Seek and find
Last updated: December 4, 2025
Have you ever been to the Christmas markets in Antwerp? Every year, more than a million people visit the Christmas stalls in Antwerp, which wind along a festively lit route. And we completely understand why! Every year, Antwerp's historic city center is transformed into a winter wonderland known as Winter in Antwerp. All the ingredients for a fantastic winter celebration are there. Besides the Christmas markets in Antwerp, there's an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and several winter bars every year. And of course, all the historic buildings look even more beautiful with their Christmas lights. Have fun during your visit to Antwerp's best Christmas markets!
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Locations of the Christmas markets in Antwerp 2025
Due to its great success, the Antwerp Christmas market has been moved to a new location with even more space this year. Winter in Antwerp will take place in 2025 at Groenplaats, Grote Markt, Suikerrui, and Handschoenmarkt, and will be open from December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Festivities will also be held at Operaplein and Hendrik Conscienceplein. There will be no Christmas market at Steenplein this year.
Groenplaats
Although the Christmas market's location has changed, you'll still find the familiar ice rink at Groenplaats. From here, you'll have a view of the cathedral, and the various cafés with terraces create a pleasant atmosphere.
Grote Markt
The Grote Markt (main square) is a must-see on your walking route. Also, walk to the Scheldt via the Suikerrui.
gloves market
The Glove Market is located right at the entrance to the Cathedral of Our Lady. The lights of the large Norwegian Christmas tree at this market are already shining brightly. Every year, the Norwegians create an impressive Christmas tree.
Antwerp Christmas Market © Visit Antwerp
What is there to do at the Christmas markets in Antwerp?
Although the location has changed, many familiar winter activities have remained.
Ferris wheel
This year, the Antwerp Christmas market once again features a Ferris wheel, this time on Astridplein. Below you, watch the hustle and bustle of Winter in Antwerp and enjoy the stunning view.
Ice skating rink
The indoor ice rink is a whopping 1.200 m². The littlest ones can use a skating penguin as a skating aid to make their first strokes on the ice. Next to the rink is the terrace of the winter bar.
Winter bars
After strolling through the Christmas market, it's wonderful to wind down at one of the many winter bars. Warm up with a hot cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine.
Opening hours of the Christmas markets in Antwerp
The Christmas market will be open this year from December 5, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Also check the Winter in Antwerp website for more information >>
© Visit Antwerp
Christmas shopping in Antwerp
I'd say: make a weekend of it when you visit the Christmas markets in Antwerp. Antwerp is the ideal place to do your Christmas shopping. You'll find both major brands and well-known chains here. Do you love shopping in small boutiques? You'll have a blast in Antwerp. The main shopping street is the Meir. Other well-known shopping streets with a variety of shops can be found in the Latin Quarter, the Leien, the Stationswijk district, and the Molenwijk district. 't Zuid is always very charming too! Every year around Christmas, various pop-up stores open, temporarily offering a wide selection of Christmas items. This way, you can bring a bit of the Christmas spirit home with you. Please note that most shops in Antwerp are closed on Sundays.
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Christmas markets in Antwerp © Visit Antwerp
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