Ostend & Bruges Christmas Markets
- Duration: 4 days
- Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Ref: D2TLEI9211
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
4 days
CE4AAV
Discover the Magic of Ostend & Bruges This Christmas
Ostend has long been a firm favourite with Leisuretimers, and it's easy to see why. This charming Belgian coastal resort combines seaside relaxation with easy access to some of Europe's most enchanting destinations – making it the perfect base for a memorable festive break.
Your Home Away From Home: The Royal Astrid Hotel
We've chosen the ever-popular Royal Astrid Hotel for your stay, a property that keeps our guests coming back year after year. Located just 100 metres from Ostend's lovely sandy beach, this welcoming hotel boasts an excellent spa and wellness complex where you can truly unwind. Whether you fancy a refreshing dip in the pool, a relaxing sauna session, or simply want to soak up the coastal atmosphere from the comfort of your hotel, the Royal Astrid has everything you need for a rejuvenating break.
Two Christmas Markets, One Magical Break
This festive getaway gives you the best of both worlds – two completely different Christmas market experiences in one wonderful weekend.
Ostend Christmas Market brings seasonal charm right to your doorstep. Just a short stroll from your hotel, you'll find this delightful seaside Christmas market where the festive atmosphere meets fresh sea breezes. Browse the seasonal stalls, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, and enjoy the unique experience of a coastal Christmas market – something quite special and different from the traditional city square setting. The combination of twinkling lights, festive treats, and that invigorating sea air creates a magical atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.
Bruges Christmas Markets offer the fairy-tale experience you've been dreaming of. We'll take you the short distance to this medieval masterpiece, where cobbled streets and ancient architecture provide the perfect backdrop for one of Europe's most enchanting festive celebrations. Wander through multiple market squares, each with its own character, browse dozens of wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats, and lose yourself in the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage city dressed in its Christmas finest.
Explore Ostend at Your Leisure
Beyond the Christmas market, you'll have plenty of free time to discover Ostend's delights at your own pace. Stroll along the seafront promenade, browse the local shops, sample fresh Belgian seafood at a waterfront restaurant, or simply breathe in that invigorating sea air. The town's compact size makes it wonderfully easy to explore on foot, and there's a lovely blend of traditional charm and modern amenities to enjoy.
This Break is Perfect For:
- Friends and family looking to get away together and have some fun in a relaxed, festive setting
- Shopping enthusiasts eager to find unique gifts and Belgian specialities at two distinct Christmas markets
- Food and drink lovers ready to indulge in Belgian waffles, chocolates, beers, and seasonal delicacies
- History buffs who'll love exploring medieval Bruges and coastal Ostend
- Anyone wanting to experience a short European weekend without the hassle of airports and complicated travel arrangements
As always with Leisuretime, we take care of all the details. You will need a valid passport for travel.
PRICE FROM
?
£339
per person
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Your Journey BeginsJoin your coach at your convenient local pick-up point and settle in for a relaxing journey. There's no need to worry about driving, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads – just sit back, relax, and let us take care of everything. Get comfortable as we head towards the Kent coast, with plenty of time to chat with fellow travellers and build anticipation for the festive adventure ahead.
We'll join our ferry for the crossing to the Continent. There's something special about a sea crossing – it marks the true beginning of your European escape. Stretch your legs on deck, grab a coffee or browse the onboard shops, and watch the White Cliffs fade into the distance as Belgium beckons.
On arrival, we continue the short distance to our hotel in the centre of Ostend to check in. The Royal Astrid Hotel's location puts you close to the heart of the action, with the beach, promenade, and town centre all within easy walking distance.
Once you've checked in and freshened up, the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. The hotel boasts a lovely bar complete with a cosy fire – the perfect spot to unwind after your journey with a drink and a bite to eat. If you don't fancy venturing far on your first evening, you can enjoy the hotel's food options in comfort and warmth. Alternatively, if you're feeling more adventurous, Ostend's excellent dining scene is right on your doorstep, with plenty of inviting restaurants within a short stroll serving everything from fresh seafood to traditional Belgian cuisine.
This is your holiday, so take your time, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy your first taste of Belgian hospitality – whether that's by the hotel fire or out exploring the town.
Days 2 - 3
Festive Fun and RelaxationWake up to hearty breakfasts every morning – the perfect fuel for your festive adventures. There's nothing quite like starting your day with a proper breakfast, especially when you've got exciting plans ahead or simply want the energy to explore at your leisure.
Enjoy plenty of free time to explore and relax in Ostend at your own pace. Stroll along the sandy beach with that invigorating sea breeze in your hair, wander through the charming town centre, browse the local shops for Belgian chocolates and specialities, or visit the delightful Ostend Christmas Market with its unique seaside festive atmosphere. If relaxation is more your style, the hotel's excellent spa and wellness complex is calling – treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering, take a dip in the pool, or simply unwind in the sauna. This is your time to do exactly as you please.
