Christmas in Ghent is Belgium's best-kept festive secret — over 150 wooden chalets of the Gentse Winterfeesten wind through streets framed by the Three Towers of St Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry and St Nicholas Church. Ghent keeps Christmas intimate, lively and deeply Flemish. The centerpiece is the Gentse Winterfeesten (Ghent Winter Festival), expected from December 3, 2026 to January 3, 2027 — it now runs through the full Christmas holidays, so even a New Year trip catches the magic. As the locals say: "Vrolijk Kerstfeest!" — "Merry Christmas" in Flemish. From skating under the City Pavilion to sipping hot Christmas beer on the candlelit Graslei, here are the 15 best things to do at Christmas in Ghent in 2026 — the kerstmarkt (Christmas market), medieval landmarks, and Europe's finest festive food. Last updated: October 1, 2026 Jump to: Gentse Winterfeesten: Markets & Stalls · Landmarks & City Lights · Culture & Music · Festi...
Christmas in Ghent is Belgium's best-kept festive secret — over 150 wooden chalets of the Gentse Winterfeesten wind through streets framed by the Three Towers of St Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry and St Nicholas Church. Ghent keeps Christmas intimate, lively and deeply Flemish.
The centerpiece is the Gentse Winterfeesten (Ghent Winter Festival), expected from December 3, 2026 to January 3, 2027 — it now runs through the full Christmas holidays, so even a New Year trip catches the magic. As the locals say: "Vrolijk Kerstfeest!" — "Merry Christmas" in Flemish.
From skating under the City Pavilion to sipping hot Christmas beer on the candlelit Graslei, here are the 15 best things to do at Christmas in Ghent in 2026 — the kerstmarkt (Christmas market), medieval landmarks, and Europe's finest festive food.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Jump to: Gentse Winterfeesten: Markets & Stalls · Landmarks & City Lights · Culture & Music · Festive Food & Belgian Treats · FAQ · More Christmas Inspiration
Gentse Winterfeesten: Markets & Stalls
The Gentse Winterfeesten is a festival trail — chalets across Sint-Baafsplein, Korenmarkt, Botermarkt and Klein Turkije. Wandering between the zones is part of the pleasure.
1. Wander the 150+ wooden chalets of the Gentse Winterfeesten. Start at Sint-Baafsplein, where the Three Towers loom over local chalets selling leather goods, candles, jewelry and Flemish crafts. Hours are typically midday to midnight; confirm 2026 times on the official Visit Gent site.
2. Skate the ice rink at Botermarkt. The open-air rink beneath the City Pavilion (Stadshal) is Ghent's signature winter image — gliding between medieval rooftops and modern steel. A separate small rink keeps beginners safe, with skate hire on site. In 2026 it stays open through the full Christmas school holidays.
3. Warm up in a pop-up winter bar. The Moose Bar and hut-style Chez Babette pour Irish coffee and warming jenever, while the Champagnebar pairs bubbles with oysters. Cosy by day and buzzing by night — Ghent's students give this market Belgium's liveliest evening vibe.
4. Find the Winter Forest at Zebrastraat. Just outside the center, Zebrastraat becomes a glowing Winter Forest in December — live bands, street food and wintry drinks, with the opening act and afterparty usually free: Ghent's best insider alternative.
Landmarks & City Lights
Since 1998 Ghent has lit its historic buildings by night, and Christmas adds an extra layer of sparkle across the old town.
5. Stroll the illuminated Graslei and Korenlei waterfront. Ghent's medieval harbor is the city's Christmas postcard — guild houses strung with lights reflected in the water. Walk it after dark, then cross St Michael's Bridge for the classic shot of the Three Towers in a row.
6. Explore Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts. This 12th-century moated castle wears winter well — climb the ramparts for views over the festive city, then warm up inside with the armory and museum. Delightfully medieval on a cold December day.
7. Visit the Ghent Altarpiece at St Bavo's Cathedral. Step inside Sint-Baafskathedraal to see the Van Eyck brothers' Lam Gods, one of the world's most famous paintings. In December the candlelit interior and towering nativity scene make the visit doubly special; entry is free, with a small fee for the altarpiece chapel.
