Christmas Markets from Brussels to Cologne
Overview
The Christmas markets of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany offer a magical holiday experience with twinkling lights, festive treats and traditional crafts. From Belgium’s charming squares and the Netherlands’ unique canal-side markets to Germany’s world-famous Christkindlmarkts, each destination brings its own festive charm. Visitors can enjoy seasonal delights, handcrafted gifts and the warmth of the holiday spirit in these enchanting winter wonderlands.
Format
Locations
- Brussels
- Cologne
- Maastricht
- Belgium
- Germany
- Netherlands
Inclusions
- Flight to Brussels; return from Frankfurt (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- 6 nights of accommodation
- 6 breakfasts, 1 tasting
- Private airport transfer upon arrival
- Roundtrip transfers from the train stations to the hotel
- Train transfer from Cologne to Frankfurt airport
- High-speed train tickets for intercity travel
- Public transport tickets valid in each city
- More Moments activities:
- Brussels: Guided walking tour with waffle-tasting
- Entrance to Valkenburg Underground Christmas Markets
- Visit to Cologne Christmas Markets
- Earn Aeroplan® points
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Brussels.
Day 2
Welcome to Brussels
Upon arrival at the airport, take your private transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you can begin exploring Brussels. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
($) Optional Activities
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Christmas Market
Take the time to explore the famous Christmas light show at the Grand Place or visit Winter Wonders Christmas Market, one of Europe’s largest of its kind. Stroll through the Royal Galleries, with artisanal chocolate shops and boutique stores.
Day 3
Brussels: Sightseeing
After breakfast, meet your guide to begin your day with a walking tour of Brussels. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the Christmas market at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Guided walking tour of Brussels
Stroll through the historic city centre to admire landmarks like the Grand Place, European Quarter and Manneken Pis, with a stop for some waffle tasting at a local café.
($) Optional Activities
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Winter Wonders Chirstmas Market
Visit the Winter Wonders Christmas Market, which spans over 2.5 kilometres and features over 200 chalets selling festive treats and mulled wine and offers ice skating at Place Sainte-Catherine. The lively atmosphere and beautiful setting make Winter Wonders one of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets.
Meal(s): Breakfast, tasting
Day 4
Brussels - Maastricht
After breakfast, take your transfer to the train station and head to Maastricht, Netherlands. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
($) Optional Activities
-
Maastricht Christmas Market
Visit the Magical Maastricht Christmas Market at Vrijthof Square, featuring an ice rink and a festive Ferris wheel. In the evening, explore the illuminated streets of Maastricht and try Dutch oliebollen (doughnuts).
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Maastricht: Visit
Board the local train to Valkenburg, home to Europe’s most unique underground Christmas markets.
More Moments Activities Included
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Entrance to Valkenburg Christmas Markets
The Valkenburg Christmas Markets welcome visitors to an underground wonderland. These magical markets set within caves feature twinkling lights, festive decorations and charming wooden stalls offering seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts. The unique setting, with its historic tunnels and cozy atmosphere, creates an unforgettable holiday experience, unlike any other Christmas market in the world.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Maastricht - Cologne: Visit
After breakfast, board your train to Cologne, Germany. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin exploring three of the city's seven Christmas markets.
More Moments Activities Included
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Seven Christmas markets
Cologne is home to seven enchanting Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm and festive atmosphere. These markets transform the city into a winter wonderland, offering visitors a magical holiday experience. Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the most famous, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral, with over 150 stalls selling crafts, treats and Glühwein (German mulled wine). Heinzels Wintermärchen (Old Town Christmas Market) is a medieval-themed market in the Old Town, known for its nostalgic charm and ice-skating rink. Lastly, the Harbour Christmas Market, located by the Rhine River near the Chocolate Museum, features maritime-style stalls and seafood delicacies.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Cologne: At Leisure
Continue discovering enchanting Cologne at your own pace. With so much to see and do, here are our top recommendations to make the most of your festive visit.
($) Optional Activities
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Our Recommendations
Cruise the Rhine River: Take a scenic winter river cruise, offering stunning views of Cologne’s skyline and twinkling city lights.
Explore the Chocolate Museum: Learn about the history of chocolate and indulge in sweet treats at the Lindt Chocolate Museum, a perfect winter activity.
Relax at a Thermal Spa: Unwind at Claudius Therme, where you can enjoy a thermal bath with warm pools, saunas and beautiful winter views.
Walk Along the Hohenzollern Bridge: Enjoy a romantic stroll over the Love Lock Bridge, with stunning views of Cologne’s skyline.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Cologne – Frankfurt - Return to Canada
After breakfast, take your private transfer to the train station to board your train to Frankfurt airport for your return flight home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Important Information
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Daily from November 27, 2025 – December 23, 2025
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Tours Exclusions:
- Meals, unless specified
- Porterage
- Entrance fees, unless specified
- Personal expenses
- Transfers, unless specified
- Local taxes
- Optional activities
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
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City taxes are applicable for hotel stays are payable in local currency upon checkout.
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The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.