Christmas Market at Grote Markt- Bruges

Not over yet! The Christmas celebrations tend to linger on just before and right after Christmas. I think it is only office schedules that tend to be stingy about the holidays and free days.
The Grote Markt Christmas Market was probably the largest gathering of people I have been around in a very long time. I almost didn't make it to the market because I was busy looking at the amazing architecture of the city and then a lady caught my eye and ears with her beautiful live violin show. At the moment I felt very cultured as I thought I had heard that piece earlier, to only later realize she was playing baby shark do do do...

At the market, which I mistakenly entered as I was looking at the beautiful tower behind it, the familiar and lovely smell of mulled wine welcomed me in. The beautiful thing about Christmas markets that I have learned to appreciate is the repeatability. All of them have it in common, I know what to expect, and I know I will like it.

But there are no mulled wines in the pictures above, are there?

These are from shops that took me by surprise. I had not yet seen sweet nuts in any Christmas market. I have been to a few now, and not a single time. But it made sense. Chocolate-covered nuts, peanuts and almonds, do make for a Christmassy treat. But more importantly, Turkish spices and dates in a Christmas market were a first. Then again, in different regions of the world, Christmas is celebrated with locally sourced food, and dates can be treated as a special treat.

There were two stalls with all sorts of nougat. It seems to be really popular and the lines were huge. I am not a fan of nougat, really. I had them when I was a kid and never understood why they were so hyped. Fun fact, when I was younger I was always surrounded by quarrels about whether nougat had a Turkish origin or an Iraqi origin. But here nougat is a French delicacy and made its way to being a Christmas treat no?

There are so many different kinds in the market. There are simple ones like salted caramel flavoured and then there are some really special ones which has cookies on them.

Is a Christmas market complete without candy apples? I guess so. Since I haven't seen them too often either. But to me, they are a typical part of Christmas treats. There were all sorts of candies and sweets. The waffles smelled so good. In this market, there were only waffles with Nutella and other sweet toppings. There were so many stalls in this market, actually, one of the biggest I have been to, and yet such limited options.

But way too many food stalls. And come to think of it, food is the easiest way to bring people together. When we celebrate, we do it with food. When we suffer, the first thing we are offered is food. It is the language synonymous with love and breaks all barriers.

The sea food stall reminded me of my favourite "see food" joke. I see food, I eat food - hence "seefood diet". Apart from that, there was a Mediterranean stall, a Mexican stall and a Spanish food stall. I guess it makes sense to have all of these diverse options since the season is about coming together and enjoying the time. Plus, the food looks so good! The different items being cooked in large pans in the open and their aroma spreading through the air, so yummy!!

I could talk all day about all the food stalls, but there are many things other than that. Like these shops. Every Christmas market I have gone too I have seen interesting items being sold. From handmade keychains to hand carved wooden spoons. Here there were no workshops like that, but there were a wide assortment of goodies. I really liked the ceramic plates and show pieces. I guess ceramic items are becoming more popular since many people have started making them at home.

I guess this is the last market of the season for me. The time is almost up and there won't be too many markets like these around, especially after New Year celebrations. I am looking forward to next year's markets and feeling pretty prepared. I have visited quite a few this year and now know for sure what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of it. Wishing you all a very happy new year!

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