Explore the 2024 Antwerp Christmas Markets (+ Map!)

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Discover some of the best Christmas markets in Belgium when visiting Antwerp in December and January. During the winter months when the nights are dark and cold, the promise of a European Christmas Market suddenly makes the days brighter and more bearable.

I’m completely biased when it comes to the Christmas Markets in Antwerp, I’ve made this city my home since 2018 and I adore it. I think that the Christmas Markets in Antwerp are the best in Belgium. Bold words I know, but I’m standing by them.

The city of Antwerp has done an incredible job decorating the city, and the historic part of Antwerp shines as buildings light up and the spirit of Christmas and holidays linger in the air.

And best of all, the Antwerp Christmas Markets can be visited until early January, so if you’re planning on a winter vacation, you can capture the spirit until those January blues start to materialize.

With so many wonderful Christmas Markets in Belgium to choose from, this guide focuses on the Antwerp Christmas Markets. 

The Antwerp Christmas Markets have expanded this year, and you’ll find two new sections of the markets to explore. Operaplein & Hendrik Conscienceplein are home to an expanded stall selection at the Christmas Markets in Antwerp. Check out the map below to discover where the Antwerp Christmas Markets 2023 are located.

Antwerp Christmas Markets 2023

*Antwerp Christmas Markets Dates: December 8th, 2023 – January 7th 2024*

The Antwerp Christmas Market offers visitors all the trimmings that make it one of the best Christmas Markets in Belgium. 

Antwerp christmas market map

To view a list of each pinned location, click the icon at the top-left corner. For an expanded view, click the button located at the top-right. To save to your personal Google Maps account, simply click the star icon. Once saved, access the map by opening Google Maps on your device, clicking the ‘Saved’ button, selecting the “Maps” icon on the bottom of the screen, and then choosing you’ll find this map listed.

Antwerp Christmas Markets

Ice Skating Rink

Taking over Groenplaats, the Antwerp ice skating rink is a traditional outdoor rink that has a covering for when the weather is less than ideal. With market stalls lining the perimeter, you can either partake in the ice skating or watch from the sidelines with a mug of mulled wine instead. 

It may not be the largest skating rink, but it’s a fun way to spend some time zooming around the Peter Paul Reubens statue or head next door to the brand new two-story ‘apres ski‘ bar with leather couches.

Antwerp Kersttram (Christmas Tram)

Hop on board the Kersttram, a beautiful old-style tram from the Antwerp Tram & Autobus Museum that zooms around the city. Decorated with lights, it’s a gorgeous way to see the city of Antwerp.

Tickets are €5 and the Kersttram departs on December 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th 2023 between 2 pm and 7 pm. You can board the tram at Groenplaats, and even get a picture taken with Santa.

Ferris Wheel

Once a permanent structure by the river Scheldt, the Ferris Wheel is now found at Antwerp Centraal Station and is at its most magical at nighttime when the city of Antwerp is lit up. Wrap up warm as it gets seriously cold and is not recommended for those afraid of heights!

The views from the Ferris wheel are perfect for taking in the Christmas lights and the city of Antwerp spread out across the distance. 

Antwerp Cathedral

The Antwerp Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) and is one of the most beautiful and striking Cathedrals in Europe. Built in the Middle Ages in 1521, its spire is currently under construction for maintenance.

When completed it will be restored to its former beauty and in the cold dark winter months, the Antwerp Cathedral one of the most beautifully lit up buildings in the city. There is a lovely nativity scene just outside the main doors of Antwerp Cathedral which is even prettier at night when it is lit up.

Around the area of the Antwerp Cathedral and Grote Markt is where you will find dozens of Christmas market stalls. Selling mulled wine, jenever (a Christmas spirit infused with every conceivable flavor), crafts, and food; the Antwerp Christmas Markets makes a wonderful afternoon or evening outing. The pretty wooden chalet market stalls offer the perfect opportunity for those seeking a special gift.

Perhaps the enormous Christmas tree placed in Grote Markt will make people feel giddy with Christmas spirit. Decorated in twinkling lights and looking as if it had been plucked straight from a fairytale, the Antwerp Christmas Tree will give you all the Christmas feels. 

When do the 2023 Christmas markets in Antwerp start?

The Antwerp Christmas Markets will start on the 8th of December 2023. Its opening hours vary but they will be open every day from 12 pm till 22.00 Sunday to Thursday.

From 12 pm till Midnight on Fridays & Saturdays. The opening hours are different on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve and Day.

Where to Eat in Antwerp

Foodies will love the electric restaurant scene in Antwerp. With a huge melting pot of diversity, every cuisine that you could possibly imagine is available on offer in Antwerp. Around the Antwerp Christmas Market area of the historic city you will find the traditional tourist restaurants that serve pretty mediocre food.

But just a few streets over, you’ll find some incredible restaurants, cocktail bars, and terraces to enjoy the winter festivities on. Read more of my unmissable restaurants in Antwerp to choose from.

Best Hotels in Antwerp

With ample hotels in the vicinity of Antwerp Christmas Market, you will be able to walk outside your hotel’s front door and immerse yourself in the wonderful atmosphere of some of the best Christmas markets in Belgium. 

Getting to Antwerp

When deciding which Christmas markets in Belgium you should explore, consider the Antwerp Christmas market. The Antwerp Christmas Markets makes the perfect visit for those seeking Christmas markets in Europe without the hefty price tag attached to some other cities like Colmar or Vienna. Antwerp Airport is small and offers limited flights to London, Amsterdam, and cities in Spain. 

Notable Belgian Christmas Markets Dates

Bruges Christmas Markets 

The Bruges Christmas Markets starts on November 24th, 2023 to January 7th, 2024. Bruges is easily accessible via Brussels/Ghent/Antwerp. If arriving by Eurostar in Brussels, you can change platforms and catch a train to Bruges. Trains leave hourly. 

Christmas Market Ghent 

Christmas Markets in Ghent will start on December 7th until December 31st, 2023. With over 150 stalls on Sint-Baafsplein, along the Botermarkt and Klein Turkije to the end of the Korenmarkt, you will find plenty of stalls serving crafts, mulled wine, and food. Easily accessible by train via Antwerp & Brussels. 

Leuven Christmas Market

Considered to be one of Belgium’s oldest Christmas Markets, the Leuven Christmas Market will operate from 7th December 2023 to 21st December 2023. This year offers visitors a chance to listen to classical music in St. Peter’s Church and a candlelight walk through the Great Beguinage. These medieval streets and alleyways will light up candlelight and will make your visit truly special. The Great Beguinage Candlelight walk takes place on December 16th, 2023. 

Brussels Christmas Market

With easy accessibility, the Brussels Christmas Market sees over 2.5 million visitors each winter season. Running from 24th November 2023 to December 31st 2023, this is a festival of light, merriment, and festivities. Brussels International Airport Zaventem is a major European hub for international travel. Eurostar has daily connections from London St. Pancras and takes under 2 hours to reach Brussels. 

Liège Christmas Market

Liege Christmas Market is the largest Christ Market in Belgium. With 200 stalls, the oldest Belgian Christmas market will run from 24th November 2023 to January 7th 2024.

Best Christmas Markets Europe 

The Antwerp Christmas Markets are a fantastic way of embracing the Christmas spirit. With so much festivity and beautiful lights, it’s easy to say that Christmas 2023 is going to be a special year. There are plenty of excellent Christmas Markets in Europe to visit, and traveling to each of them by train is one special way of making endless memories.

Check out my guides to the Cologne Christmas Markets and the Dublin Christmas Markets.

What plans have you prepared for this years celebrations? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

Meet Missy…

Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram.

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