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

When we think of a pre-Christmas trip to Belgium, most people think of Brussels, Bruges, or Antwerp.

However, few people look for the city that lies in the middle of the triangle formed by these three places.

The Christmas markets in Ghent are among the most famous in the whole country.

What will be waiting for you here?

Ghent Advent Markets

If you want to experience some of the best Christmas markets in Belgium, head to Ghent. The Gentse Winterfeesten is an authentic Christmas fair right in the magical city center. It offers a number of Christmas stalls and a variety of accompanying activities for all age groups.

Christmas markets in the city center

When and where will it all take place?

Ghent Advent Fair Program

Ghent Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city center, including the streets and squares of Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt. A special Christmas tram passes through the city center.

More than one hundred and fifty stalls will amaze visitors with a diverse range of Christmas goods from handmade gifts and trinkets to festive treats and delicious winter drinks such as mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Those who want to soak up the cozy atmosphere can sip hot glühwein and watch live music performances against the backdrop of the medieval city. One of the attractions of the Ghent Christmas markets is the largest roller-skating rink in Belgium. The Sapin Magique Christmas carousel or the reindeer carousel at the Cathedral of St. Bavaria also attracts children.

The Ferris wheel Grand Soleil offers a view of the whole city. Don’t forget to also visit the medieval castle Gravensteen, which during Advent is nicknamed Winter Wonderland Castle for its special decorations and Christmas-themed activities. From the top of the castle fortress, you can have a unique view of the beautifully lit city center.

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

Ghent, Belgium | Christmas Market | Christmas 2023 | Full Tour

Interesting places in Ghent

Ghent is Belgium’s third-largest city, home to at least 18 museums, 100 churches, and more than 400 historic buildings. Thanks to its location at the confluence of the Leia and Šelda rivers, it is interwoven with romantic canals.

Belfort

The Belfort is one of three bell towers dominating the historic center. The other two are the tower of St. Bavo’s Cathedral and St. Nicholas Church’s tower.

The bell tower was built for almost seventy years, from 1313 to 1380, and originally served as a watchtower. The tower’s role as guardian of the city’s treasures is symbolized by the golden dragon at the top. Today, it fascinates visitors primarily with its Gothic beauty, the majesty of its 95-meter height, and the sound of its 54 bells.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral

Behind the bell tower stands the imposing Sint Baafskathedraal. The cathedral’s foundation stone was laid in 942, but it only took its current form in the 16th century. It was originally a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Later, it became a Romanesque church, traces of which are visible in the crypt, and finally, in 1559, it became a cathedral dedicated to St. Bavon.

The interior of the cathedral is in baroque style, with beautiful stained glass windows. An unmissable gem is the famous Ghent altar, which Hubrecht and Jan van Eyck created between 1426 and 1432.

Gravensteen

What we visit today as Gravensteen was originally a wooden fortress built in the 10th century by Arnulf I of Flanders at the confluence of the Leia and Scheldt rivers. The architectural transformation into a castle took place slowly.

In the 11th century, the wood was replaced by limestone, and a moat was built in the 12th century. For a time, the castle was also the seat of the Council of Flanders and performed an administrative function, which included the detention of suspected persons. After all, there is still a torture chamber in its interior.