My Wife an I would like to travel to Bruges Early in December 2010 and leave on or about the 18th. We also plan to travel to Normandy during the same time period. What can we expect during that time period. Busy streets with happy shoppers everywhere? I am hoping so. Any suggestions for side trips are also welcome. Thanks in advance. Brian P.S. Love your shows Rick.
Posted by
St Petersburg Florida
951 posts
I was in Bruges early December in 2008. It was beautiful. They had a mini Christmas Market in the main town square and an ice skating rink. The weather was rainy but that is what I expect everytime I go to Europe during the winter. Make sure you see the Groening and Memling Museum, go to Der Halfe Mann Brewery, climb the tower in the main square, see the windmills, drink fabulous beer (Gulden Draq is pure heaven), eat yummy chocolates, and just wander.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10611 posts
We were there right after Christmas the year before last. The Christmas market was still going on and they had the outdoor ice skating. It was beautiful. But, it was VERY cold. Even though we thought we were prepared for the winter weather, we still froze. As someone who lives in the Bay Area and doesn't experience the frigid temps, you may find it difficult. Be sure you are dressed to handle it. Right after Christmas the streets were very crowded. I haven't been to Normandy, but would expect the weather to be similar. Will you have a car to do side trips?
Posted by
OP
San Jose, Ca, USA
2 posts
Thank you Kelly and Andrea. I was raised in the extreme northeast of USA so the cold weather will not be a shock for us. We will have a car so just about any side trip will be possible. Thanks again Brian
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Most of the tourist areas will be filled with Christmas stalls, selling everything from clothing, shoes, alcohol, hot food, candy, etc. I particularly liked a bottle of speculoos-flavored (sort of like the taste of graham crackers) geneever I bought. As others mentioned, they also have a skating rink set up on the Markt. I have never found the winter temperatures in Belgium particularly brutal.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10611 posts
I guess it depends on your idea of brutal Tom. I wouldn't say it was "brutal" when I was there, but the high was about 30 degrees, which is ALOT colder than what I am used to! For people who live in cold weather climates, it is probably balmy!!!