Is Antwerp Christmas Market Worth Visiting? – What You Need to Know!

Thinking of visiting Antwerp Christmas Market and wondering if it’s worth the trip? If so, you are in the right place!

This Belgian holiday event attracts visitors from around the world with its festive atmosphere and unique offerings. If you plan your winter travel in Belgium, you’ll want to know if this market stands out among Belgium’s many Christmas markets.

So, let’s explore what the Antwerp Christmas Market has to offer and help you decide if it deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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Why Antwerp’s Christmas Market Is a Must-Visit

There are many reasons to visit Antwerp’s Christmas Market because it’s simply beautiful and the ambiance is out of this world!

The market offers a blend of traditional charm and modern festivities, with over 100 cozy stalls filled with unique gifts, local crafts, and delicious foods and drinks.

Like in many of Belgium’s Christmas markets, there are a plethora of authentic Belgian specialties like waffles, escargots, chocolates, hot chocolate, warm mulled wine, and many other delicacies, creating a nice warm atmosphere.

Antwerpen has a stunning backdrop of historic architecture, including a magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, which adds to the magical ambiance.

As I mentioned below, this market also provides entertainment for all ages, including ice skating, a Ferris wheel, and many other great attractions. Since it’s located in the city center, you can easily explore other attractions of Antwerpen.

It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, beautiful decorations, and a wide variety of activities, making the Antwerp Christmas market stand out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the perfect holiday getaway.

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Where Is Antwerp’s Christmas Market Held?

Antwerp’s Christmas Market is spread across several enchanting locations in the city center. Each spot offers its own unique festive experience.

Grote Markt

The heart of the market beats in the Grote Markt. Here, you’ll discover about 100 wooden chalets clustered around the beautifully lit 16th-century Town Hall. As you browse the stalls selling souvenirs, food, and warm drinks, you’ll notice the famous Brabo Fountain, often adorned with a giant Santa hat for the season.

Handschoenmarkt

Just a short walk away, you’ll come across the Handschoenmarkt. This intimate square near the towering Cathedral of Our Lady hosts additional market stalls, offering a cozier atmosphere compared to the bustling Grote Markt.

Suikerrui

Your festive journey will lead you down Suikerrui, a street connecting Grote Markt to the river Scheldt. Here, you’ll find more market stalls and decorations, adding to the Christmas spirit as you make your way towards the water.

Steenplein

At the end of Suikerrui, you’ll reach Steenplein. This riverside square offers a unique setting for market stalls, allowing you to enjoy the festive atmosphere with a view of the Scheldt.

While not hosting market stalls, Groenplaats is worth a visit. Here, you can take a break from shopping to enjoy the large ice rink, measuring about 1,200 square meters.

Finally, there is the Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street. Though not officially part of the market, it’s decorated with over 1.6 million LED lights, creating a stunning canopy. Many shops here offer special holiday deals, perfect for finding those last-minute gifts.

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What to Do At Antwerp Christmas Market?

At Antwerp’s Christmas Market, you’ll find a variety of fun attractions and activities to enjoy. There’s a large Ferris wheel where you and your family can take in breathtaking views of the city and the market below.

There is also a miniature train that winds through the market, giving you a relaxed tour of all the sights and sounds.

If you travel with Kids, they will love the charming merry-go-round with its beautifully decorated horses.

The Market is surrounded by beautiful lights and festive decorations at every turn. You’ll also find stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, cozy winter wear, and local artisanal products – perfect for unique gift shopping.

During the Christmas market event, there is a daily light show projected onto historic buildings as night falls, transforming the market into a magical wonderland of color and light. it’s absolutely stunning!

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Antwerp’s Market: What Can You Buy?

At Antwerp’s Christmas Market, you’ll find an incredible variety of artisanal products and unique items. If you’re looking for something special, there are stalls selling handmade soaps scented with local herbs – they smell amazing!

For your holiday dinners, you can pick up beautiful Belgian linen tablecloths that’ll really impress your guests. Are you a foodie? You’re in luck! There are booths where you can buy jars of locally made jams, honey, and mustard.

And if you enjoy a good drink, you’ll love the selections of Belgian beers and liqueurs on offer. They make great gifts too, by the way.

