· 

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


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 to stroll around a Christmas market in December to feel the jolly atmosphere of the festive season; for example, we visited the Maastricht Christmas market in 2022, the Frankfurt Christmas market in 2021 and the Ghent Christmas market in 2019. This year we chose to cross the Dutch border and check the Antwerp Christmas market. And we have only one word to say: WOW!


Statue de Nello & Patrache, Nello & Patrache Statue, Handschoenmarkt, Antwerp, Antwerpen, Anvers



GENERAL INFORMATION

It's undeniable: the Germans master the art of Christmas markets but the Belgians are not that far behind! In recent years, the Flemish city of Antwerp has become more and more renowned for its Christmas market and it's not hard to see why! Every year, the medieval city makes for a spectacular backdrop to the Antwerp Christmas market (also called "Winter in Antwerp") and comes alive with twinkling Christmas lights and over a hundred wooden stalls selling traditional winter delicacies and a variety of handicrafts.

 

With all the merry atmosphere around, the Antwerp Christmas market is sure to impress any Christmas lover! Starting in early December and continuing into January, the Christmas market attracts thousands of people from Belgium and the neighboring countries. Of course, if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend going on weekdays rather than weekends. For more information, you can visit the Antwerp tourist office website.

 

| Opening days - Dec. 9 to Jan. 8 |

| Opening hours - Sun. to Thurs. from 12 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Fri. and Sat. from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. |

Admission - free of charge |

Opera Antwerpen, Opéra d'Anvers, Antwerp Opera House, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Antwerp Opera House
St. Paul's Church, Sint-Pauluskerk, Église Saint-Paul d'Anvers, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
St. Paul's Church

Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Typical Flemish architecture
Diamond Capital City of the World, Diamant, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Antwerp, the Diamond Capital City of the World
Conscienceplein, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Cute little street close to Conscienceplein

Meir, Leysstraat, Statue of Anthony Van Dyke, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Meir, Antwerp's most commercial artery
Port of Antwerp, Port d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Port of Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest seaport
Museum aan de Stroom, MAS Museum, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS Museum)

HOW TO GET TO ANTWERP?

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:

  • The easiest way to reach this Flemish city is by train. 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;
  • 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;
  • Coming by car to Antwerp is also relatively easy. Note, 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).

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!

Antwerp central station, Gare d'Anvers, Antwerpen Centraal, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Central station, one of the world's most beautiful train station
Astridplein, Antwerp central station, Gare d'Anvers, Antwerpen Centraal, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Astridplein, in front of Antwerp Centraal Station
Antwerp central station, Gare d'Anvers, Antwerpen Centraal, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Façade of Antwerp Central Station

Architecture, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Modern building close to the Opera House
Schipperskwartier, Architecture, Wes Anderson, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Typical architecture in Schipperskwartier
Architecture, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
New buildings close to the Opera House

HISTORY

Although there are records of Christmas markets (formerly called "St. Nicholas markets") happening in Europe since the 13th century, the first editions of a market happening purposely for Christmas started in the German-speaking region of Europe and the story is no different for Antwerpen. The first Christmas markets started off as a one-day market on Christmas eve to supply the townspeople with meat and food for their Christmas meal after their fasting period during the Advent.

 

Always taking place in Antwerp medieval town, it has evolved throughout the centuries to embrace new traditions like selling all sorts of things. Even the traditional big Christmas tree became a decorative element only at the beginning of the 19th century. Nowadays, this tradition spread through the city with several Christmas markets offering traditional foods, comforting beverages and gift options around town for a no-longer fasting nor particularly religious crowd.

Grote Markt, Architecture, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Incredible façades on Grote Markt
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, Cathedral of Our Lady, Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Anvers, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Side portal of the Cathedral of Our Lady
Begijnhof,  Béguinage d'Anvers, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Begijnhof

Baroque Architecture, Leysstraat, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Baroque style building on the Leysstraat
Architecture, Toneelhuis, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Incredible architecture at Toneelhuis
Museum aan de Stroom, MAS Museum, Schipperskwartier, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
MAS Museum in Schipperskwartier

Port of Antwerp, Port d'Anvers, Schipperskwartier, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Port of Antwerp

THE CHRISTMAS MARKETs

The 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.

