Paris: Bruges and Ghent Christmas Markets 2 Days Tour

Exploring Belgium’s Christmas Charm: A Look at the 2-Day Tour from Paris

Traveling from Paris to the fairy-tale cities of Bruges and Ghent during the holiday season offers a magical escape into a winter wonderland. This 2-day Christmas Market tour, organized by BackTrip, promises cozy wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and a chance to soak up Flemish holiday traditions — all with the convenience of luxury transportation from Paris. It’s a popular choice for those craving a quick festive getaway, especially if you’re eager to experience authentic markets without the hassle of planning every detail.

What truly draws us to this experience is the combination of guided tours and free time. You’ll get insight into each city’s unique character, plus plenty of opportunities to wander at your own pace, sample regional snacks, or pick up handmade crafts. On the flip side, the tour’s busy schedule and full-day commitments mean it’s not ideal if you prefer slow mornings or want to explore every detail on your own. Still, for those craving a snapshot of Belgian Christmas cheer in a short time, this trip hits the sweet spot.

This tour caters well to travelers who love festive atmospheres, appreciate guided insights, and seek a balanced mix of sightseeing and holiday shopping. It’s also perfect for those who don’t mind a fairly full itinerary and are comfortable spending a fair chunk of the day on a bus. If you’re after a relaxed, unhurried holiday experience, this might feel a bit packed — but if you’re eager to see two charming cities with a festive twist, it could be just right.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: The markets buzz with holiday cheer, twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine.
• Efficient Transport: Luxury minivan ensures a comfortable ride between Paris, Bruges, and Ghent, with Wi-Fi on board.
• Guided and Free Time: Combines insightful walking tours with ample opportunity for independent exploring and shopping.
• Authentic Christmas Markets: Over 150 stalls in Ghent and charming wooden huts in Bruges, each with its unique character.
• Culinary Delights: Tasting local snacks, regional cheeses, and champagne lets you indulge in Flemish flavors.
• Value for Money: At $626, the price covers transport, guided tours, and access to the markets — offering a hassle-free festive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: From Paris to Bruges

Your journey begins at Porte de la Chapelle in Paris, where a luxury minivan with Wi-Fi and reading magazines will await your group. The drive to Bruges takes approximately four hours, during which you can relax or catch up on some reading. As you arrive, the first thing that hits you is the visual feast of the markets’ winter glow — beautifully decorated stalls with atmospheric lighting that instantly put you in a festive mood.

Once in Bruges, you’ll join a guided walking tour of the city’s main attractions, which likely includes the famous Markt Square. Here, the market stalls are packed with local crafts, cheeses, and regional specialties. The guided tour gives you background on the city’s history and distinctive Christmas market style, which blends medieval charm with holiday cheer.

After a brief orientation, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Many reviewers mention that the market in Bruges feels postcard-perfect, with wooden stalls and cobbled streets creating an authentic atmosphere. You might indulge in cheese tastings, local snacks, or even a glass of bubbly. The opportunity to sample regional foods in a festive setting makes the experience feel genuine and rewarding.

Day 2: From Bruges to Ghent

The second day starts with a scenic drive to Ghent, which takes about an hour. Ghent’s Christmas Market spreads across Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, and Klein Turkije, with over 150 wooden huts creating a lively holiday scene. The scents of pine resin, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts fill the air, making the wandering feel extra cozy.

Guided tours of Ghent focus on its beautiful historic architecture and vibrant arts scene, blending seamlessly with the festive surroundings. You’ll learn how the city decorates during the holidays, with many reviewers noting the atmospheric lighting and Christmas decorations that turn neighborhoods into winter wonderlands.

The free time in Ghent allows you to soak in the festive spirit, shop for crafts and souvenirs, or simply enjoy the atmosphere from street cafes. Many travelers highlight that Ghent’s compact layout makes it easy to see key sights on foot, making the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable.

