Most Australians are content to spend the holiday season in shorts on the beach, but for a fairytale White Christmas experience, there is undoubtedly no better destination than the medieval city of Bruges in central Belgium.

Bruges does not disappoint any expectations visitors may have for the festive season, especially with its Instagram-worthy wintery Christmas scene that is typically only seen on festive cards. Whilst the weather is bitter, the atmosphere is warm, joyous and contagious, and most travellers just can’t help but fall in love with Bruges and everything it has to offer.

So if you’re ready to escape Australia’s heat and tackle a real winter wonderland, here are five things you have to do in Bruges this winter.

Bruges Christmas Markets

Price: Free

Address: Market Square

It’s hard to miss this annual market that takes place throughout the month of December in the city’s eerie medieval centre. Although it’s a popular tourist spot, locals flock to the markets as well, with the intention to shop, stock up on food, ice skate, sing carols or even just to socialise.

After skating on the ice rink, be sure to warm up with a Glühwein and frites as you wander around the market stalls, marvelling at all of the handmade clothing, wooden toys and ceramic beer mugs.

Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival

Price: AU$20 per adult/$15 per child (€15/€11)

Address: Bruges City Centre, Steenstraat 8000, Bruges

Rug up in your warm winter clothing and bring the family along to the recently made annual Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. Every year tonnes of ice and snow are cut, carved and polished into intricately detailed sculptures that the entire family can marvel at.

Be sure to visit the ice bar inside and treat yourself to another Glühwein or hot chocolate while the kids (or kids at heart) ride down the ice slide.

Canal Tour

Price: AU$11 per adult/$5 per child (€7.60/€3.40)

Whilst touristy, no trip to Bruges is complete without a Canal Tour. Seeing the city from the water is an experience that can’t be done on foot. As you wind down the canal’s curves, you can imagine the merchants entering the city hundreds of years ago, preparing for trade and meetings.

Each boat ride lasts for approximately 30 minutes and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Legends of Bruges Free Walking Tour

Price: Free

Address: Meeting point is the Statue on the Main Square of Bruges

A great way to get to know any destination is by foot. Legends of Bruges offers a free walk, twice daily at 9:45am and 2:30pm (except for Monday and Wednesday where only afternoon tours are offered) that takes walkers on a local exploration of Bruges. On the tour, you will learn about the city’s history and urban legends as well as enjoy a beer and chocolate taste testing – a must when in Bruges!

Each tour lasts for about 1.5 hours. With the non-existent price tag and the abundance of local knowledge that you will gain, you’d be crazy to give this tour a miss!

Friterie 1900

Price: AU$3 - $15 (€2 - €10)

Address: Markt 35, 8000 Bruges

Having already indulged in chocolates, beers and glühweins, it’s time to try something new. For a quick, affordable bite to eat, head to Friterie 1900 for an extensive selection of Frites, Flemish Stew and other Belgian Fast Foods.

Friterie 1900 can get quite busy during peak season, so prepare to wait in queue for a short while as your food is cooked. Seating is also limited, so don’t be afraid to buddy up with other friterie-goers.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.