Ghent Christmas Market (Map + Dates 2023)

A complete guide to Ghent Christmas market 2023 (+ map with all locations, market opening times, where to stay and how to get there).

If you’re planning a winter escape to Belgium, you probably already have Brussels and Bruges on your list. However, both cities are very popular in December and they get packed with tourists. Luckily, there is one place, where you can experience real Belgium and avoid the crowds. It’s the medieval city of Ghent, Belgium’s best-kept secret!

Find out how to see Ghent in half a day or on a day trip (+ the best places to eat).

The city is the perfect combination of Christmas fun activities and a medieval atmosphere. Take a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel, try some hot Xmas beer or spend the evening at the Moose bar. It’s a great destination for a fun winter break, especially if you’re travelling with kids.

Ghent Christmas market review 2023

The Christmas market in Ghent is set right in the historic heart of the city. There is only one location (unlike Brussels and Bruges), but it stretches from Sint-Baafsplein, along Botermarkt to the end of the Korenmarkt.

Find a map with the exact location at the end of the article.

When does the Ghent Christmas market start?

The Christmas market takes place from 8 December to 31 December. Note that this is more than 2 weeks later than the markets in Bruges and Brussels. Keep that in mind, when you choose your travel dates.

Is the Ghent Christmas market open after Christmas?
Yes, the market continues until New Year’s Eve.

Ghent Christmas market dates 2023

From 8 December to 31 December
Every day from 12:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
24th and 31th December – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
25th December – 02:00 PM to 7:00 PM
(please note that the official dates for 2023 are not yet announced)

My favourite place to stay in Ghent is 1898 The Post. Perfect location, just a few steps away from the Christmas market (+ unique spacious rooms).

Ghent Winter Festival

Ghent Winter Festival

The Christmas market in Ghent is also known as Ghent Winter Festival (Gentse Winterfeesten). During the festival, the historic centre is transformed into a winter wonderland with wooden huts, vintage merry-go-rounds and sparkling lights.

More than 150 wooden huts are spread in the Old Town, around the Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Belfry and the Saint Nicholas’ Church. Start from Sint-Baafsplein Square and make your way through Botermarkt, then continue along Klein Turkije and finish at Korenmarkt Square.

Here, you’ll also find a huge Ferris Wheel and an ice skating rink. Don’t miss the special Moose bar, where you can try delicious cocktails and the Children’s Village! A small vintage merry-go-round is set at Sint-Veerleplein Square as well, at the beautiful backdrop of Gravensteen Castle.

Ghent Winter Festival Opening times
From 8 December to 31 December
Address: along Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije and Korenmarkt

Where to stay in Ghent for the Christmas market

If you’re visiting Ghent for the Christmas market, stay in the historic centre in the area between Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and Gravensteen Castle. In this way, you’ll be just a short walk from the Christmas market, all the tourist sights and plenty of restaurants.

For more options take a look at my guide to where to stay in Ghent.


Marriott Hotel – Best mid-range

Located on the famous Korenlei, on the bank of the Lys River, this hotel features a great location for the Christmas market. Also, an excellent steakhouse restaurant, Midtown Grill, is available on-site.
Why book – just a short walk from the Christmas market, restaurant with river views, spacious rooms, parking on-site


Snooz Ap Holiday & Business Flats – Best apartments

Excellent modern apartments with a central quiet location. Easy self-check-in and secure parking. At walking distance of all main tourist attractions, restaurants and the Christmas market.
Why book – 400m from St Bavo’s Cathedral, private parking, easy self-check-in

Ghent Christmas market
Book tours or skip-the-line tickets with GetYourGuide or Tiqets (you get a mobile ticket + free cancellation). Tickets from attractions’ official websites are mostly non-refundable.

What to do in Ghent at Christmas

Free Walking Tour of Ghent

Take the Free Walking Tour of Ghent to see the city with a knowledgeable guide. In 2 hours, you’ll discover the most important medieval monuments, the city’s history and hidden secrets.

Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel

For the best views over Ghent, head to the Ferris Wheel at Korenmarkt. With its 44m (144ft) height, it is the highest point from where you can enjoy magical views over the festively decorated city.

Climb the Belfry

Another option to see the Ghent Christmas village from above (beside the Ferris Wheel) is the Belfry. You can climb the 300 steps to the top of the watchtower or take the lift from the first floor. From here, you can also enjoy a stunning view of Saint Nicholas’ Church.

ghent belfry view

Go ice skating

You’ll find the ice skating rink at Botermarkt, right next to the Stadshal (City Pavilion). There is a separate ice rink for children.

Afterwards, head to the Moose Bar for an après-ski party with delicious cocktails.

Taste local delicacies

The wooden stalls are piled high with all kinds of Christmas foods and local delicacies. And each of them is devoted to a certain food – meat, cheese, waffles and even onion!

Christmas stalls food

Visit the Chalet Chouffe

Forget about the mulled wine! Belgians drink beer during the Christmas season. So, don’t miss the Chalet Chouffe located next to Saint Nicholas’ Church. And if you like sweet fruity beers, try the Cherry Chouffe Rouge.

You can also find a lot of stalls selling hot Xmas beer.

hot xmas beer

How to get to Ghent Christmas market

By train

Gent-Sint-Pieters train station is located about 2.5km away from the historic centre. You’ll need to take tram line 1 from Sint-Pieters station perron 2 to Korenmarkt perron 5. A single ticket costs €3 (find more info here).

By car

There are several car parks in Ghent city centre (see a full list here). The most convenient is Parking Vrijdagmarkt (P1), within a walking distance of the Christmas market.

To get the best car rental rate, take a look at Rentalcars (they compare deals from all major companies, giving you the best price).

Ghent Christmas markets map

To help you navigate, I prepared this map with all the market’s locations.

Find more information about the Christmas market on the official website of the Ghent Winter Festival.

Faqs about visiting Ghent Christmas market

Does Ghent have a Christmas market?

Ghent Christmas market takes place from 8 December to 31 December. It is located in the historic city centre, from Sint-Baafsplein Square to the end of Korenmarkt.

Ghent or Bruges Christmas market?

Bruges is more picturesque and the Christmas atmosphere is more romantic. However, Ghent offers much more diversity of fun activities, especially for kids. There is a Ferris Wheel, vintage merry-go-rounds, a Moose bar and a Children Village. Plus, there is a castle to visit – Gravensteen. Thus, choose Bruges if you’re looking for a medieval Christmas experience. Ghent is a better option for families with kids.


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About the author

AvatarMilena Yordanova
I’m a full-time travel blogger based in Sofia, Bulgaria. I love to travel and to discover new places, cultures and food. I’m an expert in travel planning and I am here to help you plan your dream vacation.

2 Comments

  1. Hi Milena !
    Намерих твоята статия за Гент. Бих искала да те попитам струва ли си коледния базар на Гент ? Намирам се в Лондон и обичам да пътувам с влак из Европа особено по Коледа. Ще съм много благодарна ако споделиш мнението си. Благодаря предварително 🙂 !

    Поздрави ,

    Даниела

    • Здравей, Даниела!
      Ако си в Белгия, Гент си заслужава за еднодневна екскурзия. Но, ако ще идваш специално от Лондон за базара в Гент – според мен не си струва (освен ако не искаш да разгледаш и самия град, който е доста приятен). Bruges или Brussels са по-добра опция за коледни базари. 🙂

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