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Event Details
Welcome to the Ghent Christmas Market 2026 in the Old Town
From December 3, 2026 to January 3, 2027, Ghent's historic old town turns once again into a festive winter wonderland. The Gentse Winterfeesten draw more than two million visitors each year, making it one of the most attended events in the city, and the market spreads across several central squares around Saint Bavo's Cathedral.
Highlights and Attractions at the Christmas Market in Ghent
- Over 150 wooden chalets spread across Sint Baafsplein, Emile Braunplein, Botermarkt and Korenmarkt
- A genuine ice skating rink beneath the historic Stadshal pavilion
- A 44 meter Ferris wheel offering views over the illuminated towers of the old town
- A Winter Wonder Castle set inside the medieval Gravensteen fortress
- Atmospheric bars including a champagne bar and a traditional Christmas pyramid bar
- A small vintage carousel at Sint Veerleplein against the backdrop of the castle
- Daily free family entertainment and a glowing light tunnel through the old streets
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Ghent
The market opens Monday to Thursday from noon to midnight, Friday until 1am, Saturday from 11am to 1am and Sunday from 11am to midnight, with adjusted hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Throughout the season, live music, festive stage shows and street performances rotate between the different squares of the old town, so a different corner of the city takes center stage each evening.
Admission and Attractions at the Ghent Christmas Market 2026
Entry to the entire market area is free of charge. Individual attractions such as the ice rink, the Ferris wheel and the Winter Wonder Castle at Gravensteen are ticketed separately, with exact 2026 pricing to be published closer to the opening on the official website.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Ghent
- From Ghent Sint Pieters station, tram line 1 runs directly to the Korenmarkt stop right in the middle of the market
- Parking Vrijdagmarkt sits within easy walking distance of the old town for those arriving by car, so plan ahead
- Warm layers and sturdy shoes are worth packing, since the entire market takes place outdoors in any weather
- Accommodation in the old town should be booked early, especially around the Advent weekends
- To avoid the biggest crowds, an early weekday afternoon visit tends to be the quietest time
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
