From December 4, 2026, to January 3, 2027, the Antwerp city center is entirely devoted to Winter in Antwerp. The historic squares and streets are atmospherically lit, and throughout the city center, you will find winter activities, cozy chalets, and various places to enjoy something tasty to eat or drink. It is an ideal period to discover Antwerp in a different way.

Christmas market in the historic center

The Christmas market is one of the highlights of the winter period every year. On the Grote Markt and Groenplaats, among others, you will find atmospheric stalls with winter snacks, warm drinks, and fun gifts. Stroll along the illuminated facades, take your time to look around between the chalets, and enjoy the cozy end-of-year atmosphere in the heart of the city.

The large Christmas tree on the Grote Markt and the festive lighting throughout the center also make an evening walk through Antwerp extra special.

Skating on the Groenplaats

In the mood for more winter fun? On the Groenplaats, you can put on your skates for a round on the covered ice rink. Thanks to its location right in the center, you can easily combine skating with a visit to the Christmas market or a walk through the historic city center.

Afterwards, you can warm up with something tasty at one of the surrounding winter chalets or catering establishments.

View Antwerp from above

The Ferris wheel is also part of the winter experience in the city. From the gondolas, you have a special view over the illuminated center and the historic buildings of Antwerp. Especially when it gets dark and the festive lighting comes on, this is a beautiful way to see the city from a different perspective.

Winter sales

Antwerp is, of course, known as a shopping city, and in winter, shopping is extra attractive. From the historic city center, you can easily walk towards the Meir, where well-known shops and department stores are interspersed with impressive buildings.

During the festive period, illuminated streets, winter shop windows, and atmospheric shopping areas provide extra coziness. For those who prefer to discover something other than the large retail chains, the smaller streets and boutiques around the center can be explored.

After the holidays, the winter sales begin in January, the perfect time to look for attractive discounts and great deals. From well-known brands on the Meir to smaller boutiques in the surrounding shopping streets: during the sales, there is plenty of opportunity to shop affordably. Thus, a winter city trip to Antwerp becomes extra interesting even after the holidays.wintersolden, hét moment om op zoek te gaan naar aantrekkelijke kortingen en mooie koopjes. Van bekende merken op de Meir tot kleinere boetieks in de omliggende winkelstraten: tijdens de solden is er volop gelegenheid om voordelig te shoppen. Zo wordt een winterse citytrip naar Antwerpen ook na de feestdagen extra interessant

Winter walk through Antwerp

Even without a planned activity, it's wonderful to discover the city on foot in winter. Walk along the historic facades around the Grote Markt, visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, or head towards the Scheldt quays for a refreshing walk along the water.

When it begins to twilight, the illuminated buildings and streets create a completely different look than during the day. Then you can warm up with a coffee, hot chocolate, lunch, or dinner in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the city.

Winter for young and old

There is also plenty to do with children during the winter months. A round on the ice rink, a ride in the Ferris wheel, or picking up something tasty at the Christmas market easily turns a visit to the city center into a complete day out.

Moreover, many of Antwerp's well-known attractions are open all year round. Combine the winter atmosphere in the city with a visit to ZOO Antwerp, Chocolate Nation, or one of the many museums, for example.

Whether you come for the Christmas market, a day of shopping, winter activities, or just for the cozy atmosphere: during Winter in Antwerp, there is plenty to discover throughout the city.