Experience

WINTER IN ANTWERP 2025-2026 | A month of winter fun, culinary experiences and surprises

Posted by Timothy on

Winter in Antwerp, the city’s annual winter event, began yesterday and once again transforms Antwerp into a winter paradise. Since 5 December 2025, to 4 January 2026, the city invites visitors to enjoy warmth, conviviality and winter charm spread across its most beautiful squares.

With more than 70 vendors, Winter in Antwerp remains an essential seasonal attraction. New features this year include chalets offering gastronomic experiences, viewing columns with moving winter scenes and a special love story about a sailor and his beloved. 

The event extends across seven locations: Steenplein, Suikerrui, Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt, Hendrik Conscienceplein, Groenplaats and Operaplein.

Mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA) describes Winter in Antwerp as an experience, with thousands of lights illuminating the historic city centre and seven enchanting sites filled with Christmas atmosphere. She highlights that visitors can stroll, taste and discover, and that Antwerp offers everything needed for a unique end of year.

Winter in Antwerp places a strong emphasis on flavour and quality. On Suikerrui, Meat District serves fragrant smashed burgers that visitors can tailor to their own taste. On the Grote Markt, The Rebel Smoker offers slow-cooked dishes including pulled pork, pulled chicken and Black Angus burgers. On Groenplaats, Orbit Fried Chicken provides crispy comfort food. All chalets offer vegetarian and alcohol-free alternatives.

At Hendrik Conscienceplein, Your Divine Xmas forms one of the gastronomic highlights. In a warm, baroque-inspired setting, Sepideh Sedaghatnia presents refined dishes made with local and sustainable ingredients, accompanied by live jazz performances and golden light garlands.

After Christmas shopping, visitors can warm up in several winter bars across the city. Den Après on the Groenplaats sits next to the ice rink and hosts live performances and activities for all ages. 

On Hendrik Conscienceplein, visitors can enjoy hot and wintery drinks in an elegant Belle Époque atmosphere. Bar Brabo on the Steenplein offers a selection of beers from Duvel Moortgat and AB InBev, along with finger food, creative workshops and live music with views of Het Steen.

Winter in Antwerp would not be complete without its familiar attractions. The covered ice rink around the Peter Paul Rubens statue on Groenplaats remains a favourite for skaters of all levels. The nostalgic carousel on Operaplein creates a romantic winter setting, surrounded by chalets offering heart-warming dishes and drinks. 

The popular Ferris wheel has returned to its iconic position on Steenplein along the Scheldt, giving visitors a beautiful view over the illuminated city. Affordable group and reduced-rate tickets ensure that these attractions remain accessible to everyone.

The Christmas market features unique gift ideas, including snack boards made from recycled glass bottles, plantable candles and handmade candlesticks from Lithuania. 

On Handschoenmarkt, all stalls are run by charities and start-up entrepreneurs, adding to the warm festive atmosphere. A large interactive Christmas bauble that recounts a story is a striking centrepiece and enhances the square’s magical feeling. 

Viewing columns measuring around 2.5 metres in height add an extra layer of winter enchantment on both the Grote Markt and Operaplein. Operaplein itself has been transformed into a cosy winter village, complete with sheltered areas so visitors can continue to enjoy the ambiance even in poor weather.

Winter in Antwerp also pursues a clear sustainable approach. Vendors at the Christmas market use reusable cups, bowls and plates to minimise waste. 

Visitors pay a €2 deposit per item, which can be exchanged for a clean one when ordering something new. Those who finish their visit can return their items and receive their deposit back in full. All drink stalls accept any kind of reusable cup, and all food stalls take back any type of reusable bowl or plate.

Winter in Antwerp

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  1. Pingback: Winter in Antwerp 2025-2026 reimagines Hendrik Conscienceplein and succeeds at drawing crowds – Trip By Trip

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