Belgian Holiday Markets
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There’s no more enchanting way to relish the holiday season than by immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere of a Christmas market. Embark on an all-inclusive, luxurious river cruise that allows you to explore the charming stalls of numerous markets in a single journey, each offering its own unique interpretation of the holiday spirit. Belgium, in particular, holds a special place in the heart of holiday enthusiasts. In this country, every city presents its own quintessential Christmas setup, featuring rows of stalls brimming with handcrafted treasures and delectable winter delights. Moreover, these markets are surrounded by captivating festivals, ice skating rinks, intricate light exhibitions, towering Ferris wheels, and more, all of which characterize the festive season in towns across Belgium.
Belgian Holiday Markets
Nestled among the more prominent tourist destinations of France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium, despite its small size, holds a significant cultural influence and is an excellent addition to any European itinerary, whether you are a first-time or seasoned traveler on the continent. This region is renowned for its exceptional chocolates, crispy french fries, distinctive spirits, and a wide array of beers, all of which you’ll have the pleasure of savoring during Belgium’s most joyous time of the year.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Brussels (Embark)
On arrival at Brussels Airport, you’ll be met by a Uniworld representative and taken to your ship to begin your festive journey.
Note: For detailed information about arrivals, departures and transfers, please contact us.
DAY 2 Ghent (with Bruges or Ghent Christmas Market Excursion)
Today you’ll have the option to explore one of Belgium’s most celebrated cities. Choose between Bruges, a perfectly preserved medieval gem, or Ghent, a lively city where centuries of history blend beautifully with its modern, festive spirit.
This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner onboard.
Excursion Options:
- Bruges Walking Tour with Christmas Market
Discover the UNESCO-listed centre of Bruges with a local guide. Once a hub of the European cloth trade, the city is filled with ornate churches and elegant mansions that speak of its prosperous past. In winter, Bruges is even more enchanting—sparkling lights, decorated trees, and the aroma of festive treats fill the streets. Your tour concludes at Bruges’ delightful Christmas Market, where you’ll have free time to browse before returning to the ship. - Ghent Walking Tour with Christmas Market
Wander Ghent’s car-free historic centre with your guide, beginning at the Church of Saint James and continuing to the lively Friday Market Square. Admire the Great Butchers’ Hall, medieval guild houses, and the city’s iconic Belfry. Afterwards, enjoy free time to soak up Ghent’s Winter Festival, complete with more than 100 market stalls, twinkling lights, and the scent of pine in the air.
Please note: Ghent’s Christmas Market is not available on the 2 December departure.
DAY 3 Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium’s largest port and second-largest city, is a place of elegance and creativity—famous for diamonds, fashion, art, and gourmet indulgence.
Excursion Options:
- The Nottebohm Room
Step inside the historic Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library, home to the breathtaking Nottebohm Room. Two stories of towering wooden shelves house rare leather-bound volumes, alongside treasures like 17th-century globes by Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu. A must for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. - Chocolate Nation
Celebrate Belgium’s sweetest export in Antwerp’s Chocolate Nation museum. Discover the country’s love affair with chocolate, trace the cocoa bean’s journey from Ecuador to Antwerp, and, of course, sample a tempting variety of Belgian chocolates.
DAY 4 Hasselt & Liège
A delightful blend of charm and culture awaits in Hasselt. This lively yet relaxed town is mostly car-free, making it a perfect place to explore on foot. Later, head to Liège, home to Belgium’s oldest Christmas Market.
Featured Excursions:
- Hasselt Walking Tour
Join a local guide to uncover Hasselt’s highlights, from leafy green spaces to colourful street art. You’ll also discover shopping districts filled with both international brands and quirky boutiques. - Liège Christmas Market
Explore Belgium’s oldest and most traditional Christmas Market, where around 200 wooden chalets invite you to shop, savour festive treats, or relax with a warm drink.
DAY 5 Maastricht (with Optional Visit to Aachen or Valkenburg)
Cross into the Netherlands to visit Maastricht, a picturesque and romantic city with a rich history and welcoming atmosphere. Later, you’ll have the option to explore Aachen’s world-famous Christmas Market in Germany or discover Valkenburg’s extraordinary underground Christmas Market.
