Antwerp Christmas Market 2026 Dates in December

The Antwerp Christmas Market sprawls across six historic squares, from the guild house facades of Grote Markt to the Groenplaats ice rink where skaters circle a statue of Rubens beneath the cathedral spire. It’s one of Belgium’s largest winter events, and the route connecting each square through illuminated streets makes it feel more like a city-wide festival than a single market.

Antwerp Christmas Market 2026

Dates

Status: Confirmed
Antwerp dates: 4th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Last checked: July 2026

Update: Dates were announced in May. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.

Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Visit Antwerp.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Locations:
Grote Markt (the main centre square)
Groenplaats
Suikerrui
Operaplein (food stalls only)
Hendrik Conscienceplein
Handschoenmarkt
Steenplein
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm.
Friday and Saturday: 12pm to midnight.
Christmas Day: Open from 12pm to 10pm.
New Year’s Day: Closed.

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.

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 is 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 located in the most central part of the popular area. Groenplaats is only 50 metres away, and Grote Markt is 250 metres away.

You can find several other excellent places to stay in my guide to hotels in Antwerp.

Plan your holiday with our 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, 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: Discover unique, handcrafted decorations crafted from materials such as 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 featuring a wide range of clothing items, from stylish winter accessories like hats and scarves to one-of-a-kind pieces by local designers.
• Belgian Sweets: Belgian chocolate requires no introduction, but don’t overlook other local treats 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, 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 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 as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.