The annual Christmas markets in various cities are often crowded and are something people look forward to. But how will the Christmas of 2025 be? Many Christmas markets have already been canceled, and others will likely be canceled soon. Additionally, due to the measures in place, visiting one of the Christmas markets in Germany is challenging. Therefore, we have listed the eight best alternatives that you can enjoy in the winter!
1. Make Glühwein
Glühwein is very popular and is frequently consumed during winter, making it a traditional staple at Christmas markets. What could be better than maintaining this tradition by making your own glühwein at home? It’s super delicious and easy to make! Use our recipe for the tastiest glühwein. Gather the ingredients and enjoy!
2. Baking
One fun activity that brings joy to everyone in the house is baking. Choose the best recipes and create delicious treats. Indulge yourself and make delightful winter recipes. Try the beloved Christmas bread. Prefer something different? Go for delicious Dutch doughnuts. Want to fully embrace the winter spirit? Opt for the classic Apfelstrudel. Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and hot vanilla sauce. 3, 2, 1… Let’s bake!
3. Make a Gingerbread House
Create your own gingerbread house. This is a typical Christmas tradition often seen in various Christmas movies, but it is not commonly done in the Netherlands, making it even more fun to do now. Gather all the ingredients from the recipe and make a beautiful (and delicious) gingerbread house and decorate it in full Christmas spirit. Want to make it a group activity? Turn it into a competition! Who can make the most beautiful gingerbread house? Get started, and it’s guaranteed to be a wonderful and tasty day!
4. Organize a Dinner
Go all out and prepare a 3-, 4-, or even 5-course dinner. Search for the best winter dishes and feel like a star chef! Choose your favorite dishes or try something completely new. Start with a delicious soup or salad. Prepare the tastiest side dishes and then serve a hearty main course, such as a winter stew with vegetables and potatoes or a comforting mashed potato dish. Don’t forget to finish it off with a scrumptious winter dessert, like the previously mentioned Apfelstrudel!
Not in the mood or do you lack the time to prepare all the dishes? Ask each member of the household to make one dish. This way, you’ll still have a wonderful dinner without spending all day in the kitchen.
Tip: Love wine? Pair each dish with a delicious complementary wine or enjoy the delightful homemade glühwein!
5. Christmas Movie Marathon
Got nothing to do in this cold and dreary weather? Snuggle up on the couch with a blanket, grab some snacks, and hold a movie marathon. Watch the funnest films. Already in the Christmas spirit? Have a Christmas movie marathon and enjoy the best Christmas films! And no… it’s really not a problem to watch Home Alone for the 100th time. Below, we have listed our top 3 Christmas movies on Netflix:
- The Polar Express: The movie is about a boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he is awoken by noise, looks out the window, and sees a huge steam train. The boy hops on and unknowingly sets off on a great adventure to the North Pole, where he will meet Santa Claus in person.
- The Christmas Chronicles: In this film, a brother (Teddy) and sister (Kate) want to catch Santa Claus on camera. They keep an eye out for Santa’s arrival and climb onto his sleigh. As a result, the sleigh crashes, and Christmas is basically ruined. Eventually, Kate, Teddy, Santa, and his elves work together to save Christmas.
- The Holiday Calendar: This film is about a talented photographer stuck in a dead-end job who inherits an antique advent calendar from her grandfather. This calendar appears to predict the future and guide her toward true love. The magic of Christmas works wonders once again.
Prefer to watch something other than a Christmas movie? Check out our blog about the best travel documentaries and get inspired for your next trip!
6. Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate, who doesn’t love it? What could be more fun (and delicious) than doing something delightful with it? On a cold day, enjoy a cozy afternoon of chocolate fondue inside. Choose your favorite cookies, candies, or fruits and dip them into the warm chocolate.
Not a fan of chocolate or prefer something savory? Enjoy a cheese fondue instead. Slice some vegetables and bread, and start dipping!
7. Play Games at Home
Have fun playing games with family while enjoying delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream. What more could you want during the cold winter months? Brush up on your trivia or play fun games from the past. We have listed the best games for adults on our blog. Take a look and have a great day!
Prefer to get out of the house? Then the following activities are perfect.
8. Ice Skating
What could be more fun to do in winter than ice skating? Dust off your skates and enjoy a delightful day of skating. Ice rinks can be found throughout the country, both indoors and outdoors, so there are surely some near you! After all that skating, enjoy a hot chocolate. Don’t have skates? No problem; skates can be rented at almost all rinks. What are you waiting for?
9. Hiking
Go out and enjoy some fresh air in nature. Go for a hike nearby or take a drive for a beautiful walking trail. Check out here for the most beautiful hiking routes in Belgium. Whether it’s a long or short hike, get out there!
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