Storm Goretti threatens Christmas tree burnings in Middelkerke

Ostend (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Winter storm Goretti disrupts coastal events. Koksijde postpones Oostduinkerke tree burning to January 17, 2026. Ostend has yet to make a final decision. Alderman Natacha Lejaeghere moves Winterknetters to Garage Omnia.

As VRT News reported, several Christmas tree burnings along the Belgian coast are under pressure because of winter storm Goretti, which is bringing strong winds.

“We’re moving the Winterknetters festival program from the Zeedijk to Garage Omnia on Leopoldlaan,”

confirms Alderman for Tourism and Events Natacha Lejaeghere (LDD).

“The expected weather conditions won’t allow for a public event on the Zeedijk. Garage Omnia’s alternative location is a perfect alternative.”

What Christmas tree burnings are at risk in Oostduinkerke, Ostend, and Middelkerke due to storm Goretti?

In Oostduinkerke, the municipality of Koksijde has already decided to postpone the event. The traditional Christmas tree burning will not take place as planned and has been moved to January 17, 2026. 

Residents are still able to take part in the tradition. Christmas trees can continue to be dropped off in the collection container near St. Nicholas’ Church in Oostduinkerke until Friday, January 16, 2026.

In Ostend, no final decision has yet been made. City authorities are closely watching the weather forecasts and will decide later in the day whether the Christmas tree burning in Mariakerke can go ahead. 

Coastal towns, such as Ostend, were unable to hold planned Christmas tree burnings due to strong winds that caused the suspension of burnings in January 2017 after storm warnings were issued.

In January 2020, municipalities in West Flanders faced a similar situation, as many were unable to hold open-air burning events due to unstable winter weather. In January 2022, due to forecasts of high winds and heavy rain, local authorities in several municipalities adjusted the dates of Christmas tree burning events in response to recommendations from emergency services, which were often rescheduled for the following week.