Featured Excursions:
- Maastricht Walking Tour
Stroll through the city’s charming streets with your guide, from the elegant Stokstraat Quarter to the historic City Hall. Learn about Maastricht’s journey from Roman times to modern-day cultural hub, and experience its festive charm during the “Magical Maastricht” Christmas Market, one of the largest in the Netherlands. - Nights Out: Maastricht Christmas Lights
After dinner, enjoy a guided evening walk through “Magical Maastricht.” Sip a hot drink as you wander among sparkling lights, a festive ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and holiday stalls.
Excursion Options:
- Aachen Christmas Market
Explore one of Europe’s best-loved Christmas Markets, set around the UNESCO-listed Aachen Cathedral. Don’t miss sampling the city’s famous gingerbread, Aachen Printen, in its many varieties.
Note: Most European Christmas Markets close after 23 December. - Christmas in the Caves, Valkenburg
Experience the enchanting underground Christmas Market of Valkenburg, where cosy stalls and glowing lights transform historic caves into a winter wonderland. Outside, the entire town is dressed for the season with festive cheer.
DAY 6 Antwerp (Christmas Concert)
Return to Antwerp to experience its wonderful blend of medieval heritage and striking modern design. If travelling during the season, you’ll also find the city’s Old Town transformed into a sparkling Christmas Market. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.
Featured Excursion:
- Antwerp Walking Tour with Christmas Concert
Join your guide for a walking tour that concludes at St. Paulus Church, a stunning 16th-century Gothic building in the Old Town. Here you’ll be treated to a holiday concert performed by the Chamber Choir of Flanders.
DAY 7 Brussels
Your final full day is spent in Brussels, the Belgian capital. Famous for its historic squares, grand architecture, chocolate, and beer, the city comes alive with festive decorations and one of Europe’s largest Christmas Markets.
Featured Excursion:
- Brussels Christmas Market
Explore over 200 market stalls in the city centre, where the scent of mulled wine and sweet treats fills the air. Warm up with a cup of authentic Belgian hot chocolate as the market sparkles under the evening lights.
Excursion Options:
- Brussels City Tour with Chocolate Tasting
Enjoy a panoramic drive past key landmarks such as the Royal Residence, Chinese Pavilion, and Japanese Pagoda before heading into the city on foot. Along the way, sample iconic Belgian chocolates from master chocolatiers. - Brussels Walking Tour with Belgian Beer Museum
Join your guide on a walking tour through highlights including La Grand-Place and the historic stock exchange, home to the Belgian Beer Museum. Learn about Belgium’s brewing traditions and taste a selection of beers along the way.
DAY 8 Brussels (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer, or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Brussels Airport for your flight home.
About this trip
2 countries: Belgium and the Netherlands
Departure Months
December
What's included
7 NIGHTS
Accommodation
PREMIUM ALL INCLUSIVE
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners. Unlimited beverages throughout the cruise, including fine wines, premium spirits, beer, soft drinks, specialty coffees, teas, and mineral water.
ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown
Sightseeing highlights
The S.S. Victoria brings contemporary luxury and the largest suites on Europe’s rivers. Spacious accommodations feature French Balconies, water-facing beds, and signature custom linens for exceptional comfort. Unwind in elegant lounges, enjoy regionally inspired cuisine across three dining venues, and take advantage of the spa, pool, gym, and boutique touches such as original artwork and fresh flowers throughout the ship.
Indulge in all of the classic delights of a European Christmas with unique Belgian charm.
This trip is perfect for those who have been to the classic markets of Germany and are looking for something new, for anyone looking to explore a different side of Belgium than most tourists see or for those excited to lean into a holiday extravaganza for their next winter season.
The Bressenden difference
DINING
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
EXCURSIONS
6 days of immersive excursions, led by expert English-speaking guides
Personal Quietvox audio headset system for clear guided touring
Complimentary use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks for independent exploration
LUXURIOUS SHIPS
7-night cruise aboard the elegant S.S. Victoria in a riverview stateroom
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
EXPERIENCES
2 countries: Belgium and the Netherlands
2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
Captivating onboard local entertainment
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Booking protected.
Generations Family Program (select sailings)
Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they’re also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.
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