Christmas Markets in Southern Belgium: festive breaks a short drive from Calais

The leaves have fallen, the evenings are drawing in, and Christmas is just around the corner. And across the Channel, lies one of the most magical places to experience the festivities. Wallonia, located in the French-speaking south of Belgium, comes alive with Christmas markets, guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit.

Along with the usual offerings of fluffy waffles, handmade chocolates and a selection of Belgian beers, each market in Wallonia has its own personality. There's the cultural one, the chilled one, the fiery one – the list goes on. And they're not all in town squares either. You'll find them in beautiful water gardens, in an abbey and even in a zoo.

The best part? Most are just a short drive from Calais, making them easy to reach by car after catching the ferry from Dover. Having your own car also makes travelling between markets easy. Plus, it gives you plenty of room to bring home Christmas gifts for loved ones, or even some chocolate and Belgian beer for yourself!

Tournai: the English one

Dates: 10th to 23rd December | Approximate driving time from Calais: 1.5 hours

As the closest market to Calais, Tournai makes the perfect first stop on a festive weekend away. Its Christmas market takes over the city's historic Grand-Place with an indoor market in the Halle aux Draps (Cloth Hall) offering even more stalls to explore. You can find everything from regional produce to handmade gifts, whilst live entertainment and an ice rink help keep the whole family entertained.

The English connection comes down to the city's history. Henry VIII’s troops captured Tournai from the French in 1513 and held it until 1518. Part of the riverside fortress ordered by the young king is still standing today.

Where to stay: Hemera Hotel is a newly refurbished 57-room hotel, just a few steps from the cathedral and the UNESCO-listed belfry. Bear in mind that private parking is limited.

Mons: the cultural one

Dates: 5th December to 3rd January | Approximate driving time from Calais: 2.5 hours

The Grand Place in Mons hosts Cœur en Neige. Alongside a street market serving up flavours from all over the world, you'll find plenty to keep the little ones entertained. Think pirate ships, a mini train, a Christmas tree ride and even the chance to meet both Father and Mother Christmas.

With its charming cobbled streets, independent shops and lively terraces, Mons is worth exploring beyond the market too. The Mundaneum, often described as Google on paper, and the Mons Memorial Museum are both well worth a visit, along with the UNESCO-listed Belfry.

Festive tip: pick up some beer at Brasserie Dubuisson, the oldest brewery in Wallonia. Its Bush beers are among the strongest around at about 12%. You can also stop for lunch at the Trolls & Bush brasserie.

Where to stay: Martin’s Dream Hotel (4-star) is a former 18th-century convent set around a neo-Gothic chapel, located just 200 metres from the market. There's private parking available too.

Pairi Daiza: the one in a zoo

Dates: 27th November to 17th January | Approximate driving time from Calais: 2.5 hours

Pairi Daiza isn't your typical town square Christmas market. Set within one of Belgium's leading tourist attractions, the zoo's Garden of Worlds transforms into a winter wonderland, with thousands of twinkling fairy lights and falling snow creating a magical festive atmosphere.

It's a great choice for families, with plenty to see and do beyond browsing the Christmas market stalls, whether that's hopping aboard an illuminated train or visiting Santa's post office.

Namur: the chilled one

Dates: 27th November to 31st December | Approximate driving time from Calais: 3.5 hours

Wallonia’s capital is bathed in lights for Christmas, with its traditional market stretching across Place de l’Ange, Place d’Armes and Place du Théâtre. Around 70 wooden huts sell carefully crafted gifts, while choirs, concerts, folk groups, marching bands and stilt walkers create a lively festive atmosphere. If you're planning to stay a little longer, there's also an impressive fireworks display on New Year's Eve.

Beyond the markets, there's plenty to explore, too. One of the highlights is taking the cable car up to the Citadel, one of Europe’s great fortresses, overlooking the point where the Meuse and Sambre rivers meet.

Where to stay: The newly refurbished four-star Mercure at the Circus Casino Resort is just a 10-minute walk from the centre. It features 100 rooms, a spa, a casino and private parking.

Exploring more of the Namur region

If you're planning to spend a little longer in the Namur region, there are a few more Christmas markets worth adding to your itinerary:

Dinant: the saxy one

Dates: 4th to 20th December | Approximate driving time from Calais: 3.5 hours

The postcard-perfect town of Dinant looks even more picturesque at Christmas, when artisan stalls and concerts bring its streets to life, and the reflection of fairy lights twinkle on the river Meuse. It's also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, so you'll spot giant saxophones dotted throughout the streets. The Christmas market moves around town too, making each visit a little different.