1. Groenplaats

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!

Groenplaats, Wooden stalls, Gluwhein, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Wooden stall selling typical Belgian waffles
Groenplaats, Wooden stalls, Gluwhein, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Here they sell traditional Flemish dishes

Groenplaats, Ice rink, Bar Den Après, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Ice rink located in the center of the Groenplaats

2. HANDSCHOENMARKT

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.

Handschoenmarkt, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Huge Christmas tree in Handschoenmarkt
Handschoenmarkt, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Medieval buildings in Handschoenmarkt

Cathedral of Our Lady, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Anvers, Anvers, Antwerp, Antwerpen
Cathedral of Our Lady, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Anvers, Anvers, Antwerp, Antwerpen
Views of the interior of the Cathedral of Our Lady
Cathedral of Our Lady, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Anvers, Anvers, Antwerp, Antwerpen

3. SUIKERRUI

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!

Suikkerui, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Suikkerui by day
Kaastraat, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Kaasstraat - One of Antwerp's most beautiful street

4. Steenplein

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!

Het Steen, Steinplein, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Het Steen - Antwerp Castle
Het Steen, Steinplein, Ferrys wheel, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Ferrys wheel and Christmas markets in Steinplein

Het Steen, Steinplein, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Christmas vibes in Steenplein during the holiday season
Het Steen, Steenplein, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Het Steen, Steenplein, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Het Steen, Steenplein, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers

5. Grote Markt

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!

Grote Markt, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Christmas Market in Grote Markt
Grote Markt, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Love the perspective the Grote Markt offers

Grote Markt, Architecture, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Beautiful buildings on the Grote Markt
German Christmas tower, Grote Markt, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
German Christmas tower in the Grote Markt
Santa, Grote Markt, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Santa and his crew!
Grote Markt, Cathedral, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Beautiful view of the tower of the Cathedral

Grote Markt, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Christmas vibes of Grote Markt during the holiday season

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK

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

  • Mulled wine or Glüwhein: a warm drink made of red wine and many spices such as cinnamon, star anise and cloves;
  • Hot apple cider or Warme applecider: a hot version of apple cider with some spices, a bit like the mulled wine;
  • Liège waffle;
  • Brussels waffles;
  • Marzipan or Massepijn.

Please note that wooden stalls selling food and drink will charge a deposit of 2 EUR for their reusable cups, plates or bowls. Don't forget to bring them back after use to get your deposit back!

Belgian waffles, gaufres liégeoises, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Delicious Belgian waffles
Oliebollen, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Oliebollen
Aux Merveilleux de Fred, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Aux Merveilleux de Fred

Town Hall, Grote Markt, Mairie, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Antwerp Town Hall on the Grote Markt

WHAT TO BUY

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

  • Belgian chocolates;
  • Antwerp chocolate hands or Antwerpse handjes;
  • Antwerp Elixir or Elixir d'Anvers.

As you can see, you won't leave the 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!

Goossens, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Delicious brioche bread in Goossens
Belgian chocolates, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Belgian chocolates
Cupcakes, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Cupcakes

Stadtfestsaal, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Stadtfestsaal - An incredible shopping center!

OUR 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! 

Architecture, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Typical Flemish architecture
St. Charles Borromeo Church, Église Saint-Charles-Borromée, Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
St. Charles Borromeo Church
Kaasstraat, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Kaasstraat

A Statue, Schipperskwartier, Port of Antwerp, Port d'Anvers, Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers
Antwerp Christmas Market, Winter in Antwerpen, Kerstmarkt Antwerpen, Marché de Noël d'Anvers, Antwerpen, Antwerp, Anvers



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.



YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE..


Tags: Belgium