From Friday 8 December 2023 to Sunday 7January 2024, the historic center of Antwerp will be bathed in an enchanting atmosphere and visitors can count on classics such as the Christmas Market and the ice rink, as is the annual tradition. New this year is the expansion to two new locations: Hendrik Conscienceplein and Operaplein. 

But there is also a lot to experience on the well-known squares. The nostalgic atmosphere of an authentic Christmas Market on the Grote Markt, sporty winter fun on the Groenplaats and musical wonder at the Handschoenmarkt. 

“The Lights Avenue on the Suikerrui lights up the entire street and will undoubtedly produce beautiful photos”, the press release says.

Opening weekend

The magic starts on Friday 8December, spread across various squares in Antwerp.

The event site opens from 4 PM. Visitors can eat and drink something, stroll past the stalls or enjoy the various attractions and experiences. There is an opening show on the ice rink, with ‘The Greatest Showman‘ Kevin Van Der Perren. 

There will also be a performance in the Joe Christmas House and there will be various street entertainment on an ongoing basis. During the opening weekend there will also be choir performances at the ‘Singing Christmas Tree‘ stand on the Handschoenmarkt and at the fountain on the Hendrik Conscienceplein.

Hendrik Conscienceplein and Operaplein

This edition, the City of Antwerp also includes the beautiful Hendrik Conscienceplein and the centrally located Operaplein at Winter in Antwerp. The city conducted extensive research over the past year and coordinated with the necessary services and stakeholders.

Hendrik Conscienceplein

​The Hendrik Conscienceplein will be bathed in an intimate atmosphere, with enchanting decorations and with respect for the identity and character of this historic square. Visitors will find part of the Christmas Market here with a nice mix of stalls. 

There are also choir performances on the square, and stories for children take place in the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library.

Operaplein

This edition, Operaplein will be bathed in a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere with a traditional Christmas Market, supplemented with other activities such as a winter fair. The square will provide an additional highlight along the magically decorated Via Sinjoor axis (Koningin Astridplein, De Keyserlei, Meir), which connects Antwerp-Central Railway Station with the historic city center.

Mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA): “Because we are busy working on the Scheldt Quays, we are bringing the magical atmosphere of the end-of-year festivities through the historic city center. During this edition, Antwerp residents and visitors can enjoy a stroll from the Operaplein and the Conscienceplein to the Groenplaats and the Grote Markt. I hope that they will come and do this en masse, from young to old, because the fun entertainment of Christmas and New Year is truly unique in Antwerp.”

Classics

This year, Winter in Antwerp really takes over the entire city. At Koningin Astridplein, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the city with a visit to the Ferris wheel. From there, a string of lights leads visitors past Operaplein to the historic heart of the city. There is plenty to do for young and old on the Grote Markt, Groenplaats, Handschoenmarkt, Suikerrui and Hendrik Conscienceplein.

​Winter fun at the Groenplaats

Sporty winter fun is central here with the 1000 m² covered ice rink around the statue of Rubens. Those who want to take a break can go to the winter bar Den Après, or stroll around the Christmas market.

​Amazement at Handschoenmarkt

Here visitors will find the traditional nativity scene and the statue of Nello & Patrasche. There is an impressive Christmas tree at the Handschoenmarkt and visitors can take a nice photo at the ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ stand. 

The Cathedral of Our Lady is also the perfect backdrop for several musical performances by the Choir and Voice.

​Nostalgic Christmas atmosphere on the Grote Markt

​On the Grote Markt, authenticity is central with the traditional Christmas market and the Joe Christmas House. These classics guarantee warm coziness. The Joe Christmas House is not only the setting for live broadcasts of Joe, there will also be several surprise performances.

Once again this year there will be a beautiful authentic mill from Germany, with handmade wood carvings and traditional statues. Atmospheric lighting provides an extra dimension and the installation is ideal for an original photo. There is a beautiful mistletoe at the bottom of the mill for those who want to give a secret kiss.

Suikerrui lit up

​In the enchanting, meter-long light tunnel, visitors imagine themselves as fairy-tale characters in a world of light. Twinkling garlands make the entire Suikerrui shine. Beautiful photos are a guarantee here.

Attention to sustainability

The city of Antwerp is once again committed to sustainability this year. The city is taking the necessary energy-saving measures, including the use of LED+ lighting with very low consumption. 

The fixtures for the end-of-year lighting are made from sugar cane, which is 100% biodegradable, or from recycled PET bottles. All catering materials are reusable. Drinks suppliers are obliged to offer an alcohol-free alternative, food suppliers must provide a vegetarian alternative.

Shopping Sundays, fireworks, the city treats

During the end-of-year period there are many shopping options, the New Year is festively started with the end-of-year fireworks and Winter in Antwerp ends with the traditional New Year’s treat.

Shopping Sundays (City Centre)

​Every first Sunday of the month is shopping Sunday in Antwerp. 

But in December the shops in the city center are open on several Sundays. You can shop on Sundays in Antwerp on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 December, as well as on 7 January 7 (for the winter sales). Plenty of options for finding the right Christmas and New Year’s gifts. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

The end-of-year fireworks will again be set off from the Scheldt this year. Visitors cannot admire the fireworks at Steenplein this year, but they can at the quays near the South. 

The public has an excellent view of the renovated Scheldt quays at the Cockerillkaai and the Sint-Michielskaai. 

The most beautiful view is perhaps at the Galgenweel on Linkeroever, from there spectators can see the fireworks with the city road as a background. The accompanying music can be listened to live in synchronization on Radio Minerva so that everyone can experience this magical moment. Those who prefer not to brave the winter temperatures can follow everything live on VRT 1.

The City treats you to the last day of Winter in Antwerp

​On Sunday 7 January 2024, all Antwerp residents are welcome from 12 noon to celebrate the new year. Visitors receive free tokens for a drink or snack, ice skating or a ride on the Ferris wheel. The ideal way to celebrate the start of 2024. 

More information about this will follow.