Every winter I look forward to the Kerstmarkt, or Christmas Market, in Antwerp. As an American, it is still such a new, exciting experience because we don’t have anything like it – or at least not in Georgia!

The historic district of Antwerp gets a Christmas makeover. All of the historic buildings are decorated with lights, giant Christmas trees are put on display, and wooden stalls are set up throughout the squares selling holiday gifts and most importantly, delicious German food! My must-eats at the market are: spekpatatjes (potatoes with bacon), bratwurst dogs, a few shots of jenever, and gluhwein!

This is the first time my parents have been in town for the Kerstmarkt. Unfortunately for the first night, my mom wasn’t able to go. But we made up for it a few days later!