Antwerp Christmas Market - Make the Most Out of your Winter Holiday in Belgium

Explore the magical ambiance of Belgium's Antwerp Christmas market with our essential travel guide. Uncover the best tips and attractions to enhance your winter holiday experience in this captivating European destination.

Here we are again: the most wonderful time of the year! And with it, our yearly quest of a new Christmas market to explore! In Europe, during the long winter months, the promise of a Christmas market instantly makes the days brighter! As you can see on our blog, Rafael and I love a good Christmas market in December to feel the jolly atmosphere of the festive season; for example, we visited Maastricht Christmas market in 2022, Frankfurt Christmas market in 2021 as well as Ghent Christmas market in 2019. This year we chose to cross the Dutch border and check Antwerp Christmas market. And we have only one word to say: WOW!

GENERAL INFORMATION

it's undeniable: the Germans master the art of Christmas markets, but the Belgians aren't far behind! The city of Antwerp, in particular, has become increasingly renowned for its Christmas market, "Winter in Antwerp," which transforms the medieval city into a festive wonderland. Every year, the market captivates visitors with over a hundred wooden stalls offering traditional winter treats and unique handicrafts, all set against a backdrop of twinkling Christmas lights. Running from early December to January, this magical market draws thousands of visitors from Belgium and beyond. To avoid the weekend crowds, consider visiting on weekdays for a more peaceful experience. For additional details, check out the Antwerp tourist office website.

The Antwerp Christmas market runs from 6 December to 5 January, offering a festive experience through the holiday season.

The Christmas market is open every day with the following schedule:

• Sun. to Thur.: from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Fri. and Sat.: from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Admission to the Christmas market is free of charge, making it an easy and affordable way to enjoy the holiday magic.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS HISTORY

The earliest records of Christmas markets date back to the 13th century, starting as "December markets" to help locals stock up on meat and essential supplies for winter. These early markets evolved into the Christmas markets seen in the German-speaking regions of the Holy Roman Empire. The first official Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, was founded in 1434. Originally, Christmas markets were one-day events held on Christmas Eve, where townspeople were able to buy food for their holiday meals after Advent fasting, while enjoying religious mystery plays.

The Antwerp market was first mentioned in 1583, serving primarily as a venue for locals to buy food and supplies for their Christmas celebrations. As the tradition of Christmas markets spread beyond Germany, they gained popularity in various countries, including Belgium. Today, Christmas markets take place throughout the Advent season, creating a lively atmosphere filled with traditional foods, drinks, and handmade gifts. These markets are inclusive, welcoming everyone regardless of their religious beliefs and fostering a sense of community and joy during the holiday season.

In modern times, the Antwerp Christmas market has evolved into a vibrant celebration during the Advent season, featuring an array of traditional foods, comforting drinks, and unique gifts. With multiple markets spread across the city, it offers a festive experience for everyone. The spirit of community and celebration shines in Antwerp, as locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beloved holiday tradition.

GETTING THERE

Antwerp being one of Belgium's largest cities, it is relatively easy to reach, especially from other major European cities such as Brussels, Amsterdam or Paris whether it is by train, by plane or by car:

• By train: It's the easiest way to reach the Flemish city. Antwerp central station, which is considered the cathedral of the railways because of its incredible architecture, offers connections to other major Belgian and European cities;
• By car: Ghent is also accessible by car, however, that Antwerp is a low-emission zone so if you don't want to pay a fine, make sure you register your car online before going. Another option is to leave your car in one of the nine P+R parking lots located on the outskirts of the city, from where it is possible to reach the city center by tram. It costs 1 EUR per day to leave your car in one of these P+R parking lots and 2 EUR to take the tram to the city center (tram tickets are valid for 1 hour);
• By plane: For those coming from abroad, Antwerp can also be reached by plane. Although the city has a small airport, we think it is easier to travel to Brussels' main airport (Zavantem). Antwerp city center is easily accessible from Brussels airport, as a train line connects the airport to Antwerp Central Station in about 30 minutes.

Thanks to Antwerp's location in Europe, the city is now one of the largest hubs in the Flemish region, making it an easy destination to travel to in Europe all year round!

THE CHRISTMAS MARKETs

Antwerp Christmas market takes place during the holiday season and is open every day. One of its characteristics is that there is not just one Christmas market, but several! These different markets are spread over several locations in the city, giving Antwerp a magical holiday atmosphere. We have listed below five enchanting places where you can find the different Christmas markets.

The Groenplaats ("green square") is one of the city's main square where the people of Antwerp like to spend time relaxing. In the center of the square, a statue of Rubens was erected in 1843. During the Christmas market period, this square is home to one of the city's main Christmas markets. It's the perfect place to have fun with your loved ones! In the center of the square is a covered ice rink where young and old can show off their moves!  Right next to the ice rink, you can have a drink in the winter bar "Den Après". Of course, many wooden Christmas stalls can be found all around the square, mainly food ones with delicious seasonal treats!

