We are traveling to Belgium this coming Christmas, I have read good things about Christmas in Belgium. My question is, should we base ourselves in Brussels or Bruges during this time of the year?
We arrived in Bruges last winter on 12/27. It was a Saturday and there was a Christmas Market going on. It was a lot of fun. It was nice to see the decorations and the windows of the chocolate shops were fantastic. I have to warn you though - from one Californian to another - it was bleepin' cold!!! We only spent two nights there, but for me that was enough. There wasn't that much to do indoors to warm up. I haven't been to Brussels, so I don't have a comparison for you. I would love to go back to Bruges some time in the warmer weather...
I have not been in Belgium during Christmas so I can't speak to that directly. However, in general Brussels is a dirtier, edgier city. Bruges is more quaint and because it is smaller, very walkable. So you'll need to choose partly by what kind of experience you are looking for.
Went to Bruges for 4 nites and then to Brussels for one nite. We will return to Bruges. We will not return to Brussels.
I totally agree with Charlie, we loved Bruges!!