Antwerp is famous for its heritage-listed 16th-century Town Hall and a surprising number of Art Nouveau buildings. The city is also renowned for fashion, shopping and diamonds. But in winter, the Antwerp Christmas Market is the event of the season.
In this guide, I share confirmed 2024 dates and locations for the six locations in the city centre.
Antwerp Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Antwerp Christmas Market dates: 6th December 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in March. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Locations:
Grote Markt (the main centre square)
Groenplaats
Suikerrui
Operaplein
Hendrik Conscienceplein
Handschoenmarkt
Steenplein – returning in 2024.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm.
Friday and Saturday: 12pm to midnight..
Christmas Day: Open from 12pm to 10pm.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: The Highlights Walking Tour is a 2-hour small group tour of historic Antwerp.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tip: Antwerp is easy to visit on a day trip from Brussels.
Where to stay: Gulde Schoen is around 250 metres from the event.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Lights switch on date: 6th December (confirmed).
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Joe Xmas House on Groenplaats.
Winter bar: Also at Joe Xmas House.
Nativity scene: In the city centre.
Fireworks: New Year’s Eve.
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.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Enjoy coffee, beer or brunch at one of the many heated terraces.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended.
Convenient Hotels
The historic centre of Antwerp is located between the River Scheldt and Antwerpen-Centraal. The most popular areas are Schipperskwartier to the north and Sint-Andries and Theaterbuurt in the south. Any of these areas are ideal for a short stay in Antwerp.
I visited Antwerp on a day trip, but if I were booking a place to stay, I would choose Gulde Schoen, as it’s in the most central of the popular areas. Groenplaats is only 50 metres away, and Grote Markt is 250 metres away.
You can find several other excellent places to stay in my hotels in Antwerp guide.
Plan your Christmas holiday with the Belgian Christmas Markets List. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Belgium’s food, history and culture.
Location Map
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
Christmas in Antwerp
Market Stalls
As the year winds down, the city transforms into the Winter in Antwerp festival, the largest in Flanders. Around 90 stalls sell gifts, decorations, toys and food.
Preference is given to products that are handmade, locally produced and are of high-quality and sustainable.
Food Specialties
- Speculaas: A traditional Flemish treat, speculaas are spiced shortcrust biscuits.
- Stoemp: A mash of potatoes and seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, leeks or spinach, served with a rich gravy.
- Witloof in de oven: A unique specialty consisting of Belgian endives wrapped in ham, coated in a bechamel sauce and sprinkled with cheese.
- Chocolate Truffles: Like elsewhere in Belgium, Antwerp is well known for its handmade chocolates.
- Glühkriek: A festive twist on the famous Belgian cherry beer, glühkriek is warmed and spiced, like traditional glühwein.
- Smoutebollen: Similar to doughnuts and a favourite at Belgian fairs and markets.
- Waffles: Not to be missed are the country’s famous waffles.
- Bratwurst: German bratwurst sausages are popular at the hot grill stalls.
- Oliebollen: Traditional Dutch and Belgian fried balls of dough, often containing raisins or currants.
What to Buy
- Ornaments: Find unique, handcrafted decorations made from materials like glass, wood or clay.
- Belgian Lace: Renowned globally for its intricate designs and excellent quality, Belgian lace makes an interesting gift. You can find lace tablecloths, handkerchiefs and doilies.
- Fashion: Browse stalls with clothing items, from stylish winter accessories like hats and scarves to unique pieces by local designers.
- Belgian Sweets: Belgian chocolate needs no introduction, but don’t overlook other local sweets like speculoos biscuits, cuberdon candies (typically from Ghent) and marzipan fruits.
- Ceramics: Belgian ceramics can be found among the market stalls. You might find intricate miniature figurines to beautifully glazed bowls, mugs and plates.
- Belgian Beers: With a centuries-old brewing tradition, Belgium has an impressive lineup of beers. Gift sets, often including branded glasses, are available.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- 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.
If you have visited Antwerp in winter or want to leave a review of the Xmas market, please comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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