From Friday 6 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025, everyone can once again enjoy a magical Winter in Antwerp (Winter in Antwerpen): atmospheric lights, cosy walks and warm moments throughout the city. 

Like every year, visitors can stroll around the Christmas Market, have fun on the ice rink and enjoy live radio and performances at the JOE Christmas House. But there are also many new features, such as the enchanting fountain on Hendrik Conscienceplein, acrobatic performances and a nostalgic carousel on Operaplein.

Sinterklaas

On Friday 6 December, the Day of St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas) from 2 PM the magic starts, spread over seveb locations in Antwerp: 

• Hendrik Conscienceplein, 
• Operaplein, 
• Grote Markt, 
• Suikerrui, 
• Groenplaats, 
• Handschoenmarkt, 
• Koningin Astridplein. 

Visitors can choose from 31 stands to eat or drink something, or stroll past 43 stalls with end-of-year gifts. There are also various attractions and experiences. At each location, there are also illuminated photo frames as selfie spots.

Light spectacle, mistletoe and stories on Hendrik Conscienceplein

The lights of the Kaasrui lead visitors to the romantic Hendrik Conscienceplein, where the fountain at the statue of the famous writer comes to life in an enchanting light installation. 

You can kiss each other under the mistletoe tree on the square. Also not to be missed are the free winter stories with Dimitri Leue in the fairytale Nottebohmzaal of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library.

Nostalgia and acrobatics on Operaplein

Operaplein is bathed in an atmosphere of coziness and wonder, with a nostalgic merry-go-round and breathtaking acrobatic performances.

On Saturday 21 December, curious people can also take a look behind the scenes of the Antwerp Opera House during a guided tour on the open day.

Christmas wishes and musical acts on the Grote Markt

As every year, the iconic Christmas tree at the town hall on the Grote Markt shines. Visitors of all ages can leave a wish or message here, assisted by magical writers. At the JOE Christmas House, everyone can dance or sing along to live radio and surprise performances. Cosy canopies ensure that the fun doesn’t have to be any less in rainy weather.

Ice skating on the Groenplaats

On the Groenplaats, sporty winter fun takes centre stage with the 1,000 m² covered ice rink around the statue of Peter Paul Rubens. Those who want to take a break can visit the winter bar Den Après, or stroll around the Christmas market.

Light magic on the Suikerrui and Kaasrui

This winter, the Suikerrui is once again the place to take beautiful photos. Under the magical light tunnels, visitors imagine themselves as fairytale figures in a world of light. There are also various new light elements to admire in the Kaasrui. 

In the DIVA diamond museum, creative types can make their own festive decorations in the temporary exhibition ‘Pinned! Contemporary jewellery from Antwerp‘.

Choir performances at the Handschoenmarkt

At the foot of the cathedral, visitors will not only find the traditional nativity scene, but also choir performances by Koor en Stem at the ‘Singing Christmas Tree‘. In the cathedral itself, there are also Christmas concerts and organ demonstrations.

Unique view of the Koningin Astridplein

On the Koningin Astridplein, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the city from the Ferris wheel.

Mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA): “There are cities with a cosy Christmas Market or breathtaking fireworks. In other cities you can find all the shops you can think of, or go out for a delicious meal. But only in Antwerp can you find all that. Shopping, delicious food, winter fun, performances, entertainment: there is no better place than Antwerp to celebrate Christmas and New Year with family and friends. Our city is also bathed in a warm and atmospheric light all winter long with beautiful decorations and magical experiences. I therefore cordially invite you all to come and explore the Antwerp winter!”

Attention to sustainability

The city of Antwerp is also focusing heavily on sustainability this year. The city is taking the necessary energy-saving measures, including the use of LED+ lighting with very low consumption. 

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

Shopping Sundays

Every first Sunday of the month is shopping Sunday in Antwerp. But in December, the shops in the city centre are open every Sunday. On 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 December as well as on 5 January (winter sales) you can shop in Antwerp on Sunday. 

Plenty of opportunities to find the right Christmas and New Year’s gifts. ​ ​ ​ ​

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve ​ ​

The end-of-year fireworks are traditionally set off from the Scheldt. This year, the fireworks can once again be admired at the Zuid. On the renovated Scheldt Quays at the Sint-Michielskaai, Cockerillkaai and De Gerlachekaai, the public can enjoy music and a light show. 

The most beautiful view is perhaps at the Galgenweel on Linkeroever, with the Antwerp skyline as a backdrop.

The city treats you

Winter in Antwerp traditionally ends with a New Year’s drink. On Sunday 5 January 2025, all Antwerp residents are welcome from noon to celebrate the start of the new year. Visitors will receive free tokens for a drink, snack or activity. 

Ballerinas and stilt walkers will provide the necessary entertainment during the New Year’s drink. Between 2 PM and 4 PM we will all sing along at the top of our lungs with the JOE Xmas House singalong.

Campaign image inspired by design by AP Hogeschool student

Students from the Graphic and Digital Media course at AP Hogeschool worked on the campaign for Winter in Antwerp this year under the supervision of the City of Antwerp. The design by student Mercedes Van den Eynde ultimately formed the inspiration for the final campaign image of Winter in Antwerp.