When you think of Flemish cities in Belgium with beautiful architecture, picturesque canals, and delicious food, your first thought might be of Bruges. But I always think of Ghent, another of the country’s wonderful historic cities, and one you might like to visit this winter.
Ghent Christmas Market is one of the winter highlights, and below are confirmed 2024 dates and details for planning a visit.
Ghent Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Ghent Christmas Market dates: 5th to 31st December 2024 (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
Location: Sint-Baafsplein and surrounding streets.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 12pm to midnight.
Friday: 12pm to 1am.
Saturday: 11am to 1am.
Sunday: 11am to midnight.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: 2pm to midnight.
New Year’s Eve: 11am to 6pm.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: This is the most popular city tour of Ghent.
Public transport: Tram: T1 or T3 to Gent Vogelmarkt or Gent Zonnestraat. Tickets: €2.50
Parking: Ghent city centre is a low-emission zone. Foreign cars must register. Please walk or take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Go inside Saint Bavo’s Cathedral at Sint-Baafsplein to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece.
Where to stay: 1898 The Post is an incredible, unique hotel around the corner from the market.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Winter Wonderland Castle: At Gravensteen. Book tickets.
Christmas lights: Not yet announced.
Santa: Yes, plus reindeer and polar bears.
Ferris wheel: Grand Soleil at Sint-Baafsplein.
Ice skating: At the City Pavillion. 5th to 31st December (confirmed). Book tickets.
Reason to Visit: Ghent is stunning, the market is compact, and it’s slightly less touristy than Bruges or Brussels.
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: Ghent pralines, pancakes, Tierenteyn mustard, and kroakemandels (salted and deep-fried peas).
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended due to crowds.
Convenient Hotels
The areas around the canal in Ghent Old Town, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and Korenmarkt are all excellent locations for sightseeing and eating out in Ghent. That’s why I recommended 1898 The Post, which is located in this area.
However, it’s not the most affordable. This list of hotels in Ghent has many excellent options across all budgets which you might find more helpful.
Recommended Tours
Taking a city tour is a really nice way to get an overview of the area, including important points of history and some interesting attractions and neighbourhoods. This tour of Ghent is one of the most popular.
Alternatively, you might like this tour, which is a combined city and food tour.
For more places to go, my Belgian Christmas Markets List could be helpful.
Event Location
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
What to Expect
Start your visit at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Ghent Altarpiece). Continue along Botermarkt, a small street that passes Het Belfort van Gent, the famous 14th-century Belfry and Watchtower.
From here, you can follow the narrow street past Saint Nicholas’ Church for more market stalls. The market finishes around the corner on Korenmarkt, not far from the historic bridges Sint-Michielsbrug and Grasbrug.
Beyond the Christmas markets, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during the winter months. The city centre is highly walkable and ideal for cycling. When the weather cooperates, it’s a great way to get around and explore everything happening in the city.
- Ice skating: The city sets up an ice rink every year. From the 5th to 31st December (confirmed), you can hire skates or take your own and skate in the city centre. Book tickets here.
- Winter Wonderland Castle: Held at the incredible Castle of the Counts. Book tickets and find opening times.
- Lights: Illuminating the city from 26th November until 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed). In addition to traditional fairy lights, the city highlights its mascot with special fiery dragon installations.
- Great Butcher’s Hall: A culinary hall that specialises in local Flemish produce. You can sample gourmet produce, take some home or create a gift hamper.
- Museums: The city’s museums, historic churches, monuments and the Belfry are worth visiting, especially on wet days.
Arriving by Eurostar
If you’re visiting from the UK via the Eurostar, note that your train ticket includes the local train from Brussels to Ghent St Pieters train station. You can find the train timetable here.
From the train station, take the tram to Korenmarkt. If you’re unsure, ask the information desk. Otherwise, if the weather is nice, it’s a scenic 30-minute walk to the old town.
Sustainability 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.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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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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