Antwerp's winter celebrations combine the city's grand historic squares with its busy shopping streets and riverside atmosphere. Winter in Antwerpen takes place from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, bringing Christmas chalets, lights, an ice rink and a winter bar to the centre.
Where is the Christmas market?
The market stretches across Grote Markt, Suikerrui, Groenplaats, Handschoenmarkt and Operaplein, with other festive locations around the old town. Wander between the cathedral and the guild houses, then pause at the stalls for something warm. The programme also features the JOE X-mas House and traditional Christmas decorations.
An ice rink with winter bar is part of the announced programme. The precise location, tickets and activity-specific hours should be checked before making it the centre of your visit.
Christmas market opening hours
When | Main market | Operaplein |
|---|---|---|
Sunday–Thursday | 12:00–22:00 | 12:00–21:00 |
Friday–Saturday | 12:00–midnight | 12:00–23:00 |
Opening day, 4 December | 14:00–midnight | 14:00–23:00 |
24 and 31 December | 12:00–18:00 | 12:00–18:00 |
1 January 2027 | Closed | Closed |
Closing day, 3 January | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 |
These are the municipal Christmas-market hours; individual attractions may follow different schedules. The city also plans a New Year's Eve celebration and a closing-day gathering on 3 January.
A festive afternoon in Antwerp
Start around Grote Markt and Handschoenmarkt, admire the cathedral and head towards Groenplaats. Continue along Suikerrui towards the river if you want a short break from the crowds. If you are arriving by train, Antwerpen-Centraal is an architectural highlight in its own right, but the historic market area is farther away: use public transport or allow enough time for the walk.
Arriving before dusk means you can enjoy Antwerp's streets in daylight and revisit the festive stalls once the lights are on. Weekends will usually feel busier than weekday afternoons.
Practical tips
Getting there: check SNCB/NMBS for trains and De Lijn for transport from Antwerpen-Centraal to the old town.
Costs: browsing the market is free; food, drink and skating are charged separately.
Official source: City of Antwerp: Winter in Antwerpen 2026–27. Checked 23 October 2026. Programme details may evolve.