The Ghent Christmas market runs from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. The Gentse Winterfeesten (Ghent Winter Festival) spread across several squares in the city centre, with more than 150 Christmas chalets, a real ice rink under the Stadshal and a Ferris wheel on the Korenmarkt. Entry is free.
When is the Ghent Christmas market in 2026?
The Gentse Winterfeesten 2026 start on Thursday 3 December and end on Sunday 3 January 2027. This year they once again run until the end of the Christmas holidays, so you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere between Christmas and New Year.
Where is the Christmas market in Ghent?
The Christmas market is not on a single square but winds through the historic centre: across the Korenmarkt, Emile Braunplein, Goudenleeuwplein and Klein Turkije. These locations are already confirmed for 2026:
- Korenmarkt: the Ferris wheel
- Emile Braunplein and the Stadshal: the ice rink under the Stadshal, with the Chez Babette winter bar next to it
- Goudenleeuwplein: the Sapin Magique, a children’s carousel shaped like a Christmas tree
All the squares are a few minutes’ walk from each other, between the Belfry, the town hall and the Korenmarkt, so it is easy to stroll from one to the next.
- 1 Korenmarkt: Ferris wheel
- 2 Klein Turkije
- 3 Goudenleeuwplein: Sapin Magique
- 4 Emile Braunplein and Stadshal: ice rink
- C+ Chambreplus, Hoogpoort 31
Ghent Christmas market opening hours
The organisers have not yet announced the opening hours for 2026. As a guide, these were the hours in 2025:
| Day | Christmas market | Ice rink |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 12.00 to 00.00 | 11.00 to 22.00 |
| Friday | 12.00 to 01.00 | 11.00 to 23.00 |
| Saturday | 11.00 to 01.00 | 10.00 to 23.00 |
| Sunday | 11.00 to 00.00 | 10.00 to 22.00 |
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve were the exceptions in 2025: on 24 and 31 December the market closed at 17.00. Christmas Day itself was not listed as an exception. Check the latest hours on gentsewinterfeesten.be before you go.
What to do at the Gentse Winterfeesten
- Skate on real ice under the Stadshal. You need a ticket for the ice rink, online or on the spot.
- The Ferris wheel on the Korenmarkt, open every day. A ride costs €9 for adults and €6 for children up to and including 12. From the top you see the thousands of Christmas lights across the city centre.
- Christmas shopping in more than 150 chalets, with plenty of handmade products and regional treats.
- Food and drink: from German bratwurst and Swiss raclette to Belgian fries, waffles and soup. There are vegetarian and vegan dishes too.
- Après-ski at the Chez Babette winter bar next to the ice rink, with a DJ or live act every evening.
- Daily entertainment: performances, Father Christmas and free children’s activities, moving around the squares.
Tips for your visit
- Come on a weekday or early in the afternoon if you prefer it quieter.
- Come back after sunset. With the lights in the city centre and on the towers, Ghent is at its most beautiful in December.
- Book your skating slot in advance if you want to skate at a set time.
- Leave the car outside the centre. During the Winterfeesten there is no traffic between the town hall and Emile Braunplein. Coming to Chambreplus by car? You can use our private underground car park (€26 per night, to be booked in advance). More on our practical info page.
- Make an evening of it. Fancy a relaxed dinner after the market? Have a look at our favourite restaurants in Ghent.
- Staying for the weekend? Combine the market with our 2-day Ghent itinerary.
Stay close to the Ghent Christmas market
Chambreplus is on the Hoogpoort, one of the oldest streets in Ghent, a few minutes’ walk from the Korenmarkt, Emile Braunplein and Goudenleeuwplein. From the Christmas market, you are back in your room in no time.
- Four rooms, each with its own character, for two guests, from €138 per night. View the rooms.
- Check-in is from 14.00. Arriving earlier? Leave your luggage safely with us and head into town.
- On Sundays there is no fixed check-out time. Perfect for a Christmas market weekend.
- Bruges on your list too? A direct train gets you there in 28 minutes on average. Read Ghent or Bruges? An honest comparison.
Frequently asked questions about the Ghent Christmas market
When is the Ghent Christmas market in 2026?
From Thursday 3 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
Is the Ghent Christmas market free?
Yes, the Gentse Winterfeesten are free to enter. You only pay for the ice rink, the rides and what you eat or drink.
Is the Ghent Christmas market open on Christmas Day?
The 2025 opening hours only listed 24 and 31 December as exceptions (open until 17.00), not Christmas Day. The hours for 2026 have not been announced yet, so check gentsewinterfeesten.be.
Where is the ice rink in Ghent?
Under the Stadshal, next to Emile Braunplein, in the centre of Ghent.
How much does the Ferris wheel at the Ghent Christmas market cost?
€9 for adults and €6 for children up to and including 12.
Are dogs allowed at the Ghent Christmas market?
Yes, on a lead. Dogs are not allowed on the rides or the ice rink.