The nicest Christmas markets in the country

The smell of spicy glühwein, fresh and still warm sugar waffles, baked mushrooms, melted raclette, and rolls of real bratwurst. Just think away the thousand other Sunday distractions and those traditional Christmas markets are really very cozy. If you are not yet in the Christmas mood you'll be right in it within five minutes. If you don't know what to do this weekend, pull your loved one by the sleeve and hop in the car. Or the train, even better.

Cologne

Sausage, glühwein, gemütlichkeit, and gingerbread. For that, you need to go to our German neighbors, specifically to Cologne. The market is located under the city's cathedral, which makes the market magically beautiful.

Brussels

The largest Christmas market in Belgium can be found in Brussels. A market consisting of more than 200 stalls filled with decorations, food, and liters of glühwein. And if you're there, slip into a chocolatier for real Belgian pralines.

Valkenburg

Prefer not to go too far? Head south to a Christmas market hidden in the caves of old Valkenburg. Besides the underground Christmas experience, you can also do a route d’amuse, where you can taste various amuse-bouches while taking a walk through the old town.

Leiden

A Christmas market on the water? That's possible. In Leiden, you can visit no less than 75 floating Christmas stalls where they sell various things. Okay, you might see it very quickly, but this market is special.

Maastricht

Of course, my own city should not be missing from this list. Not only is the Christmas market at the famous Vrijthof (including a Ferris wheel, ice rink, and numerous cozy stalls) a must-do this month, the entire historic city is worth a visit with its many extra lights and Christmas decorations. Better to stay a whole weekend and take these hotspots with you. I mean, if you're already there...