BRUGES
The Belgian UNESCO World Heritage city is streaked with picturesque canals, making it a pretty backdrop for festive shopping, Flemish style. Set in Markt, the city’s grand market square, which is lined by colourful step-roofed buildings and dominated by Bruges’ famous belfry, the Christmas market is a great destination for foodies. Sample Flemish specialities such as oliebollen – a regional sugared doughnut – while you shop for chocolate, traditional ornaments and bottles of jenever, the local liquor made from juniper berries. Lovers of lace should visit the dedicated museum to discover more about Bruges’ illustrious lace-making heritage and to see the fabulously cobweb-like antique pieces.
* From 24th November to 2nd January 2018; visitbruges.be