Kerstmarkt Gent bezoeken in 2026?
Route, parkeren & tips

The Christmas market in Ghent runs from December 3, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Especially during the weekends and Christmas holidays, it can get quite busy in the city center. Do you want to stroll past the stalls without constantly having to navigate through other visitors? Then a weekday or an early afternoon visit is a good choice.

Are you coming mainly for the cozy Christmas atmosphere? Plan your visit for later in the day. As soon as it gets dark and the lights come on, the historic façades and squares have a completely different appearance. Do keep in mind that this is also the time when many visitors head to the Christmas market.

Our tip: come to Ghent in the afternoon and stay until after sunset. This way, you can discover the city in daylight and later enjoy the illuminated Christmas market without having to plan your entire visit during the busiest evening hours.

For the exact opening hours and any deviations during the holidays, you can visit our page about the Christmas market in Ghent.

The Christmas market extends from Sint-Baafsplein, over Botermarkt and Klein Turkije, to Korenmarkt. You can easily explore the different squares on foot without having to plan a complicated route.

Start, for example, at Sint-Baafsplein, where you immediately have a view of the impressive Saint Bavo Cathedral. Then walk towards Botermarkt and Klein Turkije, past the stalls and historic buildings. Along the way, you pass the Stadshal, one of the central spots of the Ghent Winter Festivities.

Once you arrive at Korenmarkt, you are also close to the Saint Michael's Bridge. Be sure to take a detour to it, especially when it's already dark. From the bridge, you can overlook the illuminated Graslei and Korenlei, with the three Ghent towers in the background. One of the most beautiful views to end your winter walk with.

Craving something sweet along the way? Be sure to look out for the stall of Mayana Chocolate Bar, a Ghent address for chocolate lovers. A delightful stop to make your walk even cozier.

Do you mainly want to discover the Christmas stalls, eat something delicious, and enjoy the atmosphere? Then two to three hours will get you a long way. Those who also want to skate, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, or shop extensively, better allocate half a day.

Do you have a full day in Ghent? Then we would save the Christmas market for the late afternoon. Start your day, for example, with a walk along the Graslei, discover the shops in Veldstraat or Langemunt, and take time for a cozy lunch in between.

This way, you don't have to walk among the Christmas stalls all day and you can immediately discover what Ghent has to offer outside the Winter Festivities.

The Christmas market is also a fun outing with children, although it pays to plan your visit a little differently. The skating rink under the Stadshal, the carousel, and the Ferris wheel provide variety between walking along the stalls.

With younger children, we would come earlier in the afternoon when it is generally a bit quieter. Choose one or two activities in advance that you definitely want to do and leave enough room just to look around. This way, you avoid the visit becoming one long walk.

Do you want to make it a complete family outing? Combine the Christmas market with a visit to Gravensteen, which gets a winter touch during the end-of-year period. Be sure to check the opening hours and any reservations beforehand.

Because the Christmas market is located in the middle of the historic city center, it is handy to determine how to get to Ghent beforehand. Especially during busy weekends, this can save you a lot of time.

Are you coming by car? Then you can choose a central parking lot, such as parking Sint-Michiels, within walking distance of Korenmarkt, or parking Zuid, an easily accessible parking lot from the highway. Keep in mind that certain parking lots during the Winter Festivities have adjusted rates and can fill up faster.

Do you want to avoid the hustle and bustle in the center? Then a park-and-ride on the outskirts of Ghent is an interesting alternative. You leave your car outside the city center and continue your journey by public transport. Check in advance which P+R best fits your route and which connection is available. Or park conveniently and easily as a hotel guest at Hotel Gent.

Are you traveling by train? From Gent-Sint-Pieters you can head towards the center by public transport. From Gent-Dampoort, you can also walk to the Christmas market in about 20 minutes. Check the current timetable before departure, especially during the holidays.

Visiting a Christmas market in Belgium unfortunately doesn't always mean dry winter days. Fortunately, you don't have to abandon your plans immediately when rain is forecasted.

Plan, for example, a visit to Saint Bavo Cathedral or Gravensteen during the wettest hours. Or find a cozy coffee bar to warm up before strolling past the stalls again.

Our colleagues also have their favorite spots in Ghent for a rainy day. From cozy coffee bars to surprising indoor activities: discover their personal recommendations in our blog What to do in Ghent on a rainy day?

For the Christmas market itself, one day is certainly enough. But if you also want to discover the rest of Ghent, then a weekend is a nice choice. This way, you can enjoy the cozy winter atmosphere one day and take your time visiting a museum, strolling through the shopping streets, or having a lavish brunch the next day.

Moreover, you don't have to plan everything in one day and can also quietly enjoy the Christmas lights in the evening.

Are you making a weekend out of it in Ghent? Discover the options for an overnight stay at Van der Valk Hotel Gent. As a hotel guest, you can, for example, use the wellness facilities for free or enjoy one of the 3 restaurants, without having to go outside again.