Kortrijk during Christmas feels truly enchanting.

Kortrijk, our little Christmas escape

When we arrive in Kortrijk in December, it feels like stepping straight into the holiday spirit. The streets light up, the Flemish façades are covered in decorations, and the atmosphere instantly becomes warm and inviting. It’s the kind of city where we love to wander, enjoy the moment, and let ourselves be carried by the magic of Christmas.

The iconic places that give the city its charm

The belfry on the main square immediately catches our eye. With the Christmas decorations, it becomes even more impressive and sets the tone for the whole visit. We then head toward the Broel Towers, those two medieval towers reflected in the River Lys, giving Kortrijk a unique identity, especially during the festive season.

We also stop by the Church of Our Lady and Saint Martin’s Church. With the decorations and lights around them, these buildings look even more majestic. We find ourselves looking up, admiring the details, and enjoying this winter atmosphere that makes the city so pleasant.

The Christmas market and all the tasty treats

It’s impossible to walk through the city centre without stopping at the Christmas market. There, we find warm, spiced mulled wine, perfect for keeping us warm, as well as traditional Belgian beers that add to the local charm. The atmosphere is friendly, the chalets smell like spices and sugar, and it’s easy to give in to temptation.

When it comes to treats, we’re spoiled for choice: crispy waffles, warm crêpes, chocolate, sugar, whipped cream… Everything we need to enjoy the full Christmas experience.

The Ferris wheel, a holiday must

Every year, the Ferris wheel is set up in the city and becomes one of the main attractions. We hop on to enjoy the moment, take a bit of height, and admire Kortrijk in its winter version. It’s a simple moment, but one that always becomes part of the memories we keep of the city.

The nativity scene and Santa’s house

As we walk through the centre, we come across the nativity scene, carefully arranged and surrounded by decorations that reinforce the traditional Christmas atmosphere. It’s a must?see that adds an authentic touch to the visit.

And then there’s Santa’s house, which always draws both children and adults. We stop by for the atmosphere, for the pleasure of feeling a bit of magic, and to enjoy this festive setting that’s an essential part of Christmas in Kortrijk.

Kortrijk, a city we love coming back to

In the end, Kortrijk at Christmas is the perfect mix of traditions, decorations, treats, and warm atmosphere. We stroll, we discover, we enjoy. It’s a city that manages to create a festive mood without overdoing it, and that’s exactly what makes it so pleasant to experience in December.

We leave with the feeling of having lived a moment out of time, and that’s probably why we want to come back every year.