Don't miss your INCLUDED excursion to the beautiful Bruges Christmas Markets – the crown jewel of your festive break. We'll whisk you away to this magical medieval city where fairy-tale architecture meets Christmas enchantment. Spend the day wandering cobbled streets lined with twinkling lights, browsing wooden chalets brimming with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats, sampling warming glühwein and Belgian delicacies, and soaking up the atmosphere in one of Europe's most photogenic cities. Whether you're Christmas shopping, indulging in local cuisine, or simply marvelling at the stunning scenery, Bruges in December is truly unforgettable.
Return to your hotel in the evenings where the cosy bar with its welcoming fire awaits. This is the perfect time to relax with a drink, enjoy dinner either at the hotel or at one of Ostend's excellent restaurants, and share stories and laughter with your fellow travellers. There's something special about swapping tales of the day's discoveries over a nightcap – it's these moments that turn a good holiday into a great one.
Day 4
Homeward Bound with Happy MemoriesAfter one final hearty breakfast, take a moment to soak up the last views of Ostend and perhaps snap a few final photos of the seafront. It's time to say farewell to this charming Belgian coastal town, the Royal Astrid Hotel, and the new friends you've made along the way.
Check out and rejoin your coach, then sit back and relax as we begin our journey home. There's no rush, no stress – just time to reflect on the wonderful memories you've made. Perhaps you'll flip through photos of Bruges' magical Christmas markets, admire the gifts and Belgian treats you've collected, or simply enjoy a well-earned rest as the Belgian countryside rolls by.
We'll head back towards Calais for the ferry crossing back to the UK. Once again, you can stretch your legs on board, grab a final coffee or snack, and watch the English coastline come into view. There's something satisfying about a sea crossing home – that sense of a journey well travelled and adventures well enjoyed.
From Dover, we continue the onward journey back to your local pick-up point, arriving home with a coach full of festive memories,
Ostend
Discover Ostend: Belgium's Premier Seaside ResortThis enchanting Belgian seaside town combines fascinating history with thriving modern culture. Described as the cultural capital of the Belgian coast, Ostend has become a firm favourite with British visitors who return year after year.
Known as the "City by the Sea", Ostend boasts miles of beautiful sandy beaches along the North Sea coastline – perfect for bracing winter walks and fresh sea air.
Stroll down the delightful wide promenades lined with excellent shops, inviting bars, and restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to traditional Belgian cuisine. Whether you're browsing for chocolates and gifts or simply enjoying a coffee while watching the world go by, you'll find the perfect spot.
Ostend has grown from a humble fishing village into a lively and cosmopolitan resort with a pretty harbour, modern marina, elegant casino, and pedestrianised shopping streets. The town's compact, walkable layout makes exploring effortless.
With year-round activities, cultural events, and seasonal markets, there's always something happening. Above all, Ostend offers that wonderful, friendly European ambience – close enough to feel accessible, different enough to feel like a proper escape.
Christmas in Bruges: A Fairytale Come to Life
Give in to that warm, fuzzy feeling during Christmas in Bruges. This pretty medieval city takes on magical fairytale airs as the temperatures drop and the festive season arrives. The intoxicating scent of fresh waffles lingers in the air, whilst the streets are dressed like gingerbread houses with twinkling fairy lights reflected in the tranquil canals.
Two Enchanting Christmas Markets
The main Bruges Christmas market at Grote Markt is the centrepiece of the city's festive celebrations, with gorgeous wooden chalets surrounding a glittering ice rink where skaters swish and stumble in the shadow of the iconic 83-metre-high belfry. If you can face the 366 steps to the bells at the top, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the chocolate-box city below – though it's entirely optional!
There's another smaller, equally charming market near tree-lined Simon Stevinplein. With no shortage of tempting chocolatiers and cosy cafés en route between the two, the short walk might take considerably longer than you'd expect – but that's all part of the pleasure.
Indulge in Belgian Delights
Hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a snow-dusted tour of the cobbles, or simply wander at your own pace, soaking up the atmosphere. If you've over-indulged on chocolates and waffles, a brisk walk along the canals will help blow away the cobwebs and work up an appetite for the next course: a plate of warm, crisp kroketten made with shrimp or gorgeously oozing cheese. Perfect for a quick pit-stop before the serious business of Christmas shopping begins!
Tour includes
- Return short sea ferry crossings
- 3 nights bed & breakfast
- Free time in Ostend
- Full day visit to Bruges Christmas Markets
- Tourist Tax
- Direct Coach Travel
- Net Zero Carbon
Valid passport required for travel.
£50 deposit per person.
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£50 deposit per person.
Accommodation
Royal Astrid Hotel Ostend
Hotel & Wellness Royal Astrid is a three-star hotel located 100m from the beautiful sandy beach of Ostend. The hotel is known for its warm welcome and all 173 bedrooms are well appointed with Wifi throughout (please note that in keeping with many 3* hotels in Europe, complimentary tea & coffee making facilities are not available). Single rooms are double or twin for sole occupancy. There is a lovely bar and restaurant for those preferring to stay in rather than explore the extensive range of nearby bars are restaurants. The hotel has a spa & wellness complex of about 1000 m², which includes a lovely swimming pool (extra charges apply for some services).
For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window)
Hotel Location
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