Christmas time in Ghent under its green winter blanket is one of the best options to spend your Christmas holidays in Belgium. The whole neighborhood gets out its Christmas decorations. The Christmas festivities are the perfect time to buy gifts. That’s why there are extra shopping on Sundays throughout the month of December. Check my Top 10 Christmas markets in Europe.
CHRISTMAS TIME IN GHENT
Botermarkt Markets: more than 150 wooden huts spread out from Sint-Baafsplein until the end of the Korenmarkt. Wander among firs and pines, amble past stalls selling snacks and drinks, fancy trinkets and authentic crafts. The scent of pine resin and mulled wine make the experience complete.
Ice Rink: the city center will become a winter wonderland with an ice-skating rink under the City Pavilion. Warmly wrapped-up skaters whirl around in a medieval setting. There is a separate ice rink for young skaters.
Sint-Veerleplein square: you must go for a vintage holiday experience. It takes you back to the 1920s with a small antique merry-go-round and a 1926 carousel tent with a family bar. At night you can sing along with a Christmas choir or enjoy yourself at an Après Ski party.
St Nicholas’ Church: is transformed into a magical ice world which is visited by Father Christmas. The icy scenery features penguins, reindeer, and polar bears. You can get lost in a labyrinth or throw snowballs at the snowball stand. Kids between the age of 8 and 12 can have fun in the escape room.
PRACTICAL INFO
CHRISTMAS MARKET From 6/12/2019 to 6/01/2020
- Monday to Thursday: 12h00 – min. 21h00, max. 24h00
- Friday: 12h00 – min. 22h00, max. 01h00
- Saturday: 11h00 – min. 22h00, max. 01h00
- Sunday: 11h00 – min. 21h00, max. 24h00
- 24/12 and 31/12: 12h00 – 17h00
- 25/12 and 01/01: 14h00 – min. 21h00, max. 24h00
ICE RINK From 6/12/2019 to 6/01/2020, price 7 euro
- Sunday to Thursday: 11h00 – 22h00
- Friday and Saturday: 11h00 – 23h00
- 24/12 and 31/12: 11h00 – 17h00
- 25/12 and 01/01: 14h00 – 22h00
CHALET CHOUFFE, MOOSE BAR & BOTANIEK From 6/12/2019 to 6/01/2020
- Monday to Thursday: 12h00 – 24h00
- Friday: 12h00 – 01h00
- Saturday: 11h00 – 01h00
- Sunday: 11h00 – 24h00
- 24/12 and 31/12: 11h00 – 17h00
- 25/12 and 01/01: 14h00 – 24h00
FERRIS WHEEL From the giant Ferris wheel you’ll enjoy a view of the city from the air.
- 7 euro per adult
- 5 euro per child (<12 years)
KIDS VILLAGE: LAND OF ICE From 19/12/2019 to 6/01/2020. Price 6 euro per person (children always have to be accompanied by an adult).
- Monday to Friday: 12h00 – 19h00
- Saturday and Sunday: 11h00 – 19h00
- 24/12 and 31/12: 11h00 – 17h00
- 25/12 and 01/01: 14h00 – 19h00
HOW TO GET TO GHENT
Getting to Christmas time in Ghent is easy, thanks to the Railway network that passes from the city connects it with the major cities in Belgium.
BRUGES -> GHENT = price 6.50€ one way, duration 30min
BRUSSELS -> GHENT = price 15€ one way, duration 40min
AMBERES -> GHENT = price 10€ one way, duration 1h
Very easy to reach departing from other European cities, for example, 35€ one-way ticket by train from Paris and Amsterdam. Once in the station, you will find the Lockers to leave your suitcase in case you are in transit, the cost per day starting from 4 to 10 € approx depending on the size of your luggage.
The bus network in Belgium is a little less useful in this, given the excellent railroad service, however, you are walking the usual Flixbus map. To move there will not need to use public transport, the historic center is small and all the attractions are located next to each other.
Are you a medieval lover? Check my post about Toledo.
