Kerst Aalst 2026/2027 in Aalst, Belgium: Christmas Market, Ice Skating and Circus

Welcome to Kerst Aalst 2026/2027 in Aalst

Kerst Aalst, also known as [OVER]WINTEREN, turns the centre of Aalst into a lit winter quarter from 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. The ice rink on Hopmarkt opens on 4 December 2026; the Christmas village and winter programme follow from 11 December 2026, and the Kerstcircus on Werfplein from 12 December 2026. All three run through 3 January 2027.

Highlights & Attractions at Kerst Aalst in Aalst

• Largely covered Ice Town rink on Hopmarkt, about 550 to just under 600 square metres, with an après-skate bar
• Christmas-tree carousel and a large tree on Grote Markt
• Winter chalet and food village with hot drinks and seasonal dishes
• Creative stalls with handmade goods on the Bomenplein at Hopmarkt
• Kerstcircus in a heated tent on Werfplein with international performers
• Aalst Twinkelt as the festive kick-off, with late shopping and street animation
• Family programming with meet-and-greets, children’s animation and music, depending on the day

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026/2027

The official site kerstaalst.be lists three date windows for the 2026/2027 season. The ice rink runs from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. The full centre – Grote Markt and Hopmarkt – becomes a winter world from 11 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. The Kerstcircus is on Werfplein from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Market stalls are not open all day every day; typical market hours start in the afternoon, often from 14:00, while the rink opens on many days from about 08:30. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve have shorter hours. The day-by-day plan can still change and is published on kerstaalst.be.

Ice Town and the Skating Rink 2026/2027 on Hopmarkt

The largely covered rink is on Hopmarkt. On the official site a session costs 6 euros per person, or 7.50 euros including hot chocolate or a soft drink. Ice Town is the bar beside the ice. Session times and extras such as shows or meet-and-greets vary by day and should be checked before you go.

Christmas Village and Kerstmarkt 2026/2027 on Grote Markt and Hopmarkt

From 11 December 2026, Grote Markt and the Bomenplein on Hopmarkt form the heart of the market: lit squares, chalets, a Christmas-tree carousel, handmade goods, mulled wine, chocolate and winter food. Walking the market is free. Individual stalls may have a smaller offer on some weekdays and public holidays.

Kerstcircus 2026/2027 on Werfplein

The Kerstcircus returns to Werfplein from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Inside a heated tent, international artists perform acrobatics, clowning and other acts. The circus is a separate ticketed show. A fixed 2026/2027 price list was not published on the official site at the time of this research; tickets are sold via kerstaalst.be.

Tickets & Admission for Kerst Aalst in Aalst

Entry to the Christmas market and the lit centre is free. Skating costs 6 euros per person, or 7.50 euros with a drink, according to kerstaalst.be. The Kerstcircus requires a ticket; current prices and show times are on the official website. Food and drinks at the stalls are paid separately.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Aalst

• Aalst railway station is a short walk from Grote Markt, Hopmarkt and Werfplein. Train and bus are the easiest option at weekends.
• December and early January are cold and often damp. Bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes and gloves, especially for the ice.
• Book hotels in the centre or near the station early for weekends between 11 December and New Year.
• Check skate slots and circus tickets in advance, because popular times and shows can sell out.
• Hours differ by square and by public holiday. Read that day’s plan on kerstaalst.be before you travel.