Before Christmas, we took the boys and decided to visit Belgium for the Christmas markets. We had intended to visit a couple of markets during our three-night visit but ended up just visiting the two Brussels Christmas Market and Antwerp Christmas Market. In that order. We hope to return and visit some others in the coming years, visiting with the boys meant that we took things a bit slower. Belgian Christmas Markets are a great option from the UK since they are only a couple of hours’ drive from Calais and so easy when visiting the Christmas markets with kids for the first time.
Antwerp Christmas Market Guide
We were a little disappointed by our visit to the Antwerp Christmas market. But this could be because we went to Brussels first. Which is so spectacular that wherever we went after would have a lot to live up to. For us when visiting with children we did not feel that Antwerp really worked. However, it is still worth considering if you are planning a wider visit to the Belgium Christmas Markets since its central location makes it a good stopover. To help with your decision-making process I have written about our experience below.
Where is Antwerp Christmas Market
Located in the city of Antwerp in the year we visited the market was spread across seven different locations within the historic city center. But we felt this meant that it was spread too thinly and in some ways, it would be better to have fewer locations. The addition of two new locations to replace the normal location of the base of the castle was probably in our opinion too much.
In each location, there is a map which details what is going on in the different squares. And although all are within the historic city centre the distance between the historic Grote Markt or market square and Antwerp Central Station where the Ferris wheel was located is a thirty-minute walk. Although there is of course public transport, walking meant you could also pick up the Hendrik Conscienceplein and Operaplien locations. But once we arrived at the station there was not much there other than the Ferris Wheel which was not in operation despite it being 4 pm and should have been open.
There were also meant to be some market stalls in front of the beautiful Antwerp cathedral – the Cathedral of Our Lady. However, there were only two. We visited on the 23rd of December so it was not as if we were early on in the season. Although there were some nativity scenes outside the front of the cathedral.
If you planning on making a pit stop visit then I would aim for the main square, in the old town. This is where most of the wooden chalets were located and in the evening there are beautiful lights hanging from the ancient buildings that enclose the square. This is very pretty and definitely a highlight.
When is the Antwerp Christmas Market open?
The annual event normally starts the first weekend of December and runs into the new year. In 2023/2024 the Antwerp Christmas Market will be open from the 7th of December 2023 until the 7th of January 2024. The timings vary depending on the part of the market you are looking to visit. The majority will open around midday, although we found this to be actually closer to 1 pm. You can find a full list of opening times during the festive season. You can find out more about the Antwerp Christmas Market on the tourist website. Including the end-of-year fireworks.
What to expect when visiting Antwerp Christmas Market
Wooden Chalets
I was surprised to find that this seemed to be one of the smaller markets. Smaller than you think it would be for Belgium’s second city. There seemed to be less than the typical 90-100 wooden stalls. But this could be because they were so spread out there didn’t seem like many. For us not enough of them. You will find the most in the market square. The wooden stalls are mainly made up of places to get a glass of glühwein or sample some of the Belgian beers. For the children a cup of hot chocolate. There are a couple of places we saw to get burgers, hot dogs and some tartiflette or raclette. There were a few gift stalls but nothing that really stood out to purchase Christmas gifts.
Ice Rink
There is a large ice rink in the Groenplaats. Which had ride-ons and penguins for those who are not great on their feet. What I did like about this ice skating rink is that there is a rail on both sides so as you go round in a circular motion there is an island. Prices start at 8 euros for an adult, and 5 euros for a child for an hour of ice skating. You do need to hire skates in addition at 4 euros each and a penguin also costs 4 euros.
Ferris Wheel
At the Koningin Astridplein which is the square next to Antwerp Central Station, you will find the giant Ferris wheel. This is its temporary home as you can normally find it on the banks of the River Scheldt in the Steenplein. It costs €8 for adults, and €5 for children and this gives you 4 rounds around the wheel.
In the main square, there is the Joe Christmas House. This is where there are musical performances throughout the festive season. It is also streaming live on air to try to create a festive atmosphere.
Any food and drink purchased comes in 2 euro cups and containers which can be handed in and your money refunded.
