Christmas Markets in Brussels, Strasbourg, Nürnberg, and München

Travel Day One - 2 December 2024 - Departure to Brussels 🛫

Our adventure began with an on-time Lyft ride to the airport. After a quick TSA Pre-Check, we boarded our flight from Nashville (BNA) to Washington Dulles (IAD). The flight departed at 1:20 PM and landed smoothly at IAD. After a brief layover, we boarded United Flight 950 to Brussels (BRU).

By 5:55 PM, we were airborne, setting the tone for the holiday season adventure ahead. Onboard, I tested the inflight Wi-Fi while enjoying dinner. I opted for the pasta dish, which was decent, while my friend chose chicken. Our total travel time, from Lyft pickup to landing in Brussels, was 22 hours and 37 minutes.

Day One - 3 December 2024 - Arrival in Brussels

We landed in Brussels around 8:30 AM and, after navigating the train ticketing system, arrived at Brussels-Centraal station. Dropping our luggage off at the Hilton Grand Place, we ventured out into the chilly streets of Brussels. For lunch, we stopped at Fritland and enjoyed a generous serving of Belgian fries—crispy, golden, and perfectly topped with mayonnaise. It was the perfect quick bite to refuel before continuing our explorations.

Later that evening, we returned to explore the Christmas markets illuminated by festive lights. The Raclette—served with melted cheese, ham, and pickles—was a highlight, but the Glühwein left something to be desired. We ended the night marveling at the Grand Place light show, which was nothing short of magical.

Day Two - 4 December 2024 - Exploring Brussels

We started the day with a hearty hotel breakfast before setting out to explore more of Brussels. One of our first stops was Mary Chocolatier on the Grand Place, where we sampled some of the most decadent and beautifully crafted chocolates. Afterward, we wandered through the festive Winter Wonders market once again, soaking up the holiday atmosphere.

For lunch, we visited Ballekes, a cozy spot where their meatballs were nothing short of incredible—perfectly seasoned and served with a side of delicious sauces. Later in the afternoon, we stopped at one of the market stalls to indulge in fried dough balls drizzled generously with Nutella.

The festive vibes of the Winter Wonders market remained unforgettable, even if the Glühwein did not improve much from the day before. Still, the variety and quality of the market food captured the essence of the holiday season in Brussels. By evening, we returned to the hotel to prepare for the next leg of our journey.

Day Three - 5 December 2024 - Train to Strasbourg 🚆

An early morning marked the start of our journey to Strasbourg. Navigating Brussels-Midi station was a bit chaotic, but we eventually boarded the train and settled in for a four-hour ride through Belgium and France. The views from the train were serene, offering glimpses of the countryside blanketed in winter hues.

Arriving in Strasbourg, we checked into the Le Bristol Hotel before heading straight to the markets. The Cathedral Place market was a feast for the senses, and their orange-infused Vin Chaud was the best we had tried so far. For lunch, I could not resist trying Choucroute — a hearty sausage in bread topped with tangy sauerkraut — delicious and warming on such a crisp day.

That evening, we watched the Christmas tree light show at Kléber Place before heading to Au Pont Corbeau for dinner. The cozy, traditional atmosphere was the perfect setting to unwind. The Fleischkuechle, their pumpkin soup and Spaetzle were absolutely comforting—simple, flavorful, and the ideal way to end a day full of exploring.

Day Four - 6 December 2024 - Exploring Petite France

A slower-paced day started with breakfast and some rest before heading out to the picturesque Petite France neighborhood. We wandered through the Christmas markets and savored Spaetzle with a rich mushroom sauce. Petite France’s cobblestone streets and quaint timber-framed houses felt like stepping into a storybook.

We made a few final purchases at the markets, including cookies from a local stall. After a long day of exploring and indulging in Strasbourg’s festive ambiance, we returned to the hotel for some well-earned relaxation.

Day Five - 7 December 2024 - Train to Nürnberg 🚆

The day began with another early train ride, this time to Nürnberg. Despite a few train delays and some confusion with seat reservations, we arrived and checked into the Park Plaza Hotel. There was a minor mix-up with our room, but the hotel staff quickly sorted it out, ensuring our comfort.

Dinner that evening at Hans im Glück was a much-needed treat. I enjoyed a grilled chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries, while my friend opted for a hearty salad and fries — and, impressively, a humongous three-patty hamburger that could have fed a small army! The restaurant was bustling and vibrant, full of energy and chatter, which somehow felt like the perfect antidote to a long travel day.

Day Six - 8 December 2024 - Nürnberg Christmas Market

Despite battling a pinched nerve in my lower back, I managed to visit Nürnberg’s famous Christmas market. Before diving into the festive chaos, we stopped at a cozy café overlooking the market, where I savored a rich, creamy hot chocolate while my friend enjoyed a coffee. It was the perfect little pause to take in the view and prepare for the hustle and bustle below.

My mission at the market was simple: “get lebkuchens”, the traditional gingerbread cookies the city is known for. I didn’t hold back — snagging about nine of them for myself! I would have loved to explore more of the market, but the pinched nerve had me heading back to the hotel to rest while my friend continued to wander and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Even during the day, the charm of the old town and the lively market made it a memorable experience.

Day Seven - 9 December 2024 - Train to München 🚆

Our train journey to München was marked by delays and a frustrating double-booking of our seats, but we made it! Upon arrival, we checked into the Boutique Hotel Atrium München, where I took some time to recover from the pinched nerve in my lower back. A long, relaxing bath helped ease the tension after the journey.

While my friend went out for dinner, I opted to stay in and snack on some of the Lebkuchen I had bought in Nürnberg. It was a quiet but much-needed evening of rest.

Day Eight - 10 December 2024 - Exploring Munich

Munich’s Marienplatz Christmas market was a vibrant hub of activity. We sipped non-alcoholic Glühwein and enjoyed a delicious Currywurst while taking in the festive decorations and lively crowds. I also managed to find a Christmas-themed magnet for my collection, which felt like a small but meaningful victory.

That evening, we dined at Arkadi, a welcoming Greek restaurant. The chicken souvlaki and fries were outstanding—easily one of the best meals of the trip. With full stomachs and happy hearts, we returned to the hotel, ready for another day of exploring.

Day Nine - 11 December 2024 - Final Day in München

On our last full day in Munich, I took things slow, opting for a leisurely breakfast while my friend did some

final souvenir shopping. Instead of joining in, I stayed back at the hotel to rest up for the next day's travels through the airport.

Dinner at Münchner Stubn was the perfect farewell meal. Their Bratwurst Skillet, complete with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and a variety of sausages, was hearty and satisfying.

The next day, we flew back to BNA, and as I reflected on the trip, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences — from the bustling markets to the cozy meals and moments of quiet charm. It was a journey I’ll cherish for years to come.

Travel Day Two - 12 December 2024 - Return to Nashville 🛬

I woke up at 4 AM, packed my bags, and enjoyed one last breakfast at the hotel. After checking out, we took a taxi to the Munich airport using the FreeNow app. Security and passport control went smoothly, and we made it to gate H08 for our flight to Washington Dulles (IAD).

The flight boarded on time at 11:20 AM. During the layover at IAD, we breezed through the Global Entry kiosks, but the TSA line took about 45 minutes — not exactly quick. After a short wait at the gate, we boarded the final flight of our journey and landed in Nashville (BNA) at 6:40 PM.

A Lyft ride brought us home, marking the end of a whirlwind trip filled with festive markets, hearty meals, and unforgettable memories.

Using points from my Capital One Venture X card, I managed to offset some travel-related expenses, which significantly reduced the overall cost of the trip.