Aalst Twinkelt in Aalst, Belgium 2026/2027: Late Shopping Night, Lights and Programme

Welcome to Aalst Twinkelt 2026 in Aalst

Aalst Twinkelt takes place on Friday, 11 December 2026, and opens the Kerst Aalst 2026/2027 winter season in the city centre. The City of Aalst has officially designated this Friday as the late shopping evening, and the published programme on Grote Markt and Hopmarkt runs until 1 a.m.

Admission to the street events is free. Exact shop closing times beyond the municipal late-opening permission were not confirmed in a separate 2026 press release at the time of research.

Highlights & Attractions at Aalst Twinkelt in Aalst

• Official late shopping night on Friday, 11 December 2026, according to the city’s opening-hours schedule
• Evening programme on Grote Markt from 14:00 to 01:00 with DJ De Maxx
• Aalst Twinkelt on Hopmarkt Bomenplein from 14:00 to 01:00
• Ice Town on Hopmarkt until 01:00, with DJ Kreim Fresj from 20:00 to 01:00
• Ice rink on Hopmarkt the same day from 08:30 to 20:00
• Lights, winter bars and street atmosphere as part of Kerst Aalst 2026/2027
• Free access to the public squares; food and drinks are paid separately

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026

The published Kerst Aalst 2026/2027 programme lists Aalst Twinkelt on Friday, 11 December, on Grote Markt and Hopmarkt Bomenplein from 14:00 to 01:00. DJ De Maxx is announced on Grote Markt. DJ Kreim Fresj plays at Ice Town from 20:00 to 01:00. The Hopmarkt ice rink is open that day from 08:30 to 20:00.

In 2025 the shopping night traditionally started around 18:30, and more than 150 shops stayed open until 22:00. For 2026, 11 December is the officially scheduled Aalst Twinkelt late-shopping evening; whether the same hours and shop numbers apply should be checked on kerstaalst.be or aalst.be before you travel. A 2027 date has not yet been confirmed.

Tickets & Admission for Aalst Twinkelt Aalst

There is no admission charge for Aalst Twinkelt or the public squares, and there is no central ticket. Drinks, food and optional extras such as ice skating may be paid. Current prices and the daily programme are published on the Kerst Aalst website.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Aalst

• Aalst railway station is about a 10-minute walk from Grote Markt and Hopmarkt; buses serve the centre.
• Mid-December evenings are cold and often damp: bring a warm coat, sturdy shoes and a hat.
• Book a hotel in the centre early, because the shopping night and winter programme draw large crowds.
• Use car parks on the edge of the pedestrian area; the squares are busy during the programme.
• Check the day programme on kerstaalst.be before you travel, as acts and shop hours can still change.