Gentse Winterfeesten
The Ghent city center transforms into a winter festival featuring over 150 wooden chalets offering gifts, artisanal products, and international food and drinks. Visitors can ice skate under the Stadshal, enjoy views over the city from the Korenmarkt Ferris wheel, or ride the holiday carousels. The grounds also host an après-ski winter bar alongside daily entertainment and visits from Santa.
What to Expect
Winter festival featuring over 150 chalets, an ice rink, and Ferris wheel.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Gentse Winterfeesten
Food & Drink
Stalls serve an international selection including German bratwurst, Swiss raclette, Belgian fries, waffles, pancakes, cotton candy and soup, alongside drinks at the chalets and Chez Babette winter bar.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and bustling
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Children's entertainment is free every day.
- Parking: Free park-and-ride lots are available, with onward travel by tram or bus.
- Accessibility: Free reserved parking spaces for persons with disabilities are available near the center and around the pedestrian zone.
Tips & Advice
- Leave the car at a free park-and-ride such as P+R Muide, Gentbrugge or Watersportbaan and take the tram or bus into the centre.
- If you cycle, use the temporary bike park near Sint-Baafsplein or the Korenmarkt bike parking under the Sint-Michielsbrug, because badly parked bikes are removed.
- Order tickets for the rink under the Stadshal ahead of time, because skating is booked separately from strolling the chalets.
- Head to the Chez Babette bar beside the rink in the evening, when a DJ or live act plays après-ski hits every night.
- Bring the kids for the free children's entertainment, which runs every day along with visits from Santa and the mascots.
Special Events & Promotions
- The skating rink under the Stadshal returns this year; skating tickets are sold separately
- This year the Winterfeesten again run until the end of the Christmas holidays
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for young children?
There is free children's entertainment every day. Kids can also ride the Sapin Magique, a carousel shaped like a Christmas tree, or the reindeer carousel that circles Santa in his sleigh. Santa and the mascots also visit.
What food can we get?
The food and drink stands serve German bratwurst, Swiss raclette, Belgian fries and waffles, pancakes, candy floss and soup, among other things.
Can we go ice skating?
Yes. The skating rink under the Stadshal is back this year, and skating tickets are ordered separately.
Is there anything for adults in the evening?
The Chez Babette winter bar next to the rink is an après-ski hut with a DJ or live act every evening.
Can I sell my products at the Winterfeesten?
Yes. Leave your email address on the Winterfeesten site to download the information brochure for stallholders.
More Christmas Events Near Ghent
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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.