Antwerp is famous not only for its heritage-listed 16th-century Town Hall but a surprising number of Art Nouveau buildings. The city is renowned for fashion, shopping and diamonds. But in winter, Antwerp Christmas Market is the event of the season. In this guide, I share dates, locations and opening times for 2022.
Antwerp Christmas Market 2022
The Christmas market in Antwerp is the largest in Flanders but remains a cosy event with around 90 stalls filled with gifts, decorations, toys and food. Ice skating is always popular or you can play miniature golf for something different. The Ferris wheel gives incredible views over the historic city centre.
Antwerp Christmas Market dates: 9th December 2022 to 8th January 2023.
Opening times: 12 noon to 10pm. Closes at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Christmas Day: Open from 12 noon to 10pm.
New Year’s Day: Open from 3pm to midnight.
Location: Grote Markt but also at Groenplaats and Steenplein by the river.
Reason to visit: Follow the Christmas lights that lead the way past the historic highlights of Antwerp. Start at Central Station and continue towards Groenplaats and then Grote Markt.
Recommended tour: Highlights Walking Tour – A 2-hour small group tour that covers historic Antwerp.
Specialities: Enjoy coffee, beer or brunch at one of the many heated terraces.
Where to stay: Gulde Schoen is around 250 metres from the Christmas market.
Hotels near Antwerp Christmas Market
The historic centre of Antwerp is located between the River Scheldt and Antwerpen-Centraal. Schipperskwartier to the north and Sint-Andries and Theaterbuurt in the south are the most popular districts. Any of these areas are ideal for a short stay in Antwerp.
I suggest staying at Gulde Schoen as it’s located in the most central of these areas. It’s only 50 metres to Groenplaats and 250 metres to Grote Markt, the locations of the Christmas markets.
If that doesn’t fit your budget, my guide to hotels near Antwerp Christmas Market lists several well-located hotels for all budgets.
Location of Antwerp Christmas Market
Plan your Christmas holiday with my guide to the best Christmas markets in Belgium. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Belgium’s food, history and culture.
Visit Antwerp has information regarding events, sights, things to do and the best ways to experience Antwerp at Christmas.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. When visiting the Christmas markets, keeping sustainability in mind is important. Implement some or all of these responsible travel measures during your visit.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
If you have visited Antwerp in winter or would like to leave a review of the Christmas market, feel free to comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Antwerp, Belgium. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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