14 October 2024
These are the best places for second-hand shopping in Aalst
- COSH! Member Publicity
- City Guide
Are you dreaming of a magical getaway as the holiday season approaches? These enchanting cities are just a train ride away! Get into the Yuletide cheer by strolling through charming Christmas markets, savouring the flavours of spiced mulled wine, and discovering the delightful local boutiques they have to offer. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend escape, or an extended holiday stay, COSH! is excited to guide you through your festive journey.
Belgium
1. Bruges
As you meander through the cobbled streets of Bruges, the festive stalls beckon with artisan gifts and the sweet aroma of Belgian hot chocolate, promising a Christmas shopping experience as picturesque as the city’s storybook setting.
Find your way with COSH! Bruges Sustainable Shopping map, which you can pick up right at the train station.
Our map includes clothing boutiques, jewellers, and gift shops; you’ll find the perfect Christmas presents for your loved ones — and perhaps a well-deserved treat for yourself, too.
After picking out gifts, duck into a cosy local pub to enjoy a tasty Belgian beer with hearty Flemish food, or treat yourself to some world-famous Belgian chocolate as the perfect end to your shopping day.
2. Antwerp
Antwerp’s Christmas vibe is as stylish as it is spirited! Easily accessible from the Netherlands, this fashion city has a well-known Christmas market that stretches from the Grote Markt to the Steenplein. Pick up some great Christmas gifts and get into the Belgian Christmas spirit. Don’t miss the stalls offering local spiced gin, a warming embrace against the winter’s chill.
Keep the COSH! Antwerp City map at hand to discover all the city’s sustainable stores. Slow fashion, handmade jewellery and natural cosmetics are strongly represented in this city. Find the perfect outfit for yourself and pick up an original gift for someone else. Staying for the weekend? Then be sure to visit the Fashion Museum too!
3. Hasselt
Discover Hasselt, a hidden Christmas shopping gem at the junction between the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, making it an easily accessible destination for seeking the charm of the Belgian Christmas market.
Hasselt’s Christmas market, known as “Winterland”, is a vibrant hub of Yuletide joy and one of the city’s highlights during the festive season. It usually opens in late November and continues until after New Year’s Day, transforming the city centre into a winter wonderland. Stalls at the market are filled with various goods, from traditional Christmas decorations and handcrafted items to local delicacies, making it the perfect place to find unique gifts for family and friends.
Use the COSH! Hasselt City map to find great Christmas gifts, stylish clothes and ethical jewellery. Stroll along the waterfront and discover secret alleyways with a wicked mix of quirky shops for everyone’s style, taste and budget.
Good to know: this city also has a great Fashion Museum!
Germany
4. Berlin
Berlin is a shopper’s paradise; every shopping trip comes with a side of history and a dash of the unexpected. Perfect for a Christmas shopping city break!
Grab the COSH! Berlin City guide to discover the city’s finest clothing stores, designer boutiques and gift shops, perfect for picking out a festive Christmas outfit and finding unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Berlin is renowned for its Christmas markets, known in German as “Weihnachtsmärkte.” During the holiday season, the city comes alive with numerous markets in various squares and streets, offering everything from traditional handicrafts and decorations to seasonal treats like mulled wine and gingerbread. Each market has its unique charm and is a vital part of the holiday experience in Berlin. Enough to fill a week with activities!
Tip: Book Green Fashion Christmas Tour in Berlin on December 9th!
For a Christmas shopping experience that is both magical and mindful.
5. Hamburg
Somewhat less known, Hamburg transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season! The Port town hosts more than 15 Christmas markets rich in tradition and festivity. You can shop for traditional German Christmas crafts, seasonal treats, and unique gifts. On Saturdays throughout Advent, Hamburg dazzles with Christmas parades with historic carriages.
Hamburg is also a city with a rich fashion scene. Check out the COSH! Hamburg City guide and book a Green Fashion Christmas Tour in Hamburg on December 2nd to discover the local stores, boutiques and designer studios.
6. Munich
Munich is a city in Bavaria with beautiful parks, classic buildings, a lively art district and unique boutiques. COSH! tip for an original activity during your city trip: on 9 December, you can take part in the Green Fashion Christmas Tour Munich. This way, you will get to know local shops, designers, concept stores and ateliers under the guidance of an experienced guide! Moreover, this tour is dedicated to finding Christmas gifts, so it’s both fun and useful. You can also visit several Christmas markets in this city, where you can buy cool handmade things and taste German delicacies.
Netherlands
7. Arnhem
This Dutch city is a delight for those looking for a Christmas shopping experience that combines festive charm with sustainability and innovation. Shop a new festive outfit or find this year’s Christmas gifts. Use COSH! New sustainable City map to plan your trip.
During the weekends of 9 – 10 and 16 – 17 December, the city will be extra cosy with live music and mulled wine. You can also visit Europe’s Biggest Christmas Market on 17 December. Arnhem is known for its commitment to sustainable living, and this ethos extends to its Christmas market. You might find stalls focusing on eco-friendly products and gifts, from organic food items to sustainably sourced crafts, clothing, and accessories.
8. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city renowned for its vibrant culture and innovative spirit, which extends into its approach to fashion, particularly the growing slow fashion movement.
Slow fashion in Amsterdam is all about sustainability, quality, and timeless design, and lots and lots of secondhand shops to find the outfit to make your holiday perfect!
Discover the city with the COSH! Amsterdam City guide!
Be sure to visit the Fashion for Good Museum. Or how about renting this year’s holiday outfit at the LENA Fashion Library or online at Iconic Wardrobe?
Get in the Christmas spirit with a walk past the lights on the canals and take to the ice on Museumplein. You can also visit several Christmas markets in Amsterdam.
9. Rotterdam
With its modern architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Rotterdam offers a unique Christmas shopping experience that blends traditional holiday charm with a contemporary edge. The city is known for its innovative spirit, evident in its approach to sustainable shopping and fashion. Visit the cutting-edge shops, local designers and second-hand shops to find your perfect outfit!
The COSH! Rotterdam City map will guide you to the best hotspots! Not just shops but some great sustainable restaurants. Like many other cities on this list, Rotterdam also has smaller-scale Christmas markets in addition to the larger ones. These quaint markets are perfect for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of more significant events while still enjoying the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
COSH! recommends the Delfshaven Christmas market, where the charm of historic Rotterdam comes alive with festive stalls, traditional treats, and a uniquely intimate holiday atmosphere. Or experience the Rotterdam festive spirit with a touch of Nordic magic at one of the city’s Scandinavian Christmas markets!
Choosing the train for your Christmas shopping adventures isn’t just about convenience; it’s a commitment to sustainability. Trains are one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to car or air travel. By opting for rail, you’re weaving through cities effortlessly and supporting greener, cleaner holidays.
This year, make your festive spree a gift to the planet, too, one train journey at a time, and surprise your loved ones with the perfect gifts!
COSH! Wishes you a happy holidays!
