I found the website but would love to hear from people who have been there.
http://www.plaisirsdhiver.be/en/page.html
Please share your experience and highlights. How fun and festive was it? I assume no bratwurst but oodles of Belgian waffles and chocolates? Should we spend 3-4 nights to see all the markets in Brussels or split our time to experience the markets in Brugge and Gent too? We'd be taking the train from the Frankfurt airport.

We spent 3 nights in Bruges in Dec 2007 and really loved the atmosphere - it was very festive and the markets a lot of fun.

Sounds like we should divide our time between Brugge and Brussels then,

Here's a website with some pics:
http://www.brugesinfo.com/christmas-and-new-year.php

And our photos from Bruges: http://picasaweb.google.com/jamie.a....BrugesBelguim#

And our photos from Strasbourg:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jamie.a....sInStrasbourg#

Enjoy!

Thank you , what fun pictures you have!

C --

I have been to the Brussels Christmas market twice. While I like the German markets a little better, certainly the Brussels market has its own charms. Especially in the Grand Place, where there is a light show and music that plays off of the buildings in the square. It is really wonderful to see and hear. Have fun!

RN

I'm kind of old school. I have never been happy with the Brussels Christmas markets after they moved them off the Grand-Place. Plus whenever I go, it starts to rain. OTOH, many Brussels cafes have fireplaces and they all serve something good to drink, so that makes up a little for the sogginess.

We do like the market in Bruges - you're more likely (but still not highly likely) to have snow there.

IMO, no, the Belgian markets aren't as nice as our favorites in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. But they're nice enough.

As for "oodles of waffles and chocolates", well, you are in Belgium. You'll find those in abundance year round