5 magical Christmas markets for a great drive

Let’s start in Belgium. There’s plenty of winter fun to be had in Brussels with its not-to-be-missed Winter Wonders and Christmas market that attracts about 2.5 million visitors every year. From 26 November to 2 January you can take a stroll along more than 250 stalls and soak up the impressive sound and light display. There’s lots to enjoy - from a majestic Christmas tree to a life-size nativity scene, skating rink and exhibitions at the Christmas market itself. Brussels is easily accessible by car and, of course, you can get home again quickly in the evening: win-win.

Our northern neighbours also know how to organise a Christmas market. Jump in the car and head for Maastricht. This is known as one of the most magical Christmas markets in the Netherlands. The Christmas chalets with their attractive, red roofs and festive decorations create a fairy-tale scene from 1 to 31 December. You can even find special Christmas deals at the hotels in the area if you want to stay the night. So you can choose whether you drive back to Belgium the same day or make a weekend of it. Just hit the Dockx Chrismtas playlist and drive!

Not so far from Maastricht you will find the Christmas spectacle in Valkenburg. Take a trip out and visit an underground Christmas market held in the Municipal Caves illuminated by festive lights. A labyrinth full of sparkling lights and spectacular light shows. It’s not every day you get to experience a Christmas market in a cave! Between 12 November and 9 January you can enjoy this unique experience - travel by minibus and relax and take advantage of the delicious food and activities on offer. 58 days of Christmas both above and below ground. A great Christmas day out!

Germany’s Christmas markets are the most famous of all and Düsseldorf is without doubt high on the list of favourite Christmas markets to visit by car. From 18 November to 30 December on various squares in the city you will find lots of winter activities and stalls crammed with bratwurst, pancakes, jenever and hot chocolate. The centre of Düsseldorf is easily accessible with your rental car, and there’s no shortage of car parks in and around the city. Time for a trip to Germany.

Another German Christmas market well worth a visit. Cologne, like Düsseldorf, is a real Christmas classic and can be visited between 22 November and 23 December. Here you will find 6 Christmas markets to choose from, 5 in the inner city and 1 in the port. After a comfortable car drive with a great Christmas playlist in the background, enjoy a stroll through the Christmas village with more than 150 decorated stalls full of all kinds of delicious fare and Christmas decorations.