Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leuven’s 37th Christmas Market (Dec 9–21, 2025) at Ladeuzeplein and Hooverplein features a parade, live music by Jettie Pallettie, Margriet Hermans, David Vandyck, charity “Young and Cancer” with actors Apollonia Sterckx and Mathias Mesmans, and accessibility measures.
As VRT News reported, Leuven is preparing for the 37th Christmas Market, which will take place on Ladeuzeplein and Hooverplein. Construction will begin at the end of next week. There will be a retro Christmas carousel and a traditional Christmas pyramid.
A new feature this year is the Christmas Parade on December 9, 2025. A procession of restored beer carts will travel through the streets and bring Santa Claus to Ladeuzeplein. Every day, the market will feature live performances by well-known Belgian artists, including Jettie Pallettie, Margriet Hermans, and David Vandyck. Local bands and the Joorzangers will also perform.
What’s happening at Leuven’s 37th Christmas Market this December?
The market will also host special events and showcase regional products. On December 18th, 2025, the Leuven Zing community singing festival will return in a Christmas edition. Stalls will offer local and regional products.
The Leuven Christmas Market will again support a charitable cause this year. The focus is on “Young and Cancer,” a joint effort by the Leuven Drop-in Centre, the parent association KIKOV, and the city of Leuven. The initiative helps children and young people with cancer, as well as young parents facing the disease.
Leuven actors Apollonia Sterckx, known for her role as Britney in Thuis, and Mathias Mesmans, known from Milo en Familie, will support the charity. They will sell teddy bears and candles during the market. All proceeds will go to the cause.
“When they asked us to participate in this wonderful project, we were immediately enthusiastic. We both grew up in Leuven and came to the Christmas market every year as children,”
say Apollonia and Mathias.
The actors also want to raise awareness of the Leuven Drop-in Centre, where people with cancer and their families can find guidance, support, and a safe space.
“We weren’t familiar with the concept, and apparently, we’re not alone. We want everyone to experience the warmth and support offered there,”
say Apollonia and Mathias.
This year, the Christmas Market is also focusing on accessibility. The organisers and the city of Leuven have introduced measures for people in wheelchairs and families with strollers. Santa Claus’s House and the food stalls will have ramps, and free wheelchairs and walkers will be available near Rector De Somerplein.
The Leuven Christmas Market started in December 1988 and has become a major winter event in the city. The first market ran from December 16 to 18 and attracted local visitors. Over the years, it has grown in size and popularity. By its 36th edition in December 2024, the market drew more than 600,000 visitors. There were around 120 stalls and a 15-metre-high Christmas tower as a new attraction.