In the late afternoon, you’ll reboard the minivan for the return trip to Paris, arriving back at Porte de la Chapelle after about four hours of travel.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

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The Festive Setting and Market Quality

Both Bruges and Ghent have distinctive Christmas market characters. Bruges is more medieval and fairy-tale-like, with markets centered around the historic Markt Square, where charming stalls and old-world architecture create a storybook setting. Ghent, on the other hand, is lively, sprawling across different squares with a more bustling, vibrant holiday feel.

Reviewers have appreciated how the markets are decorated in a Winter Glow style, with atmospheric lighting that transforms city streets into magical winter scenes. The wooden huts are decorated festively, and the aroma of mulled wine and regional snacks creates a warm, inviting atmosphere despite the cold weather.

Guided Tours and Free Exploration

The guided walks add context and historical insights that enhance the visit. You’ll learn about each city’s unique Christmas traditions, and the guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. The free time afterward is valuable, giving you the chance to browse stalls, taste local delicacies, and shop for crafts without feeling rushed.

Comfort and Convenience

The luxury minivan with Wi-Fi and magazines keeps travel comfortable, especially given the lengthy drive. The small group size — limited to 14 participants — means a more intimate experience, allowing for easier interaction and personalized attention.

Food and Drink Experiences

Sampling at least some regional foods, cheeses, and champagne adds a culinary dimension that many reviews find worthwhile. The scent of pine resin and mulled wine in the markets heightens the holiday atmosphere, making the experience feel authentic and festive.

Pricing and Value

At $626 per person, this tour offers good value considering the transportation, guided tours, and access to two of Belgium’s most beautiful Christmas markets. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a Christmas-themed trip without the stress of planning logistics or navigating foreign cities alone.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers a lot, there are some points to keep in mind. The schedule is quite full, and the days are full of walking and sightseeing, so good walking shoes are a must. The tour is not suitable for children under 3 or those with mobility issues, as it involves a fair amount of walking and standing.

If you want to start from your hotel or a specific location in Paris, an extra charge applies. Also, the markets in Ghent and Brussels operate only during specific dates (December 5-31 for Ghent, November 22-January 5 for Brussels), so check the dates carefully before booking.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Christmas Market tour from Paris to Bruges and Ghent offers a well-rounded taste of Flemish holiday cheer, combining guided insights, authentic markets, and convenient logistics. It’s particularly suited for travelers who love festive atmospheres and want a quick but meaningful escape to Belgium’s most picturesque cities during the Christmas season.

The blend of guided tours and free time means you’ll walk away with both a deeper understanding and personal memories. The images of twinkling lights, wooden stalls, and cozy streets are sure to stick with you long after the trip ends. While the schedule is busy, the experience offers great value for a festive adventure in Europe’s enchanting winter scenery.

If you’re after a short, immersive, holiday trip that combines sightseeing, shopping, and a festive atmosphere in a picturesque setting, this tour is a fantastic pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally not recommended for children under 3 years old or those with mobility issues, as it involves a fair amount of walking and a busy schedule.

Can I start the tour from my hotel or home in Paris?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off from your Paris hotel or apartment are available for an extra charge of 10 euro per person. Alternatively, you can meet at Porte de la Chapelle in the 18th arrondissement.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers guided walking tours, luxury minivan transport, Wi-Fi, magazines onboard, and access to over 150 stalls in Ghent’s Christmas Market, plus the festive lighting and decorations.

Are there any optional extras?
Pick-up and drop-off from locations outside the meeting point, such as Versailles, Disneyland Paris, or airports, are available for an additional fee. Food tasting, wine, or champagne tastings are not included but available at the markets.

How long are the guided tours?
Each city’s guided tour is approximately 1 hour, with about 4 hours allocated for market visits and free exploration in each city.

When do the markets operate?
Ghent’s Christmas Market runs from December 5 to 31, while Brussels and other markets operate on different dates. Check your travel dates carefully.

This tour offers a lively, picturesque, and authentic Belgian Christmas experience in just two days. It’s ideal for travelers looking to combine sightseeing with holiday festivities, all while enjoying the comfort of guided tours and luxury transport.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby