City Breaks · Belgium
Belgium Winter Wonders
3 Dec 2027 – 6 Dec 2027 3 nights from £699pp own travel
Experience the magic of Christmas in Belgium, with enchanting markets, twinkling lights, rich Belgian chocolate and the storybook charm of Brussels and Bruges.
Escape to Belgium for a magical three-night, four-day Christmas break, staying in the heart of Brussels and experiencing the festive charm of two of Belgium’s most beautiful cities. During our stay, we will explore the vibrant streets of Brussels, soaking up the wonderful atmosphere of its famous Christmas market, with its sparkling lights, festive stalls, delicious seasonal treats and traditional Belgian delights. We will also take a day trip to the picturesque city of Bruges, where cobbled streets, medieval buildings and enchanting canals create the perfect Christmas setting. With plenty of opportunities to browse Christmas markets, sample Belgian chocolates and waffles, enjoy cosy cafés and take in the festive surroundings, this short winter getaway promises the perfect mix of sightseeing, shopping, relaxation and Christmas magic.
With our centrally located Brussels hotel, early arrival and late departures, we’ll have plenty of time to soak up the festive atmosphere and make the most of our stay. Plus, on one day we’ve included a train journey to the picture-perfect medieval city of Bruges, where the enchanting Wintergleod celebrations bring historic squares, cobbled streets and canals to life with sparkling illuminations and traditional Christmas markets.
Experience the magic of Christmas in Belgium on this festive three-night getaway, combining the dazzling Winter Wonders of the Christmas markets in Brussels with a scenic train journey to the enchanting medieval city of Bruges. Enjoy twinkling lights, charming market stalls, Belgian treats and beautiful historic streets, all while sharing festive spirit, cultural discoveries and wonderful memories together.
Availability and pricing
| Option | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium Winter Wonders | ||
| Own travel without transfers | £699.00 | 10 places left |
| Eurostar | £899.00 | 20 places left |
| Edinburgh | £929.00 | 10 places left |
| London Heathrow | £929.00 | 20 places left |
| Manchester | £929.00 | 18 places left |
| Edinburgh add 23kg hold luggage | £50.00 | 20 places left |
| London Heathrow add 23kg hold luggage | £50.00 | 10 places left |
| Manchester add 23kg hold luggage | £50.00 | 20 places left |
| Belgium Winter Wonders - Accommodation | ||
| Place in a twin share room | No supplement | 20 places left |
| Place in a single room | £210.00 | 15 places left |
Booking conditions for this holiday
Our booking conditions apply to this holiday, including the deposit and the cancellation scale. Read the booking conditions
Quote the holiday title or this reference if you call the team about it: SH0000791
Who else is going
The question everyone asks and nobody wants to.
- Travelling alone
- Most people book on their own
Numbers build over the months before a departure, and the office knows today's figure: ask and they will tell you who has booked so far.
Why you'll love this holiday
Where you'll go
Provisional Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from the UK
Whether you've chosen to fly from your preferred airport or catch the Eurostar from St Pancreas in London, we should arrive into Brussels in good time to make the most of your first day. The quickest way to transfer from Brussels Midi station or the airport is by metro or train and because you are arriving early you will be able to leave your luggage at the hotel before heading on to explore Brussels discovering the nearby shops, cafés and Belgian chocolatiers along Rue Neuve for our first taste of Belgium. In the evening, there may be an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed group dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an optional stroll to experience the city's magical Christmas atmosphere.
Day 2
Brussels Winter Wonders and the Grand-Place
After breakfast, we’ll head out to explore the heart of Brussels where their Winter Wonders Christmas Market spreads across several squares and streets with more than 200 festive chalets. Browse handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, crafts and seasonal treats, sample Belgian chocolates, waffles and other local delicacies, or enjoy a warming festive drink. For those that wish we can also enjoy the ice rink, fairground attractions and Ferris wheel.
We’ll visit the magnificent Grand-Place, approximately a 15-minute walk from our hotel, where the spectacular Christmas tree, historic guild houses and festive sound-and-light show create a magical winter setting. We'll also have time to see the famous Manneken Pis and explore the beautiful Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, with its elegant glass roof, cafés and chocolate shops. The rest of the day can be spent browsing the markets, shopping or enjoying the city at your own pace with an optional group meal at a local restaurant in the evening.
Day 3
Christmas Magic in Bruges
Following breakfast, we’ll take a direct train to Bruges for our second day of Christmas marketing and more exploring one of Belgium’s most enchanting medieval cities. Bruges markets are smaller than those in Brussels and have a very different 'feel' to them with the smaller town atmosphere and its cobbled lanes, charming squares, stone bridges and picturesque network of historic canals, Bruges is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'. We’ll enjoy the Bruges Wintergloed celebrations where festive stalls offer gifts, seasonal treats and local specialities. We can visit the main market square Grote Markt framed by colourful medieval guild houses and admire the impressive Belfty of Bruges - an 83 metre tall 13th century bell tower with panoramic city views.
There will be free time to explore, take photographs and enjoy the storybook surroundings before we regroup for our return train to Brussels. In the evening, we can enjoy dinner together and explore the local markets illuminated in the darkness if we wish.
Day 4
Last-minute shopping and a leisurely farewell
Enjoy our final breakfast and some free time in Brussels for last day Christmas shopping souvenir hunting or a relaxing coffee in one of the artisan cafes. Depending on your flight/train departure time, feel free to visit another attraction, enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading back to the airport or Eurostar fory our journey home, taking away some lovely memories of our Belgian Christmas escape.
Optional excursions and extra experiences
Closer to the time, we may offer optional extras such as a chocolate-tasting experience, a visit to the Atomium, the iconic giant atom structure or a ticket to the Magritte Art Museum. This is your Christmas break and you are welcome to join the group throughout or explore the City your way.
What's included
- International Flights or Eurostar
- 4* hotel accommodation (local rating)
- City tax
- 3 Continental breakfasts
- Bruges Markets Excursion (Inc travel)
- Spice Escapes host
Not included
- Single supplement if required
- Change to luggage allowance if required
- Personal travel insurance
- Transfers (between arrivals and hotel)
- Some drinks & some meals
- Personal extras
Travel and where you'll stay
The Thon Hotel
Our chosen hotel is the modern four-star Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, ideally located in the heart of Brussels, close to the city's main shopping streets, cafés and attractions. With the Rogier metro station right on the doorstep and Brussels North railway station within easy reach, it offers an excellent base for discovering Belgium's festive capital.
Rue Neuve, one of Brussels' main shopping streets, is just a few minutes' walk away as are plenty of places to eat, drink coffee and sample Belgian specialities.
Bedrooms are of a contemporary style, with private bathrooms and convenient facilities. Rooms include flat-screen or smart TV's, tea and coffee-making facilities, a mini-fridge and in-room safe. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property.
Breakfast at the hotel is a varied buffet offering hot and cold options and also a waffle and pancake maker for anyone wanting a little taste of Belgium at breakfast.
Hotel Facilities
One of the hotel's standout features is its upper-floor sauna, where guests can relax while enjoying impressive views across the city. There is also a fitness gym available for guests who want to keep active during their stay. The O Bar offers a relaxed lounge where we can unwind with a drink after a day out or we can move to the games area with activities such as billiards and shuffleboard - ideal for additional relaxing and socialising.
Getting there
Departing from Edinburgh, London Heathrow, Manchester, Eurostar St Pancras or Eurostar Brussels.
Edinburgh
London Heathrow
Manchester
Eurostar St Pancras departing only
Eurostar Brussels departing only
These are the times currently scheduled. Airlines change them, sometimes months before departure, so please treat them as provisional rather than final.
Luggage, transfers and flight notes
Provisional Flight & Train Information
Included luggage allowance
Edinburgh - 8kg cabin bag (option to change to 23kg checked in)
Heathrow - 8kg cabin bag (option to change to 23kg checked in)
Manchester - 8kg cabin bag (option to change to 23kg checked in)
Eurostar - 2 pieces of luggage no weight or size specified
Before you travel
Passport validity
For UK passport holders your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the day you enter (check the "date of issue")
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the "expiry date")
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Entry rules for EU travel — EES, ETIAS and your GHIC
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced gradually across the external borders of the European countries that use it, including the collection of biometric data such as a facial image and fingerprints. Passports continue to be stamped as usual in the meantime.
Further information: travel-europe.europa.eu/ees
ETIAS
UK citizens will eventually need a travel authorisation (ETIAS) to enter the European countries that require it for short stays. It is linked to your passport and valid for up to three years. There is no confirmed start date yet — we will let everyone know when it is required and how to apply.
Global Health Insurance Card
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), or a still-valid EHIC, gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. It is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Travel insurance
Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.
Gallery
Before you book
Will I be the only one on my own?
No. Almost everyone books on their own — that is the whole point of the trip. Nobody has to pair up and nobody sits on their own at dinner unless they want to.
Do I have to share a room?
Only if you want to. Sharing a twin with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra, and it is how most people keep the price down. If you would rather have a room to yourself, you can — see the single-room price on the trip you are looking at.
Is there a single supplement?
There is a charge for a room of your own and it varies a great deal by trip, so the honest answer is the figure on the holiday you are looking at rather than an average. What there is not is any obligation to pay it: sharing a twin with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra, and it is a genuine option rather than a token one.
Every holiday with a single room available, and what each one costs, is listed on single rooms and single supplements.
How big is the group?
Small enough to learn everyone’s name in the first day or two. Group sizes vary by trip and are listed on each holiday.
What does the host actually do?
Your host is there to make your holiday feel easy, welcoming and fun. They travel with the group throughout the trip, help everyone get to know each other, keep things running smoothly and are there if you need anything along the way.
They’re not a traditional holiday rep — they’re part of the group, sharing the experience with you and helping make sure nobody feels left out.
Is my money protected?
Yes. Payments are held in a bonded trust account, and every holiday booked with flights is ATOL protected under licence 9046. If you arrange your own flights, your money for the holiday is still protected by the bonded trust account, but the flights you buy elsewhere are not covered by our ATOL.
What age are the other travellers?
It varies by trip. Most groups span a wide range of ages with a shared interest in the destination rather than a shared birth year.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes — 18. Spice Escapes holidays are adults only.
Most people who travel with us are in their forties and beyond, but that is who books rather than a rule. There is no upper age limit, and two people travelling together do not need to be a similar age: a daughter in her thirties travelling with her mother in her sixties is an ordinary booking.
Is Spice Escapes a singles or dating holiday company?
No. Spice Escapes is a hosted holiday company for people who travel on their own. Almost everyone books alone, groups are small and adults only (mostly forties to sixties), and a named host travels with every departure so nobody is the odd one out. It is about the destination and the company, not matchmaking.
What travellers say
4.9/5 from 63 reviews on Google
Questions about this holiday?
Ring the office, send us a question, or chat any hour. A real person, not a call centre.
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