Antwerp – Winter in Antwerp 2026
What to expect
Winter in Antwerp 2026 takes place from 04.12.2026 to 03.01.2027 in Antwerp (Belgium). A city-wide winter festival with an ice rink, Christmas market and Ferris wheel. Here you’ll find all the key information for your winter visit.
Winter in Antwerp 2026: A Christmas festival across several squares
Winter in Antwerp transforms the historic city centre between Grote Markt, Groenplaats, Suikerrui, Handschoenmarkt and Operaplein into a vast winter festival. The individual areas are connected by festively decorated streets. The experience also includes the large Christmas tree on Grote Markt, an atmospheric trail of lights and numerous winter market stalls. The official period runs from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Allow plenty of time for a walk, as the event is spread across several squares.
Winter in Antwerp 2026: Ice rink and Ferris wheel
The ice rink on Groenplaats is one of the highlights of this year’s winter city. A Ferris wheel is also among the attractions and offers wide-ranging views over Antwerp. A nostalgic carousel on Operaplein complements the Christmas market offerings. This means the winter event includes a clear funfair element as well as market stalls. Rides and ice skating are not automatically free. Our calendar already lists the separate Winter funfair at Koningin Astridplein as its own event; it is not listed twice here.
Winter in Antwerp 2026: Market and treats
The many chalets offer Christmas gift ideas, crafts, drinks, and sweet and savoury specialities. The winter route also passes through historic squares with impressive architecture. The lighting creates a particularly special atmosphere in the evening. Visitors can combine a shopping trip with a visit to the ice rink or a view from above. Food and drink offerings vary by square; Hendrik Conscienceplein, for example, has a stronger focus on its own food concept.
Opening times with many exceptions
The City of Antwerp publishes different weekday and weekend opening times for the general Christmas market areas. There is therefore a separate MEC timetable listing the special days. On the opening day, the event starts later. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the market stalls close earlier, and Winter in Antwerp is closed all day on New Year’s Day. Operaplein also closes earlier than the other squares. The final day centres on the New Year’s toast and ends in the early evening.
Entry, family visits and getting there
Entry to the public winter festival and Christmas market is free. Individual rides, the ice rink, food and drink are charged separately. Antwerpen-Centraal has good rail connections; several winter areas can be reached from there on foot or by public transport. Car parks can be very busy, especially during the Christmas period, so it’s a good idea to leave your car outside the city centre. The different squares are not all close together.
Further information and dates
The city officially scheduled the winter festival from 4 December to 3 January and confirmed the opening times, including exceptions. Alongside the market, lights and ice rink, there are other events whose exact programme times should be checked in advance. Find more winter funfairs in our funfair calendar. Official information is available on the Antwerp tourism website. For confirmed opening times, also consult the city’s event resolution.
Highlights at a glance
What Winter in Antwerpen has to offer
- Opening / ceremonial keg tapping
- Fireworks
- Ferris wheel
- Ice rink / curling
- Special lighting / world of lights
- Children's area / fairy-tale forest
More to experience in Antwerp
AdvertisingProgramme & dates
- Fri4DecOpening of Winter in Antwerp14:00Antwerp historic city centreOfficial start of the city festival and Christmas markets.
- Thu31DecNew Year’s fireworks over AntwerpAntwerp / Scheldt riverbankAnnounced in the city’s event resolution as part of the New Year programme; check the exact time separately.
- Sun3JanNew Year’s toast to closeAntwerp city centreTo mark the close, the city offers its residents vouchers for food or drinks.
Getting there & services
Train: Take the train to Antwerpen-Centraal. From there, you can reach the historic city centre via the Meir in about 20 minutes on foot or around 10 minutes by tram.
Tram and bus: De Lijn connects the station with the city centre. The winter attractions are spread across several squares; allow time to travel between the locations.
Car: Street parking in the historic centre is generally not permitted for visitors. Use a public car park or a park-and-ride facility on the outskirts, then continue by tram or bus.
Low-emission zone: The city centre and Linkeroever are in the low-emission zone (LEZ). Before travelling, check whether your vehicle is permitted and whether it needs to be registered, especially if it has a foreign number plate.
Frequently asked questions
When does Winter in Antwerp 2026 take place?
From Friday, 4 December 2026, to Sunday, 3 January 2027, in Antwerp city centre.
Is the Christmas market in Antwerp free?
Yes, visiting the market stalls and public squares is free. Rides, the ice rink and shopping cost extra.
What attractions are part of the winter festival?
Christmas market, ice rink on Groenplaats, Ferris wheel, carousel on Operaplein and light installations. The winter funfair at Koningin Astridplein is listed separately.
Is Winter in Antwerp open on 1 January?
No, Friday, 1 January 2027, is a full closure day.
Where does the festival take place?
Across several squares in the city centre, including Grote Markt, Groenplaats, Suikerrui, Handschoenmarkt and Operaplein.
Are there special opening times at Christmas and New Year?
Yes, especially on 24, 25 and 31 December, and on the final day, 3 January. Please check the opening times.
How do I get there?
Take the train to Antwerpen-Centraal, then walk or take a tram or bus into the city centre.
