What will the Advent markets be like Antwerp? Program and important information in one place 

Are you tempted by an Advent trip to Belgium?

For history and art, go to Bruges or Brussels and to the picturesque city at the mouth of the river Scheldt.

Christmas markets in Antwerp have a fairytale atmosphere every year. 

We will tell you when and where they will be held. 

Advent Markets Antwerp

The historic center of Antwerp is the scene of magical Christmas markets every year. These are the ideal places to taste traditional Belgian delicacies and buy original Christmas gifts. In addition, light decorations and captivating music complement the real pre-Christmas atmosphere.

Christmas markets in the city center

When and where will it all take place?

Program of the Antwerp Advent Fair

Christmas markets in Antwerp are mainly held in squares in the city center, including Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt, Groenplaats, Suikerrui, Hendrik Conscienceplein, and Operaplein. More than a hundred cozy wooden stalls offer a wide range of holiday products, from artisanal gifts to delicious snacks and drinks such as Belgian waffles, tartiflette, and hot glühwein.

One of the highlights is the skating rink at Groenplaats, in the background of which the majestic Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe cathedral rises, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. There is also an impressive Ferris wheel, which offers a panoramic view of Antwerp’s Christmas markets and the entire holiday-lit historical center.

Throughout December, various Christmas concerts and other performances, street artists, and special light installations add a magical atmosphere to the city. Last but not least, visitors can also look forward to the JOE Christmas House, the nativity scene, and the big fireworks display on Sunday, December 31, 2024.

Extraordinary opening hours of Advent markets in Antwerp:

• December 24th – 12:00 – 6.00 pm
• December 3st – 12:00 – 6.00 pm
• January 5th – 12:00 – 7.00 pm

You can better understand ​​the Christmas markets in Antwerp through the following video.

Winter in Antwerpen 2023

Interesting places in Antwerp

Flemish Antwerp is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium and, since the 16th century, one of Europe’s leading economic and cultural centers. Although the city was seriously damaged during the Second World War, it has retained its historical charm.

Visiting Antwerp means immersing yourself in Flemish culture, getting to know the paintings of Rubens, Bruegel, and Van Dyck, and admiring the magnificent palaces in the Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Neo-Baroque, and Neo-Renaissance styles. Advent markets in Antwerp thus take place in absolutely magical architectural scenery.

Grote Markt

Grote Markt is Antwerp’s main square. It is triangular and surrounded by richly decorated guild houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. In the middle of the square stands the Silvia Braba fountain, whose story is connected with the city’s creation.

The Roman legionnaire Silvius Brabo is said to have killed the giant Druon Antigonus, who cut off the hands of those who refused to pay the toll for sailing on the Scheldt. The statue on the fountain represents Brab preparing to throw the giant’s hand into the river in return. After all, the name “Antwerp” is derived from Flemish words meaning “to throw with the hand.”

Another dominant feature of the square is the richly decorated town hall. Built by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt between 1561 and 1566, it is a magnificent example of Mannerist architecture in Flanders.

Antwerp Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady, which stands just off the Grote Markt, is one of Belgium’s most important examples of Gothic architecture. Both French and Flemish architects worked on it. The most impressive architectural element of the cathedral is the Flemish-Gothic tower, which, at 123 meters, is the highest in the entire Benelux.

Inside, you can admire some of Rubens’ most famous works, including the impressive Descent from the Cross triptych, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the main altar, and the Resurrection of Christ painting.

Main station building

If you come to Antwerp by train, you will certainly be impressed by the majesty and architectural splendor of the Antwerpen Centraal station. Many consider it one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. The “Railway Cathedral,” as Antwerp residents call it, was built between 1895 and 1905 to replace the previous wooden station from the reign of Leopold II.

The monumental building of stone and marble has three floors, above which rises an intricate vault of glass and iron designed by the engineer Clement Van Bogaert. The main atrium is dominated by an impressive staircase. Overall, the station resembles a neo-baroque palace with rich, refined decoration.