Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Antwerp’s Christmas Market will once again be held from Dec 5, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026, featuring 70+ vendors, ice rinks, light tunnels, culinary spots like Your Divine Xmas, The Rebel Smoker, MeatDistrict, and Mayor Els van Doesburg highlights the festivities.
As GVA News reported, from Friday, December 5th, 2025, to Sunday, January 4th, 2026, Antwerp will host its annual Christmas Market. More than 70 vendors will set up stalls across the city. Visitors can buy gifts, decorations, and seasonal products. The light tunnel and ice rink will return. Animated winter scenes will appear across seven locations.
“Some cities have a cozy Christmas market. In others, you can shop ’til you drop. In still others, you’ll find the most delicious restaurants. And Antwerp… Antwerp simply has everything,”
says Mayor Els van Doesburg proudly.
“Let yourself be carried away by winter fun and enjoy the warm Christmas atmosphere with family and friends! We’ve made it something beautiful again.”
What are the highlights of Antwerp Christmas Market 2025?
The centre of the market will be the Grote Markt. The historic town hall and a large Christmas tree will form a festive backdrop. A new viewing column, about 2.5 meters high, will show moving winter scenes and short stories. At the JOE Christmas House, live radio broadcasts and performances will entertain guests in all weather. Food lovers can explore the first culinary experience at The Rebel Smoker.
Hendrik Conscienceplein in Antwerp will become a busy culinary hotspot this holiday season. The highlight is Your Divine Xmas, created by Sepide Sedaghatnia. The space is inspired by Baroque and Belle Époque design.
At Groenplaats, a 1,000 m² indoor ice rink surrounds the Rubens statue under a large canopy of lights. Skaters can stop at the winter bar Den Apres or visit nearby Christmas chalets for drinks and snacks. The market also introduces a new culinary experience at Orbit Fried Chicken.
The Suikerrui will attract visitors with its twinkling light tunnels, set against the backdrop of the cathedral. Along the Christmas market, shoppers can find stalls selling jewellery, decorations, and winter clothing. Seasonal treats and festive snacks are available between the chalets.
At the foot of Antwerp Cathedral, the Handschoenmarkt will once again welcome visitors with a festive Christmas atmosphere. The square features a popular nativity scene and charity chalets. From the Singing Christmas Tree stand, Koor&Stem will perform live every week. Visitors can join in and sing along.
At Opera Square, 4 chalets will serve dishes and seasonal drinks. The square is decorated as a magical winter village with a protective canopy so guests can enjoy the atmosphere even in bad weather.
1 of the 2 new viewing columns, live performances, and a nostalgic carousel were added in it. The new winter bar, Bar Brabo, created by Duvel Moortgat & AB InBev, will open on Steenplein. The Ferris wheel also returns to its spot along the Scheldt.
The “Winter in Antwerp” Christmas Market began growing significantly around 2010. It originally took place at Groenplaats but later expanded to include key city squares like the Grote Markt and Suikerrui. Over the years, the market has developed into a large festive event with stalls, light displays, ice skating, and live performances.
Recent editions, such as from December 2023 to January 2024, added new locations, including Hendrik Conscienceplein and Opera Square, bringing more attractions and experiences for visitors.
