Christmas markets and winter activities in Flanders

It is that time of the year when the world glitters with Christmas and New Year festivities. So, all those travel junkies out there can make a plan and book their tickets to the gorgeous city of Flanders, Belgium. This is perhaps the best time to visit Flander as we tell you what all you can do during Christmas if you happen to be there: 

Christmas market, Leuven

Location: Ladeuzeplein en Hooverplein, 3000 Leuven

Dates: From Thursday, December 8, 2016 - Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein serve as the enchanting backdrop for Leuven's Christmas market, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Belgium. Here you can find the nicest Christmas and decoration items, as well as gifts and sampling, stands for your culinary enjoyment. Make sure to visit Santa's enchanting houses as well.

 

Winter in Bruges, Christmas market and ice skating rink

Location: Simon Stevinplein, Walplein & Markt,8000 Bruges

Dates: From Friday, November 20 - Sunday, January 3, 2016

Experience the amazing Christmas atmosphere at the Christmas market in Bruges. This market is one of the most picturesque and vibrant markets of the country. At the same time, you get to know the beautiful historic centre of Bruges and visit a museum.

 

Christmas Beer festival (Heuvelhal)

For two days visitors can taste about 170 Belgian Christmas and winter beers. Their beer list is regarded as one of the best in the world, with several scoops and interesting gems combined with world classics. 

Location: Kapelstraat 7, 2910 Essen

Dates: From Saturday, December 16, 2017 - Sunday, December 17, 2017

 

Winter in Antwerp

An opening party in the city centre for all holidaymakers. Christmas market or Sunday shopping to find some Christmas gifts can be ideal for visitors. If you are looking for more action, then the Ice Skating rink at the Groenplaats or the Tubing Lane at the Steenplein is the place to be.

Location: Steenplein & Groenpaats, 2000 Antwerp

Dates: From Saturday, December 10, 2016 - Sunday, January 8, 2017

 

Christmas in Ypres

Location: Grote Markt, 8900 Ypres

Dates: From Saturday, December 3, 2016 - Sunday, January 8, 2017

The Ypres Christmas market and the ice rink will appear on the Market Square. The Christmas market has been redesigned to create more space for visitors and animations. Als, the Christmas illuminations will undergo a major facelift. The enchanting atmosphere encompassing the market and the ice rink is thus guaranteed. 

 

Ghent winter festivities

Ghent's city centre will be turned into a Winter Wonderland and the ice skating rink will be installed under the City Pavilion. From the giant Ferris wheel in front of St. Bavo's Cathedral, you can enjoy a view of the city from the air. There is also a Christmas Market with international stands at Korenmarkt as well as a real forest. 

Locations: Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Poeljemarkt, Korenmarkt.

Dates: From Friday, December 8, 2017 - Sunday, January 7, 2018

 

Winterland

Location: Kolonel Dusartplein, Grote Markt, 3500 Hasselt

Dates: From Saturday, November 19, 2016 -  Sunday, January 8, 2017

Welcome to Winterland Hasselt on the Kolonel Dusartplein! Hasselt is already known as the Capital of Taste. This winter village offers Flanders’ largest mobile skating rink, the House of Santa Claus and a Ferris wheel beside there is plenty of atmosphere in the partly covered Christmas market. For the little ones, there is also a small Christmas train. Santa will live and work in his own house that is built on the Kolonel Dusartplein. This Finnish house is a small replica of 'the Home of Santa Claus' in Rovaniemi, Santa‘s official residence.