretty sure Mallow thought that my mom traveled all the way from Virginia just for her!

My mom and I had a bunch of ideas for when she should come and where we would visit together. There are endless places to travel, with so many direct flights leaving from Brussels each day. But when it came down to deciding on when and where to go, the idea of a road trip in December excited us both. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, the absolute best times to visit are (1) summer, of course, and (2) Christmastime. The holiday season here feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe, and it’s magical in a way that’s hard to describe until you experience.

Last December, Ben’s family visited, and we had an adventure through Germany’s iconic Christmas markets. This year with my mom, we decided to change it up and plan a Christmas market road trip that explored some new destinations. 

What I love about European Christmas markets is how each one has its own unique vibe. Some are known for their incredible shopping, others for the festive food, and some are simply all about the atmosphere. Whether you’re there to sip mulled wine with friends or tackle your holiday shopping list, there’s truly something for everyone. Naturally, we were on a mission to experience it all—and rank the markets, of course!  

Stop 1: Brussels Christmas Market

We started with our very own Brussels Christmas markets. I’ll admit that Brussels isn’t usually at the top of most people’s travel lists, but during the holidays, it really shines 😉 In fact, the Brussels Christmas markets attract around 2.5 million visitors annually, which is pretty impressive. There are 240 chalets to explore, a Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, curling, an ice rink, and my personal favorite—a sound and light show at the Grand Place.

The Grand Place is one of my two favorite spots in Brussels (the other being Parc du Cinquantenaire).

It’s not only stunning but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. My mom and I combed through every single booth while Ben patiently followed with a backpack for our purchases (he’s a saint.)

I will say, however, that I was disappointed they didn’t have the potato pancakes this year—a situation I believe warrants serious attention for 2025!  

Stop 2: Luxembourg City Christmas Market

The next day, we drove 2.5 hours to Luxembourg City, marking my 32nd country visited! I didn’t have many expectations going in, but sometimes that’s the best way to travel. Luxembourg is a tiny European country bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. I knew it’s one of the richest countries in the world (thanks to its high GDP per capita), offers free public transportation, and is a popular spot for Belgians to stock up on tax-free alcohol. Beyond that, I had no idea what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised! 

The city had five Christmas markets, all within walking distance. With around 100 chalets, the atmosphere was cozy and festive, with plenty of spots to warm up by a fire, grab a drink, or enjoy live music.

These markets attract around 1.2 million visitors annually, and we loved how manageable and charming they were. Luxembourg was initially just a stop to break up the drive, but we ended up really enjoying our time there! 

Stop 3: Strasbourg Christmas Market

The next day, we hit the road for another 2.5 hours to Strasbourg, France, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Christmas.” Almost every “Top 10 Christmas Markets in Europe” list puts Strasbourg in the top three, so our expectations were high. It didn’t disappoint! 

Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s market is the oldest in France and one of the oldest in all of Europe. With over 300 chalets spread across the city, Strasbourg Christmas markets attract more than 2 million visitors each year. We spent two full days here, shopping until we dropped (again- shoutout Ben and his backpack for the assistance). 

My favorite purchase was a small Christmas house modeled after a real Strasbourg building. Last year, we bought a similar one in Germany with Ben’s family, and now we’ve started a tradition. These little houses will be cherished keepsakes forever.  

To balance out the hectic market energy, I booked us a hotel with a wellness spa. If we weren’t at the market, we were indulging in the heated pool, sauna, and hammam before heading out for more shopping and mulled wine. Highly recommend!

Stop 4: Colmar Christmas Market

On our last full day, we drove an hour to Colmar, France, a town often said to resemble Belle’s village in Beauty and the Beast. While Disney has never confirmed it as an inspiration, the charming streets definitely feel like stepping into a storybook.  

The Colmar Christmas markets featured 180 chalets, but it was so crowded that we only stayed an hour. (Note to self: avoid Saturday visits!) Social media has undeniably amplified Colmar’s popularity, and while the town is beautiful, it’s not quite built to handle the masses. That said, I’ve heard others who visited on quieter days had a wonderful experience, so timing is everything! 

Back to Brussels

On Sunday, we drove back to Brussels in time for my mom to catch one of Ben’s hockey games. She even brought a handmade poster all the way from The States! It was her first time seeing him on the ice, and we chanted and cheered the whole game. The team thought it was really funny!

The next few days, we stayed local, revisiting the Brussels markets (yes, again!) and splitting some delicious food. On her last day, I treated her to my favorite place, Waer Waters, which is a well-known wellness spa within the region. With 23 saunas, 24 pools, and 10 relaxation rooms, it’s easy to see why I’m obsessed. We stuck to the dressed area—although the undressed area is the more popular choice here in Europe. There’s no phones allowed, so you are really forced to unwind for the day. We had hot stone massages, a salt cave experience, and had an amazing meal (delivered by a robot) in between the swimming. It was the perfect way to wrap up an amazing trip, and to decompress before we both had to return to work.  

Final Thoughts

Ben and I absolutely loved having my mom here right before the holidays. Although it’ll just be the two of us for Christmas Day, it’s sandwiched between her visit and my dad’s upcoming trip in January, so we’re feeling grateful. And who knows? This might be our last quiet Christmas for a while, so we’re going to soak it all in.

Europe in December is pure magic, and this trip was no exception. If you’re ever considering a Christmas market road trip, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.  

Disclaimer: there was a recent terrorist attack at a Christmas market in Germany. I have mixed feelings about posting in an effort to be sensitive to the world around me. No family should have to go to the Christmas markets and come home without a member…it is a dark and scary world we live in. I feel very grateful that we got to experience it innocently. Life is precious and it’s difficult to not live in fear when terrible things like this occur.