8. See the great Christmas tree on Korenmarkt. Ghent's main tree rises on Korenmarkt square, a short walk from the waterfront chalets. Come in the late afternoon to photograph it against St Nicholas Church, then continue toward the market lights of Klein Turkije.
Culture & Music
Beyond the markets, Ghent's museums, concert halls and churches keep a full winter program.
9. Climb the Belfry after dark. Ghent's 91-meter Belfry gives the best aerial view of the Winterfeesten lights — the dragon on top has guarded the city since the 14th century. Check evening opening times locally.
10. Catch a Christmas concert or carol service. St Bavo's and St Nicholas Church host Advent and Christmas concerts through December, from choir carols to organ recitals — many free. Check listings a week before your visit.
11. Follow Ghent's self-guided light trail. The official light route is a roughly 3.2 km walk past Ghent's most beautifully lit monuments. Pick up the route at the tourist office and walk it with a hot chocolate in hand. (The triennial Ghent Light Festival returns in January 2027 — handy if you stay past New Year.)
Festive Food & Belgian Treats
Food is where Ghent's Christmas outshines its rivals — visitors rate it Belgium's best market food. Pace yourself.
12. Taste your way through waffles and speculoos. Start with a hot Brussels waffle crowned with cream, then hunt down speculoos — the spiced cinnamon biscuit that defines a Flemish Christmas. Locals dunk them in coffee or eat them straight from the bag.
13. Drink serious hot chocolate. Ghent's chocolatiers take hot chocolate personally — seek out the rich, dark drinking chocolate at market chocolate bars. Or join a two-hour chocolate walking tour hopping between artisan chocolatiers.
14. Toast the season with jenever and Christmas beer. Mulled wine flows everywhere, but Ghent's drink of choice is hot Christmas beer — sweet, fruity and dangerously warming. Or sample jenever, Belgium's juniper spirit, in honey, cherry or apple flavors at a tasting stall. Proost! — cheers!
15. Book a festive dinner in Patershol. Ghent's oldest quarter hides in Gravensteen's shadow — cobbled lanes of candlelit restaurants serving Flemish classics like stoofvlees (beef stew) with fries. Book Christmas Eve weeks ahead.
For Families
One of Belgium's most family-friendly Christmas events: a children's ice rink at Botermarkt, a carousel, Santa sightings, and free children's entertainment most days. Pair a daytime market visit with Gravensteen — kids love the castle's dungeons.
For Couples
Walk the Graslei waterfront after 9 pm when crowds fade, then share oysters and champagne at the Champagnebar. End the night in a candlelit Patershol wine bar — Ghent does romantic medieval better than almost anywhere.
On a Budget
Festival entry, the light trail, cathedral entry and chalet-browsing are all free, and public transport in the city is free on December Shopping Sundays. A speculoos bag and a glühwein make a fine €10 Christmas feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Christmas in Ghent 2026?
The Gentse Winterfeesten is expected December 3, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Confirm on the official Visit Gent website before booking, as dates can shift.
Is the Ghent Christmas market free?
Yes — entry to the Gentse Winterfeesten and all its zones is free. You only pay for food, drinks, the ice rink and guided experiences.
Is Ghent or Bruges better at Christmas?
Bruges is prettier in a storybook sense, but Ghent's festival is bigger, livelier at night and better for food — with fewer crowds. The two are 30 minutes apart by train, so many visitors do both.
What food should I try at Christmas in Ghent?
Belgian waffles, speculoos biscuits, artisan hot chocolate, Gentse neuzen (raspberry candies), jenever tastings, hot Christmas beer, and Flemish beef stew with fries.
What does "Vrolijk Kerstfeest" mean?
"Vrolijk Kerstfeest" is Flemish/Dutch for "Merry Christmas" — you will see it on market banners all over Ghent in December.
Can I pay by card at the Ghent Christmas market?
Most larger stalls and all winter bars accept cards, but smaller vendors may be cash-only — carry some euros for the little chalets.
More Christmas Inspiration
Keep exploring the magic of the season with these guides from our blog:
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