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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Brussels & Bruges Christmas Markets

Five-day Christmas markets rail break from London to Brussels and Bruges

Illustration of Brussels & Bruges Christmas Markets

Tailor Made Rail's Brussels and Bruges Christmas Markets is a 5-day independent rail holiday departing from London and returning the same way via Eurostar. You travel to Brussels, then by regional train to Bruges for 2 nights exploring two Christmas markets on the Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein, with around 150 stalls between them and regular festive performances. After that, a 50-minute train brings you to Brussels for 2 nights in a centrally located hotel, where you have a free day to choose your own activities: more Christmas markets, the Atomium, the Chocolate Museum, glühwein and chocolate tasting, or the ice rink and ferris wheel at Place Sainte-Catherine. The trip is suited to couples seeking a romantic festive break, first-time rail travellers who appreciate clear guidance, and independent explorers who enjoy structuring their own days around a handpicked itinerary. Standard Class rail travel, 4 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, and comprehensive travel documentation are included.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar', meaning your final accommodation may differ from the named properties.
  • Day 4 is entirely unguided; you arrange your own activities and meals in Brussels.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bruges

    London to Bruges

    Eurostar service to Brussels, then connect onto a regional service to Bruges, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in for a 2-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bruges

    Bruges

    Bruges is a very walkable city, with cobbled streets and canals. Two Christmas markets offer around 150 stalls between them: the larger, more traditional market on the Grote Markt, and a more artisanal market on Simon Stevinplein, with regular festive performances by local choirs.

  3. Day 3overnight: Brussels

    Bruges to Brussels

    An open ticket for the 50-minute journey back to Brussels, checking in for a 2-night stay. The hotel is centrally located, an easy walk to the Grand Place for the nightly sound-and-light show.

  4. Day 4overnight: Brussels

    Brussels

    A free festive day out in Brussels, with a choice of Christmas markets, the ferris wheel or ice rink at Place Sainte-Catherine, glühwein and chocolate tasting, the Chocolate Museum or the Atomium.

  5. Day 5

    Brussels to London

    Time for another morning in Brussels before making your way to Gare du Midi for the return journey to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Explore two Christmas markets in Bruges: the traditional market on the Grote Markt with around 150 stalls combined, and an artisanal market on Simon Stevinplein featuring festive performances by local choirs.
  • Day 3Travel by 50-minute regional service from Bruges back to Brussels, then walk from your centrally located hotel to the Grand Place for the nightly sound-and-light show.
  • Day 4A free day in Brussels to choose between Christmas markets, the ferris wheel or ice rink at Place Sainte-Catherine, glühwein and chocolate tasting, the Chocolate Museum, or the Atomium.

Included

  • Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
  • 4 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Comprehensive directions to your hotels
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations on Eurostar (London to Brussels) and a regional service (Brussels to Bruges), plus an open ticket for the return journey from Bruges to Brussels.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is an independent rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides directions to your hotels and travel documentation, but you explore each city on your own.
What is included in the price?
Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations, 4 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, comprehensive directions to hotels, and easy-to-follow travel documentation.
How much walking is involved?
Bruges is described as a very walkable city with cobbled streets and canals. Your Brussels hotel is centrally located within easy walking distance of the Grand Place. Expect city walking to explore markets, attractions, and neighbourhoods.
When does this trip run?
This is a Christmas markets trip, operating in the festive season. Confirm exact departure dates with Tailor Made Rail.
What is not included?
Meals other than breakfast, museum or attraction entry fees, and activities such as the ferris wheel, ice rink, and chocolate tasting.

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