Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hasselt’s Dusartplein hosts a Christmas market from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring 35 activities, including a Santa Parade on December 7, 2025, with appearances by Santa Claus, performances by Romeo Davy Gilles and others, as well as events organised by PL students.
As VRT News reported, Hasselt’s Dusartplein will be transformed into a Christmas market from November 14th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026. The market will feature 35 activities and more than 30 attractions for visitors of all ages. Organisers expect around 700,000 people to attend this year.
There will be a Santa Parade on Sunday, December 7th, 2025. The parade will start from Quartier Bleu at 4:30 PM and move through the city centre. Santa Claus and Mrs Claus will ride on a decorated float, greeting the crowd.
After the parade, Santa will stay in the renovated Santa Claus House, which will be open until December 30th 2025. Visitors will have the chance to meet Santa and take pictures in the festive setting.
What’s new at Winterland Hasselt 2025 with AI Santa and 35 activities?
This year, the market also introduces an interactive listening quest. Visitors can use earphones and QR codes to follow the trail and discover stories hidden across the winter village. Hasselt will also debut Al Santa, a first in Belgium. Visitors can call or chat with Al Santa, who will answer questions about the market and its attractions.
“The Al Santa Claus, in all his facets, is there for sick children and people with limited mobility. The Al Santa Claus listens, smiles, and shares the warmth of Christmas with anyone who reaches out,”
says Miguel Degeneffe of Hasselt-based AID, which conceived and co-developed this Belgian first.
Visitors to Hasselt’s winter village can now reach the interactive Al Santa Claus by calling 011 12 75 62. An Al Santa Claus will also appear live at set times in the winter village. The program includes a wide range of live performances. On opening night, Romeo Davy Gilles will perform.
Hasselt Danst will take place on Monday evenings in the Spiegeltent. Visitors can also enjoy a country night with Robby Longo, while DIRikky will perform on weekends. 2 student parties are scheduled during the Christmas holiday season.
Students from PL will lead a stand-up comedy class at the ice rink under the guidance of Yannick Noben. They will organise a low-stimulus day for visitors who prefer a quieter experience. In addition, there will be two speed-dating evenings on the Ferris wheel.
“With the help of sexologist and psychologist Elisa Maes, we’ll play ‘matchmaker’ during a date in the closed gondolas,”
say the Communications students.
Winterland Hasselt has grown into one of Belgium’s major Christmas markets over the past decade. The event first expanded significantly in 2019, running from 23 November to 5 January, with a large ice rink, more than 80 exhibitors, and the Santa Claus House.
The following edition, from 20 November 2021 to 9 January 2022, covered 13,000 m² of winter activities and attracted thousands despite pandemic restrictions. By 17 November 2023, the 15th edition ran through 7 January 2024, featuring a 1,000 m² covered ice rink, extensive entertainment, and around 650,000 visitors.
