Why go now?
Bruges will melt the heart of the most hardened Scrooge. Catch up on Christmas shopping at the vibrant market stalls and quaint chocolate shops such as Sukerbuyc Chocolaterie (sukerbuyc.com). Ice skating in the main square is only €8 (£5.50), including skate hire.

Where to stay
Hotel Die Swaene (00 32 050 342798; dieswaene-hotel.com) is in a romantic setting overlooking the canal. The rooms with velvet drapes, four-poster beds, dark wood and gothic fittings brim with decadent charm. After dinner at the hotel's restaurant Storie, the cosy 18th-century bar is perfect for whiling away the hours. Doubles from £128 per room per night.

Where to eat
Red! (Vlamingstraat 53; 00 32 050 614006), is a cutting-edge restaurant for trend-conscious diners. Its menu changes monthly and is full of culinary surprises, such as cheek of pork with apricot chutney and shiitake mushrooms. Restaurant Cafedraal (Zilverstraat 38; 00 32 050 340845) is more suitable for families and a great place to sample traditional Belgian delights.

What to see
The Chocolate Story Museum (choco-story.be) tells you all you need to become a chocolate expert. Get away from the crowds with a relaxing stroll past the Beguinage monastery to Minnewater (Lake of Love).

Big night out
Kant (Kraanplein 6, 00 32 050 34353) is a super-stylish club, all disco balls, white and silver décor, and all the best floor fillers played by the DJ. The extensive champagne list may stretch your budget but martinis, Belgian beers and wines are more affordable.

Getting there
By rail with Eurostar (08705 186186; eurostar.com). A return London to Brussels fare starts at £59, with tickets valid for onward travel to/from anywhere in Belgium at no extra cost.There are up to nine daily services between London Waterloo and Brussels Midi. Connecting trains to Bruges run every 30 minutes.

· For more information see visitflanders.co.uk