Magical christmas destinations: Discover the winter magic of these 9 cities in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany!

Thousands of lights illuminating the streets, beautifully decorated Christmas windows and endless strolling through Christmas markets. The holidays are coming and that means that various cities are transformed into a cosy winter paradise. We previously recommended the best big cities in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany to visit in the run-up to the holidays that are also easily accessible by train. But there are also many nice, smaller cities where you can do your Christmas shopping at local, more conscious boutiques and concept stores. Experience the warm Christmas atmosphere, nice Christmas markets and stroll along the nicest shops. Whether you are planning a visit for a day, a weekend or a whole week, COSH! is happy to take you along to the best Christmas destinations!

Belgium

1. Hasselt: Limburg ambience in Winterland

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. Use the COSH! Hasselt Sustainable Shopping map to find great Christmas gifts, stylish clothes and handmade jewellery. Stroll along the waterfront and discover secret alleyways with a wicked mix of quirky shops for everyone’s style, taste and budget. 

Hasselt’s yearly Christmas market, known as ​“Winterland” is a vibrant hub of Yuletide joy and one of the highlights of the city 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 a variety of goods, from traditional Christmas decorations and handcrafted items to local delicacies, making it the perfect place to find unique gifts for family and friends. Good to know: this city also has a fabulous Fashion Museum!

2. Kortrijk: warm cosiness in West Flanders

Kortrijk combines historic charm with an intimate Christmas experience. Stroll through the cosy streets, admire the beautifully decorated Grand Place and enjoy local delicacies at the Christmas market. The highlight? An ice skating rink with a beautiful view of City Hall. Don’t forget to visit Texture, the Museum of textiles and sustainability, or the Flax Museum!

3. Leuven: a mix of tradition and innovation

In Leuven, traditional Christmas markets go hand in hand with modern winter initiatives. Bondgenotenlaan and Ladeuzeplein will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with local craft products and culinary delights. Bonus: you can score more sustainable Christmas gifts at concept stores like Harvest Club.

Germany

1. Düsseldorf: winter-style city trip

This German city is known for its luxurious shopping streets, but around Christmas it’s all about the markets. Düsseldorf has not one, but several Christmas markets spread across the city, each with its own theme. From a fairytale forest to a Scandinavian village – there is something for everyone here. Tip: visit the Carlsplatz Markt for local specialities.

Score your end-of-year outfit or Christmas gifts at more sustainable concept stores such as Yavana, Soulgoods, Green Guerillas and roberta.

Discover the best local designers in Düsseldorf here!

2. Keulen: Christmas atmospheres with a cathedral flair

Cologne is famous for its Christmas market by the Dom, but did you know that the city has much more to offer? Think an alternative market with eco-friendly products in Stadtgarten or the medieval Christmas market near the Chocolate Museum. Perfect for scoring some more conscious gifts and enjoying a glass of mulled wine at the same time.

3. Frankfurt: tradition in a modern metropolis

Frankfurt surprises with one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets. The Römerberg and Paulsplatz are filled with wooden stalls, handmade decorations and delicious smell of baked apples. Admire the giant Christmas tree and support local makers like Green Knit, for example, by giving their more sustainable products to someone as a gift.
Deutschland

The Netherlands

1. 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 gather your Christmas gifts for this year. Use the COSH! city guide to plan your trip. 

On the weekends of 9 – 10 and 16 – 17 December, the city will be extra cosy with live music and mulled wine. On 17 December, you can also visit one of Europe’s biggest Christmas markets. Arnhem is known for its commitment to more sustainable living, and this ethos extends to the Christmas market. You will find stalls focusing on more eco-friendly products and gifts, from organic foods to more sustainably produced crafts, clothes and accessories.

Maybe you will find your end-of-year party outfit at one of these Arnhem upcycling designers?
 

2. Tilburg: a creative Christmas in the city of innovation

Tilburg surprises with a unique Christmas experience, bringing together creativity and tradition. Stroll around the atmospheric Christmas market on Koningsplein and enjoy live performances and winter delicacies. Tilburg buzzes with the best second-hand and vintage shops, stop by Tante Pollewop, EcoGents or the Reshare store to pick up a cool vintage Christmas outfit. 

In Tilburg, you can also find original gifts from regional makers. Bonus: take a spin on the ice rink at Piusplein – fun for young and old!

3. Breda: Christmas cheer in a historic setting

In Breda, Christmas is celebrated with charm and conviviality. The Grote Markt shines with twinkling lights and cosy stalls full of local specialities. The historic Beguinage provides a beautiful backdrop for a winter stroll. 
Looking for a fun outfit to kick off the festive season? Visit shops like Loya, Urban Bozz or Blossom Vintage for more sustainable and vintage clothes.