Belgian Holiday Markets (2026) on S.S. Victoria

The holiday season in Belgium is something truly special. Each city throws an enchanting winter festival, which could include anything from market stalls and elaborate light displays to Ferris wheels and ice skating rinks. Bordered by the bigger tourism magnets France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium is a small country bursting with cultural impact and well worthy of being the highlight of any European trip-whether it’s your first time on the continent or your tenth. Chocolates, french fries, specialty spirits, and beers are amongst the many things this stretch of the Earth is known for doing well. You’ll get to experience it all during Belgium’s most festive time of the year, when you can sip vin chaud and the world’s most delicious cups of hot chocolate between bites of warm liege waffles and spiced gingerbread. Who will enjoy this cruise: This trip is perfect for those who have been to the classic markets of Germany and are looking for something new, for anyone looking to explore a different side of Belgium than most tourists see, or for those excited to lean into a holiday extravaganza for their next winter season. Please note that some of the winter festivals we visit may not be open during the sailing departing on the 2nd of December.
- Christmas Markets
- Festivals and Events

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We were the first American company to set sail in Europe, and we’ve been revolutionizing the landscape of river cruising ever since. With more experience than practically any other line on the rivers, we spent our time developing deep local connections, destination expertise, and the most incredible crew in the industry. Over the years we’ve grown to offer unparalleled itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, and the Peruvian Amazon.
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*Note: Inclusions may vary in Egypt, Asia, and Peru.
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Itinerary
Day | Destination | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | Brussels (Embark) | ||
2 | Ghent | ||
3 | Antwerp | ||
4 | Hasselt | ||
5 | Maastricht | ||
6 | Antwerp | ||
7 | Brussels | ||
8 | Brussels (Disembark) |