Kerstmarkt Antwerpen
Located directly adjacent to Antwerp Central Station, this festive square serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the city's winter markets. The centerpiece attraction is a 55-meter-tall ferris wheel providing panoramic views over Antwerp and surrounding holiday sites from above. Visitors can also stop at market stalls offering various refreshments.
What to Expect
Features a 55-meter-tall ferris wheel next to Central Station.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Winter in Antwerpen
Food & Drink
Stalls on the square sell refreshments.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Visitors looking for city views and a convenient market stop
Vibe
Festive and scenic
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Zondag t/m donderdag van 12 tot 22 uur; vrijdag en zaterdag van 12 uur tot middernacht; gesloten op 1 januari.
- Parking: The page suggests traveling by train and says this avoids parking hassle; it gives no parking locations or prices.
Tips & Advice
- Start at Koningin Astridplein next to Antwerp Central Station and ride the Ferris wheel to see the market locations from above before walking on to Operaplein.
- Take the train into Antwerp Central Station so you arrive right in the middle of the city without dealing with parking.
- Bring your own skates for the covered rink on Groenplaats, or rent them there, and rent a skating aid for young children who are still finding their balance.
- Book your hotel early if you plan to stay overnight, since hotels in Antwerp fill up fast during the Christmas market.
- Pair the market with shopping on the Meir, where the streets are lit up and shops also open on Sundays in December.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening weekend from Friday, December 4, with extra activities and entertainment.
- New Year's Eve fireworks over the city to ring in the new year.
- Traditional New Year's drink on the closing day, Sunday, January 3.
- New this year: a brand-new winter bar next to the ice rink.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do besides browsing the stalls?
You can ride the 55-metre Ferris wheel on Koningin Astridplein, skate on the covered rink around the Rubens statue on Groenplaats, and take little ones on the old-fashioned carousel on Operaplein. Don't miss the 13-metre Christmas tower on the Grote Markt.
Do I need my own skates for the ice rink?
No. You can bring your own or rent a pair at the rink, and children can rent skating aids.
What food and drink is there?
Expect glühwein, fresh Belgian waffles and plenty of snacks at stalls spread between the gift chalets.
Can I walk between the market locations?
Yes. The market is spread over eight squares in the historic centre, and you can easily walk between them. A walk past every location is about 5 kilometres, and Koningin Astridplein next to Central Station makes a good starting point.
What's new this year?
There is a brand-new winter bar next to the ice rink.
More Christmas Events Near Antwerpen
More Christmas Events near Antwerpen
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.