Are you thinking of visiting Antwerp Christmas Market in Belgium and wondering when it’s open, where exactly to go, and what to expect? This short guide should answer all your questions. Find out!
Christmas Markets are very popular in Belgium. But if you visit just one, which one do you choose? They all have something similar and something unique.
We live in Belgium and Antwerp Christmas Market is one of our personal favorites of all the biggest Belgium Christmas Markets, mainly because of its most spectacular setting.
In this article, you can learn more about the Antwerp Christmas market and find all the practical info and some insider tips. Read on!
TIP: If you are looking for a really special place to stay in Antwerp during the holiday season, check out the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp! Set inside a 15th-century historical monastery complex and beautifully modernized, this is one of the most unique hotels Antwerp.
In the mid-budget range and super centrally located, we recommend the highly-rated Hotel Rubens in the heart of the old town. On a somewhat lower budget, YAYS Antwerp Opera offers an amazing price/quality at a very central location between the station and the old town and very close to the main shopping street.
READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Antwerp
Where to Find Antwerp Christmas Market
Antwerp Christmas market is normally spread over different squares in the historic city center: The Grote Markt, Suikerrui, Handschoenmarkt, the Groenplaats, and Steenplein at the foot of Antwerp Steen Castle.
Recently, there have been some big works at Steenplein, so that location is replaced by two new ones: Hendrik Conscienceplein, a cozy square in the old town, and also Operaplein, which is located halfway between the central railway station and the old town.
These are one by one the nicest places in Antwerp, so the Christmas Market setting is always very picturesque and cozy.
When is Antwerp Christmas Market Open
The Christmas market in Antwerp is an annual event, and it’s usually open from the first weekend of December until the first weekend of January.
In the 2024-2025 winter season, the Antwerp Christmas market will be open from December 6, 2024, until January 5, 2025.
During this period, Antwerp Christmas Market is normally open daily, from noon to 10 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open until midnight. On December 24th and 31st, the market closes at 6 PM.
On the first day the Christmas Market opens, it’s typically open from 4 PM to midnight, and there are some special events to celebrate the opening. On the very last day of the Christmas Market, it closes at 6 PM.
What to expect when visiting Antwerp Christmas Market
Antwerp Christmas Market typically has over a hundred market stalls and is spread out over some of the most beautiful locations in the city center.
Just by walking from one place to the other, you will see many of the main landmarks in the old town.
The atmosphere is great and even if you don’t buy anything, you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of glühwein, taste some Belgian waffles and smoutebollen, or go ice skating.
You can easily visit Antwerp Christmas Market with your friends, family, or young children as there is plenty to do for all ages.
A fair with some children’s rides and a Ferris Wheel is usually located at the Scheldt River next to the Castle. In some years, they move it to Astripdplein, the big square next to the Zoo in front of the Central Station.
The ice skating rink can usually be found on the Groenplaats (location varies in some years). There are plenty of other family-friendly activities in the city to keep you entertained during the day as well (zoo, aquarium, museums,..).
TIP: See our guide to Antwerp with kids for some inspiration for fun things to do in the city (not just for families!).
READ ALSO: Why Antwerp Is Well Worth Visiting
Antwerp in winter
If you are looking for a short winter getaway in Europe, Antwerp is a great choice. It has plenty to offer for young and old.
Antwerp is the home base of Rubens, the world diamond center, it also provides some of the best shopping in Belgium. in addition, you can find some fun experiences like a local food tour or a city brewery tour.
Furthermore, there are lots of dining options for any budget, all in a beautiful historical setting. Add the warm Christmas atmosphere and you cannot go wrong with visiting Antwerp in December.
For some more ideas on what to see and do in Antwerp, make sure to check our city guides below!
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & The Hidden Gems of Antwerp
For families: In the past, Antwerp Zoo organized a really nice light event called China Light. It’s absolutely worth a visit as well! Last winter, however, this event took place in Planckendael animal park which is located near Mechelen, and not in Antwerp Zoo itself. So you may have to make a separate trip if interested.
TIP: If you can, plan on spending a weekend in Antwerp and staying for at least one or two nights. That way you can experience more of what this great city has to offer. See some hotel suggestions below.
