Antwerp offers 'perfect Christmas cocktail'

Antwerp is set to offer visitors the perfect cocktail of entertainment this Christmas, its tourist board says.

In December 2008 and January 2009 the Belgian city is "serving the ideal mix" of entertainment for holidaymakers' weekend breaks.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the city's shopping facilities, soak up some culture in its museums and satisfy their taste buds in Antwerp's top restaurants.

Highlights of this season will include an opening event on December 12th, an outdoor ice rink which will open between December 12th and January 4th and Christmas markets running from December 12th to December 28th.

Other noteworthy attractions will include the winter carnival and chalet village, a selection of "magical" Christmas lights running from Central Station to the Scheldt quays and a New Year's Eve fireworks display.

According to the Lonely Planet travel guide, Antwerp is one of Belgium's most underrated tourist destinations, which boasts an "eclectic" range of Art Nouveau mansions and medieval castles.