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In 2018, after poking around in Google Flights’ Explore Tool, I found a great deal on flights that would have us spending Christmas in Brussels (and NYE in Dublin, but that’s another story). It worked out great because we already had the time off from work, and once our parents accepted that we were not coming home for the holidays, we could make our way to Belgium stress-free. These were the best parts:
- Cinquantenaire
Le Funambule 
Atomium
- Winter market – also known as Plaisirs d’hiver, Winterpret, and Winter Wonders, this Christmas market really epitomized our time in Belgium. We made multiple trips to the market, indulging in new treats each time. While the mulled wine wasn’t my favorite, the hot chocolate was delightful, and the frites (fries) were delicious – we ended up getting them two nights in a row! Plus, there’s a great light show at Grand Place.
- Cinquantenaire – there were many great parks in Brussels, but the Parc du Cinquantenaire (Jubelpark) was our favorite. It has some beautiful architecture and fountains, plus so much green space to explore. We took tCinquantenaire – there were many great parks in Brussels, like Brussels Park (surprise, surprise), but the Parc du Cinquantenaire, also known as Jubelpark, was our favorite. It has some beautiful architecture and fountains, plus so much green space to explore. We took the metro over to visit it on Christmas Day, which was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday, just the two of us.
Brussels Park 
Brussels
- Atomium – this is a popular tourist attraction, for good reason. How often do you get to see a giant atom? We just explored the outside and the gift shop, but if you do get a ticket – you can purchase them here – you’ll have access to various exhibitions, as well as the Design Museum Brussels. And from here, it’s a very quick visit to Mini-Europe; they’re very into playing with scale over there.
- Peeing statues – maybe you’re already familiar with the Mannekan Pis, but if not, it’s a statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. For the holidays, he gets dressed up like Santa Claus, which makes it that much more fun. Of course, if one peeing statue isn’t enough for you, there is the lesser known Jeanneke-Pis, which is a statue of a little girl peeing.
- Mannekan Pis
- Jeanneke-Pis
We expected the city to be quieter for the holidays, but it was quite bustling! After spending three days there, we made our way to Amsterdam…