Now, if you want something truly extraordinary, keep an eye out for items made by Antwerp’s famous silversmiths. You might find elegant serving pieces or small decorative objects that are real conversation starters.

Trust me, whether you’re shopping for yourself or for friends and family, you’ll find something special here that you won’t see in regular stores.

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How to Plan Your Antwerp’s Christmas Market Visit?

The Antwerp Christmas Market offers a stunning holiday experience. However, to make the most of your visit, you must know as much information as possible such as where to stay, the date and open hours of the Christmas market, and how to get there the easiest way.

Dates, Hours, and Entry Details

Antwerp Christmas Market 2024 runs from November 29 to January 5. It’s open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. Just know that on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, it closes at 6 PM. The market is free to enter, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere without spending a cent.

Another important thing to mention is that weekends are the busiest, especially in the evenings. If you want a more relaxed experience, try visiting on weekdays or earlier in the day. Some stalls may offer discounts in the final hours before closing.

There is a giant Christmas tree and ice rink in Grote Markt. Skating costs €8 for adults and €6 for children, including skate rental.

Staying in Antwerp: Accommodation Tips

Be aware that Antwerp gets really busy and hotels fill up fast during the Christmas market season, so try to book your accommodation in advance. Also, to access the Christmas market easily, look for hotels near Grote Markt or Antwerp Central Station.

Budget options include hostels and Airbnb rentals. Mid-range choices like Hotel NH Collection or CityBox offer comfort and convenience. If you prefer luxury, try Botanic Sanctuary or De Gulden Schoen.

Consider staying in nearby towns like Merksem, Zwijndrecht, or Ghent if Antwerp is fully booked. These cities have good train connections to Antwerp.

Getting to Antwerp Christmas Market

Antwerp Central Station is your main hub for arriving by train. It’s around a 15-minute walk from the Christmas market. If you don’t want to walk, you can take a tram or bus, they run frequently from the station to the city center.

If you use public transport, buy a day pass for €7 to use all public transport in Antwerp. It’s valid for 24 hours from your first ride.

Taxis are available but can be pricey and hard to get on Christmas Eve. If you drive, try to park your car outskirts of Antwerp and take public transportation into the center, as there is a lot of traffic around the Christmas market.

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Antwerp or Others: Which Market Is Best?

Antwerp’s Christmas market shines brightly, but Belgium offers many festive gems. Let’s explore how it stacks up against other popular markets around the country.

Bruges and Brussels: A Different Vibe

Bruges Christmas market is smaller than Antwerp’s, but it’s incredibly cozy and charming. On the other hand, Brussels’ Christmas market goes all out with its Winter Wonders event. It spreads across the city center and has a huge tree, an ice rink, and impressive light shows.

Antwerp’s market falls between these two. It’s larger than Bruges but more compact than Brussels. You’ll enjoy a mix of traditional and modern touches, with the cathedral as a stunning backdrop.

Ghent, Leuven, and Liege: Regional Gems

Ghent’s Christmas market has a quirky, artistic vibe. You can find so many unique crafts and food items with a local twist. Leuven’s market is smaller but worth strolling around, especially if you visit other areas of Leuven and nearby cities.

Liege is the second biggest market after Brussels and is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Wallonia that offers a unique and festive experience.

What sets Antwerp apart is its seaside location and the famous diamond district nearby. After shopping for gifts at the market, you can stroll along the Scheldt River. The mix of port city charm and holiday spirit is truly special.

So, What’s the Best Christmas Market?

If you ask me, picking the “best” Belgium Christmas market depends on what you’re looking for. For sheer size and spectacle, Brussels is hard to beat. Bruges is a little more compact than Brussels and Lieges but gives a feel that you are in a different epoque.

However, Antwerp offers a great balance of size, atmosphere, and unique attractions, too. I’d recommend Antwerp if you want a mix of traditional and modern, easy access to other city sights, and a less crowded experience than Brussels.

But if you have the time, why not visit multiple markets? Each one offers something special, and you’ll get a taste of Belgium’s regional flavors and traditions.

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Antwerp Beyond the Market: What to Do?

