Winter in Antwerp from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027

Winter in Antwerp returns from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, transforming the historic city centre into a festive destination with Christmas markets, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, winter bars and seasonal food and drinks.

The annual city festival spreads across five locations: the Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt, Groenplaats, Suikerrui, and Operaplein. Visitors can browse wooden chalets selling Christmas presents and winter treats, enjoy festive entertainment or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Five locations for the Christmas market

The Grote Markt is one of the festival’s focal points. A large Christmas tree stands in front of the City Hall, surrounded by market stalls and the JOE Christmas House, which offers music and entertainment. De Schuur (The Barn) provides a covered space for visitors seeking shelter from the rain.

On the Suikerrui, an illuminated tunnel of lights leads past stalls selling food, drinks and gifts. The Operaplein, close to the shopping street Meir, recreates the atmosphere of a traditional German Christmas market, complete with hearty dishes, a nostalgic carousel and a winter scene inside a viewing installation.

At the Handschoenmarkt, next to the Cathedral of Our Lady, the emphasis is on local initiatives. Two chalets are reserved each week for start-ups and makers, while another supports charities. The changing selection offers a platform for local talent and social projects.

The Groenplaats combines market stalls with one of the festival’s main attractions: an ice rink surrounding the statue of painter Peter Paul Rubens, beneath a canopy of festive lights.

Ice skating and a view over the city

Visitors can bring their own skates or rent a pair at the covered rink on the Groenplaats. Afterwards, they can warm up at Den Après, an après-ski-inspired winter bar overlooking the ice. The venue also hosts weekly performances and activities for different age groups.

Another attraction is the Ferris wheel on Koningin Astridplein, opposite Antwerp-Central Railway Station. It offers views over the city and its festive illuminations, particularly after sunset. Younger visitors can also enjoy the carousel on the Operaplein, while a photobooth on the Suikerrui provides an opportunity to take home a souvenir.

From Christmas classics to gastronomic treats

Food is an important part of Winter in Antwerp. Traditional favourites include hot chocolate, waffles and tartiflette, but several locations also offer more elaborate dishes.

On the Groenplaats, Solero serves smash burgers, haute dogs, roast pork, smoked salmon and pulled jackfruit. The Rebel Smoker on the Grote Markt specialises in slow-cooked barbecue, including pulled pork, pulled chicken and Black Angus burgers, with vegetarian alternatives. At the Suikerrui, ‘T Spit offers spit burgers and dishes featuring roasted ham.

For a more refined experience, visitors can head to Your Divine Xmas on the Hendrik Conscienceplein. Run by sommelier Sepideh Sedaghatnia, this Belle Époque-inspired winter bistro serves oysters, sparkling wine, cocktails and food-pairing dishes, accompanied by jazz music.

The organisers have also taken different dietary preferences into account: every drinks stall must offer at least one non-alcoholic option, while every food stall must include at least one vegetarian dish.

Three winter bars

Besides the market stalls, three dedicated winter bars offer places to enjoy a drink or a meal.

Den Après on the Groenplaats combines an après-ski atmosphere with views of the ice rink. Your Divine Xmas on the Hendrik Conscienceplein offers a more intimate, gastronomic setting, with a focus on food and refined drinks.

The third venue, Bar Brabo, is located on the Steenplein overlooking the Scheldt. It has an indoor bar and an outdoor terrace, serving beers from Duvel Moortgat and AB InBev alongside finger food. A programme of activities and entertainment completes the offer.

Bar Brabo opens from 12:00 to midnight from Monday to Thursday, with the terrace closing at 22:00. On Fridays and Saturdays, the indoor bar stays open until 02:00, while the terrace again closes at 22:00. Sunday opening hours are 12:00 to 22:00. On 24 and 31 December, the bar closes at 18:00; it opens from 12:00 to 22:00 on Christmas Day, remains closed on 1 January and operates from 12:00 to 17:00 on 3 January.

Beyond the Christmas market

Winter in Antwerp also provides an opportunity to explore the city’s cultural attractions. The historic centre is home to several monumental churches, including the Cathedral of Our Lady, where visitors can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and attend seasonal concerts. The city’s museums offer an alternative on colder or rainy days, with collections and exhibitions covering art, history and contemporary culture.

December is also a good time for shopping. Besides the main commercial street Meir, visitors can explore independent shops and boutiques in other neighbourhoods. Shops open on Sundays throughout December, while January brings the start of the winter sales.

On brighter winter days, a walk along the Scheldt Quays or through the Zuidpark offers a break from the busy city centre. Families can also visit Antwerp Zoo, close to Central Station, or Chocolate Nation, which explores the history and production of Belgian chocolate.

With museums, family attractions, restaurants and a wide range of accommodation, Antwerp offers enough to fill more than a day. An overnight stay allows visitors to explore the city at a more leisurely pace.

Winter in Antwerp runs from Friday 4 December 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027.