Our verdict of Antwerp Christmas Market
Things we loved
The Christmas tree in the main square in the centre of Antwerp was pretty with giant coloured baubles. The main square also looked great in the evening all lit up. There were some Christmas lights in cathedral archways leading in and out which were also really nice all lit up. Opposite the ice rink, there is a nice row of restaurants and bars to hide in if the Apres Winter Bar is too full with lots of people enjoying some Christmas spirit. It was quite rowdy in the afternoon when we visited and not entirely suitable for the boys.
Our hotel (see below) worked really well. There are also some lovely gift shops around the old town. We found several lace shops where I bought a Christmas decoration having failed to find anything in the market itself.
Antwerp has a large and long shopping area. So if you want to combine Christmas shopping with a trip to the market then this could potentially be a good option. Although it was busy and just like any other European high street. We did find a lovely place for Belgian waffles before leaving on our last day which I would recommend.
Things we were not keen on
It was spread too far out and not enough market stalls. Those there seemed to be selling similar things, there were a lot of scarves and gloves. The delicious food we had experienced in Brussels seemed to be missing. We also noted that many things seemed to be a few euros more expensive not representing such great value. We would not return for the Winter season there are far too many other Christmas markets to visit. It was disappointing for all to walk half an hour to the Ferris Wheel to find it wasn’t working despite it being in operation.
Although we didn’t have long during our stay in Antwerp, I think that there is a lot more to historic Antwerp than the average Christmas Market. Since we were not there very long we only managed to visit the Hendrik Conscienceplein Heritage Library. Which is most definitely worth a visit if you like a historic building and have avid bookworms.
Where did we stay during our visit to Antwerp
We got really lucky with our hotel location which was in the old town and very close to the ice rink. Within a five-minute walk of the Cathedral and the main square Hotel National Antwerp* worked really well for us. As it is not too far to walk with young children. It also had parking right next door which at the time when we visited cost 21 euro for 24 hours. The hotel offers a family room and has breakfast facilities. Our family room was a really good size and had an ensuite bathroom with hanging space and a desk area. Plenty of tea and coffee and water.
Other Belgium Christmas Markets
Out of the two we visited, I would suggest that Brussels has the best Christmas markets for what we were looking for. You can read a direct comparison between the two markets – Brussels Christmas Market vs Antwerp Christmas Market. However, if you are looking to extend your visit further. Then you may also want to consider some of the Belgium Christmas Markets as many are close to each other.
Brussels Christmas Market
The Winter Wonders event in Brussels features a magical Christmas market, ice skating rink, curling, a Ferris wheel, light displays, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city with over 200 market stalls.
Bruges Christmas Market
The historic city of Bruges hosts a traditional Christmas market set against the backdrop of its medieval architecture, with stalls offering seasonal treats, crafts, and gifts. With the intoxicating scent of fresh waffles lingers in the air and the streets are dressed like gingerbread houses with festive fairy lights reflected in the canal.
Ghent Christmas Market
Roller skating, a Ferris wheel, lots of decorations and over 150 market stalls to browse in the historical city centre of Ghent. Even open on Christmas Day!
Leuven Christmas Market
In its 35th year, as well as live music most evenings and festive market stalls you have the chance to visit Santa Claus. He is based in his pine forest in the middle of the Ladeuzeplein and can be visited every day in the afternoon.
Liege Christmas Market
One of the longer-running Belgium Christmas markets, that has also been running for over 30 years. Comprising of over 200 wooden chalets, an ice rink, and a festive program of events, making it a popular destination for holiday cheer.
Namur Christmas Market
A smaller market in comparison to the others with around 70 market stalls. With an ice rink, the festivities focus around the Place de l’Ange. Santa’s house is open every Wednesday and Saturday at Place du Théâtre, under the shade of a sparkling fir tree.
Mons Coeur en Neige
Features a festive Christmas village with artisanal products, culinary delights, and a range of activities for the whole family. Including roller skating, ice skating, a toboggan run and strolling entertainment.
Winter in Ostend
Creating a Winter wonderland by the sea, open Christmas Eve and Day. This traditional market is on the smaller side with around 50 wooden chalets in the park which is transformed with lots of Christmas trees. An indoor ice rink is also available.
Have you been to a European Christmas Market? Please let me know your suggestions in the comments below. We definitely have the bug and looking for a wonderful Christmas Market to visit next year.
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