When you visit Antwerp’s Christmas Market, there are so many other fun things you can do in the city. Here are some ideas:

Explore the Historic City Center

Take a walk through Antwerp’s pretty historic center. You’ll see beautiful old buildings and charming cobblestone streets. Make sure to check out the big Grote Markt Square, the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, and the cool Steen Castle.

Visit Museums and Art Galleries

Antwerp has a lot of great museums and art galleries. You can visit the Rubenshuis, which used to be the home and studio of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. Or go to the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) for an amazing view of the whole city.

Enjoy Belgian Food

Belgium is known for its yummy food, and Antwerp has lots of great restaurants and cafes. Try some tasty Belgian waffles, fries, chocolate, and beer. And since Antwerp is a city by the sea, don’t forget to taste some delicious seafood dishes.

Shop in the Fashion District

Antwerp is a big fashion city, with many trendy shops and designer stores. Go to the Meir, which is the main shopping street, or explore the Wilde Zee area to find unique things.

Take a Diamond District Tour

Did you know that Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world? If you’re interested in sparkly diamonds, you should definitely take a tour of the Diamond District. You’ll learn all about the history and business of diamonds in Antwerp.

Go on a River Cruise

See the city from a different view by taking a boat ride along the Scheldt River. Many cruises will show you great views of Antwerp’s skyline and famous old buildings.

Visit the Antwerp Zoo

The Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest and prettiest zoos in Europe. It has a wide variety of animals and a beautiful garden that’s over 100 years old. You can get your zoo entry ticket in advance if you want. It’s refundable in case you must cancel.

Attend Cultural Events

During the Christmas market season, Antwerp has lots of fun cultural events, like concerts, theater shows, and exhibitions. Check what’s happening during your visit so you don’t miss out.

These are just a few examples of the many things you can see and do in Antwerp while visiting the Christmas Market. The city has a perfect mix of history, culture, and holiday fun, making sure you’ll have a trip you’ll never forget!

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Questions About Antwerp Christmas Market?

Is the Antwerp Christmas market family-friendly?

Absolutely! The Antwerp Christmas market is a blast for families. It’s a fantastic spot to make some magical holiday memories with your kids. Just a heads up though – weekends can get pretty packed. If you’re bringing little ones, keep ’em close and maybe dress them in bright colors so they’re easy to spot in the crowd. And hey, no shame in using those kid leashes if it helps you relax and enjoy the festivities!

Is there an entrance fee for the Antwerp Christmas Market?

Nope, you don’t have to pay a cent to enter the Antwerp Christmas Market! It’s totally free to wander around and soak up the festive atmosphere. You can stroll through the market, admire the decorations, and enjoy the holiday vibes without spending a dime. Of course, if you want to buy treats, and gifts, or hop on some rides, you’ll need to bring some cash. But just experiencing the market itself? That won’t cost you anything. It’s a great way to enjoy some holiday cheer without breaking the bank!

Can I pay with a card, or is cash preferred?

At the Antwerp Christmas Market, you’ll find a mix of payment options. Many vendors now accept cards, especially for bigger purchases. But cash is still king here! It’s quicker for small buys and some stalls might only take cash. To be safe, bring both. Have some cash handy for those irresistible snacks or small crafts, and keep your card as backup. Remember, ATMs can have long lines during busy times, so it’s smart to come prepared. That way, you won’t miss out on any festive treats or treasures!

What are the best times to visit to avoid crowds?

To dodge the crowds at the Antwerp Christmas Market, try visiting during weekdays, especially in the morning or early afternoon. The market’s usually quieter then. Evenings and weekends get pretty packed, so if you can, avoid those times. If you’re an early bird, head there right when it opens – you’ll beat the rush and get first dibs on the best stuff! Late afternoons on weekdays can be good too, as most people are still at work. Just keep in mind that it gets busier as it gets darker and the lights come on. If you must go on a weekend, aim for Sunday morning when many locals are having a lie-in!

Final Words!

As you can see, visiting Antwerp’s Christmas Market is an amazing way to spend your winter holiday. With so many fun things to do and see, you’ll never have a dull moment.

No matter what you choose to do, one thing is for sure – you’ll fall in love with Antwerp’s cozy charm and festive spirit. It’s a place where you can make special memories with your loved ones and start new holiday traditions.