Annevoie: the one in a magical garden

Dates: 20th to 22nd and 27th to 29th November | Approximate driving time from Calais: 3.5 hours

Across two weekends in November, Annevoie's beautiful 18th-century water gardens are transformed into a magical Christmas setting, with festive lights illuminating the grounds. Around 70 stalls fill the castle courtyard, selling everything from Christmas decorations and local crafts to food and drink. There's also parking available on site, making it a convenient stop on your Christmas market adventure.

Beer stop: If you fancy sampling some local beer, head to the Fagnes Brewery for a free visit to its old brewery. You can also take home some Fagnes Christmas, a dark, spiced strong ale with an ABV of 8.5%.

Where to stay: La Merveilleuse (3-star) in Dinant is a converted convent with 12 rooms overlooking the Meuse and the Citadel. There's also a full-service spa and free parking.

Liège: the fiery one

Dates: 27th November to 30th December | Approximate driving time from Calais: 3 hours

Liège is home to one of Belgium's oldest and possibly largest Christmas markets, with more than 200 stalls. Look out for local artisans showcasing Walloon folk characters, alongside plenty of regional food and drink, from foie gras and marzipan to blood sausage and pékèt, a traditional local spirit. There's plenty of entertainment, too, with a Ferris wheel, sledge run, ice rink and even a circus adding to the festive atmosphere.

Festive tip: Celebrate by raising a glass of Ruffus, Wallonia’s answer to champagne.

Where to stay: Van der Valk Sélys (5-star) combines a medieval façade with modern interiors. It features a gourmet restaurant and a rooftop terrace with views across the city, along with private parking.

Malmedy: the green one

Dates: 26th November to 20th December | Approximate driving time from Calais: 4 hours

At the foot of the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve, Malmedy hosts Les Féeries de l’Hiver. Highlights include a torchlight procession, a flea market packed with retro finds, an ice rink and even a treasure hunt that's sure to win over even the scroogiest visitor.

Stavelot Abbey: the one in an abbey

There's more to explore nearby, too. Stavelot Abbey hosts an artisans' market on 6th December, followed by a Christmas market on 12th and 13th December. If you're visiting, don't miss the Circuit Museum too. Housed in the underground vaults, you can see historic racing cars, from a Mercedes Silver Arrow to a Bugatti Type 35.

Festive tip: Have lunch at Val-Dieu, the only Belgian abbey beer brewed entirely in a working abbey. Make sure you try the Val-Dieu Christmas beer, too.

Where to stay: My Hotel Malmedy has 84 rooms, along with a spa, heated indoor pool, sauna and private parking.

Eupen: the multicultural one

Dates: 11th to 13th December | Approximate driving time from Calais: 4 hours

Eupen is home to Belgium's oldest Christmas market, and what makes it extra special is its international feel. Around 70 stallholders from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands come together to sell a range of produce, with local shops joining in the festivities, too.

You'll find everything from handmade crafts and festive decorations to woollen hats, candles, chocolate and glassware, alongside plenty of local food and drink.

Durbuy: the teeny weeny one

Dates: weekends from 27th November to 13th December, then daily from 18th December to 4th January | Approximate driving time from Calais: 4 hours

Fancy Christmas shopping in the world’s smallest city? Home to around 400 people, Durbuy was granted city status in 1331. Alongside its artisan market stalls, you'll find a nativity scene, festive storytelling, an ice rink and plenty of gourmet treats. With so many restaurants tucked away along the city's cobbled streets, food lovers will want to venture beyond the market, too.

Festive tip: Don't forget to try N’ice Chouffe, a spiced winter beer from the nearby Achouffe Brewery. And be sure to ask about the gnomes!

Where to stay: Le Sanglier des Ardennes (5-star) has 96 rooms, a spa and four restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef Wout Bru. Private parking is also available.

Bastogne: the memorial one

Dates: 11th to 13th December | Approximate driving time from Calais: 4 hours

Bastogne’s Christmas market takes place alongside the town's Nuts Weekend, which commemorates the Battle of the Bulge. As well as browsing stalls selling seasonal treats, crafts, mulled wine and Belgian beer, a visit to the Bastogne War Museum is also a must for a glimpse into the town's history.

Where to stay: Wagon Léo is an Orient Express-themed hotel on Place McAuliffe, right in the heart of town. It has 34 rooms and private parking.

Plan your festive break today

Most of Wallonia’s Christmas markets run from late November through December, with a few even carrying on into January.

Getting there from the UK is easy, too. Just hop on the ferry to Calais, drive across the border and you could be browsing your first Christmas market by lunchtime! Having your own car also means you can fit two or even three markets into one weekend, with plenty of room to bring home some souvenirs too.

Ready for a festive adventure? Book your ferry online with Direct Ferries today and start planning your Christmas getaway to Belgium!

Header image: Liège Christmas market © WBT / J.P. Remy