After enjoying the pleasures of the Groenplaats, it's time to head towards to the Handschoenmarkt ("Glove Market"), another important square in Antwerp. It forms the entrance to the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady and is surrounded by several medieval houses. The square got its name because gloves and furs were mainly traded there in the 16th century. During the Christmas market, the nativity scene is displayed at the foot of the cathedral and many musical performances take place in front of the Christmas tree.

Now head towards the Scheldt, to do so you''ll have to cross Suikerrui, a street located in the medieval center of Antwerp that got its name from the Rui river located underneath the cobblestones. The street connects the Grote Markt to the east bank of the Scheldt river. During the Christmas celebrations, Suikerrui is adorned with its most beautiful Christmas decorations, including a magical light tunnel!

Steenplein (Steen Square) is yet another square in the city of Antwerp where part of an old castle is located. This castle (Het Steen) is the oldest building in Antwerp; it was built around 1200-1225 and was then called the "Antwerp Castle". This 800 year old fortress is one of the first structures built in stone in the city, hence the nickname of "Het Steen", which means "the rock". Steenplein is another place we recommend you to stop during your walk in Antwerp as it hosts one of the main Christmas markets. Here you'll find many rows of wooden stalls where you can buy traditional handicrafts which make for nice gifts and souvenirs. Don't forget to ride the Ferris wheel for a great view of the city!

And here it is, the last stop of our walking tour in Antwerp! The most beautiful, the most impressive and the most magical Christmas market in the city: the Christmas Village of the Grote Markt! This square is undeniably the most emblematic square in Antwerp and it's certainly the place that comes to mind when you imagine the city during the Christmas season! This is also the reason why we suggest you finish your visit to the Christmas markets, so you can save the best for last! Grote Markt is where the famous and imposing Christmas tree stands in front of the town hall, it will leave you speechless! Around the Brabo statue, you'll find many rows of stalls as well as a beautiful German Christmas tower with traditional woodwork and lights! The tower also features a sprig of mistletoe for lovers to enjoy a romantic moment! Plus, every year, the Joe Christmas House hosts a live radio show!

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK?

You won't be able to leave Antwerp Christmas market without tasting a few local treats. Belgium is home to many specialties, some of which you can find at the many wooden stands of the Christmas market:

• Glüwhein (Mulled wine): a warm drink made of red wine and many spices such as cinnamon, star anise and cloves.
• Warme applecider (Hot apple cider): a hot version of apple cider with some spices, a bit like the mulled wine.
• Liège waffle: a dense and sweet Belgian waffle from Liège, featuring caramelized pearl sugar for a delightful crunch.
• Brussels waffles: a light Belgian waffle from Brussels, often served with various toppings like whipped cream or chocolate.
• Massepijn (Marzipan): A sweet treat made from ground almonds and sugar, crafted into intricate shapes with a rich, nutty flavor.

Kindly be aware that vendors at wooden food and drink stalls will impose a 2 EUR deposit for their reusable cups, plates, or bowls. Remember to return them to reclaim your deposit after use!

WHAT TO BUY?

There are many things you can buy as gifts or souvenirs at Antwerp Christmas market to give to your loved ones:

• Belgian chocolates: indulge in the rich and exquisite flavors of Belgium with a selection of fine chocolates, a perfect treat for any chocolate connoisseur.
• Antwerpse handjes (Antwerp chocolate hands): unique and symbolic, these chocolate hands from Antwerp make for a distinctive and charming souvenir, capturing the essence of the city.
• Elixir d'Anvers (Antwerp Elixir): experience a taste of local tradition with Antwerp Elixir, a regional liqueur that adds a touch of authentic Belgian flavor to your holiday celebrations.

As you can see, you won't leave Antwerp Christmas market empty-handed! Belgian Christmas markets, like their German counterparts, focus on traditional food and handmade gifts, but above all on traditions that have existed for centuries!

FINAL THOUGHTS

In short, we were very grateful to have had the chance to visit Antwerp at this time of year! Of course, the city may be very crowded on weekends but even so, we really think Antwerp has managed to put together a really great Christmas market experience that is well worth a visit, and without losing its medieval charm! As the diamond capital of the world and home of the famous painter Rubens, Antwerp definitely has a lot to offer and is the perfect city for a winter getaway! 

And now it's your turn to let us know what you think about the city of Antwerp and its Christmas Market. Have you every ever been there? What else would you recommend doing in this city? We look forward to reading your comments in the section below.

Tags: Belgium