Where to stay for the Antwerp Christmas Market
Here are some of the best-rated hotels in the heart of the old town, close to everything and perfect for sightseeing and the Christmas market:
- €€€€€ Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp (most luxurious).
- €€€€ Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt (most popular).
- €€€ HotelO Kathedral (good value for the old town).
- €€ A-STAY Antwerp (close to the station, 20 minutes walk from the old town, but very good value if you’re looking for a nice place to stay on a lower budget).
LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Antwerp (Best Areas & Hotels)
If you are looking for more travel inspiration and tips for visiting Belgium, please check our other articles via the links below.
If you are planning a winter visit to Belgium, but are not sure what to expect in terms of the weather, check out our guide to traveling to Belgium in winter.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO VISIT Brussels Christmas Market & Bruges Christmas Market & Best European Christmas Markets – Hidden Gems
Belgium travel guides:
- Belgium Itinerary – how to see the best of Belgium in 3-4 days.
- Top Things to Do in Brussels – all the musts!
- Where to Stay in Brussels – best areas for any type of trip.
- WWI Battlefields and Ypres – for history buffs.
- Bastogne War Museum & Mardasson Memorial – WWII history.
- Best Things to Do in Bruges – a must-see in Belgium!
- Best Theme Parks in Belgium – for families with kids.
- Brussels Flower Carpet – one for your bucket list.
- Facts About Belgium – a fun read to get to know Belgium a bit better.
- Manneken-Pis (the real story of this quirky symbol of Brussels).
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Priyanka
Monday 21st of October 2024
Hi Jurga, I appreciate all your kind efforts to gather all this information for a holiday celebration! It is very useful!! Can you help and guide me about chocolate and diamond museums on 24th December? Will it be open? Where can I find this information? Warm regards, Priyanka.
Jurga
Monday 21st of October 2024
Hi Priyanka, you can find this information on the official websites of each place you want to visit. Some are clearer than others, I have to admit. I didn't find opening hours for Chocolate Nation for Dec 24 on their website, but I tried booking tickets for that day and got all the time slots from 10 am to 4 pm, so they are likely open at least until 5-6pm that day. The website is chocolatenation.be The Diamond Museum is open from 10 am to 3 pm on the 24th and closed on the 25th of December. Hope this helps. Enjoy Antwerp!
Mustafa
Wednesday 18th of September 2024
Good morning how are you. I wanna book a place in Christmas market I want to put my stall there. I sell jewelry. Please can you help me how to book a place there. Thanks alot. Best regards Mustafa
Jurga
Friday 27th of September 2024
For something like this you would have to check the website of the city of Antwerp. Good luck!
Phillip
Monday 20th of May 2024
Hi Jurga,
I hope you're doing well, thanks for your information ahead.
Is the above information published is correct, what's the source ?
Kindly let me know.
Jurga
Saturday 25th of May 2024
Hi Phillip, yes, of course, the dates are correct. We wouldn't publish them if we were not sure or would indicate if it's tentative. But the dates have been confirmed. As for the sources, our blog is a reputable source you can refer to ;).
Chandra
Monday 27th of November 2023
Hello, are the Christmas markets walkable from the main central station? How far away would they be from the central station? Thank yo :)
Chandra
Monday 27th of November 2023
@Jurga, thanks for the quick answer! Great blog too! That's great to know about how walkable it is. I'll be coming from Utrecht most likely.
Jurga
Monday 27th of November 2023
Hi Chandra, the Christmas Market is spread out over several different areas, but they are all in the same direction from the station and all within easy walking distance. For example, Opera Square is just 5 minutes walk, and the main square (Grote Markt) is about 25 minutes.
Claudia
Sunday 1st of October 2023
Hi there, thanks for article - it was very helpful. May I please confirm if the Christmas market will be open on Christmas Day 25th of December? And if there are restaurants/cafes open this day also?
Thank you!
Jurga
Monday 2nd of October 2023
Hi Claudia, yes, of course, as said in the article, the market is open daily during its opening season, so also on Christmas day. It should be open from noon. As for the restaurants and cafes, it depends. Many restaurants close on 24-25/12, but some are open. If you want to dine at a specific place, you should check with them in advance.