Visit the Ghent Winter Festivities
The Ghent Winter Festivities are the city's main attraction during the cold months. From late November to early January, the historic centre of Ghent is transformed into a winter wonderland full of lights, Christmas chalets, a Big wheel and winter delicacies. Van der Valk Hotel Gent offers you the ideal base from which to fully experience this magical period. Combine a luxurious stay with a visit to one of Belgium's most enjoyable winter events.
What are the Ghent Winter Festivities?
The Ghent Winter Festivities are an annual winter event in the heart of Ghent, running from late November to early January. The historic centre is transformed into an atmospheric setting of Christmas chalets, twinkling lights, music and delicious aromas of winter delicacies. From the Korenmarkt to the Sint-Baafsplein, the city becomes one big party venue, where visitors can enjoy a Christmas market, performances and numerous activities.
What makes the Winter Festival so special is the mix of tradition and conviviality: you will find both traditional products and Christmas gifts, as well as performances and culinary delights. During the day, the event is ideal for families who want to experience the warm Christmas atmosphere, while in the evening there is extra attention for live music, light shows and romantic moments. Thanks to Ghent's historic buildings and canals, this event offers a unique setting that you won't find anywhere else in Belgium.
Activities during the Ghent Winter Festivities
There is something for everyone during the Ghent Winter Festivities. The beating heart of the event is the atmospheric Christmas market, where dozens of stalls offer traditional products, decorations and delicacies. Here you can sample mulled wine, hot chocolate and local specialities, while the smell of waffles and roasted chestnuts wafts through the air.
For those who love action and fun, the covered ice rink is an absolute must-see. Both children and adults can skate here in a magical winter setting. You can experience even more spectacle on the Big wheel, which offers a panoramic view of the historic city centre. Children can also enjoy the nostalgic carousel, street theatre or take part in creative workshops organised especially for the youngest visitors.
Music and entertainment are also an important part of the Ghent Winter Festivities. Spread across the city, there are daily live performances, DJ sets and light shows that create a festive atmosphere. For families, there are special children's activities and performances, while couples can enjoy a romantic evening stroll along the beautifully lit squares.
Would you like to stay informed about the full programme and the latest updates? Then visit the official website of the Ghent Winter Festivities.
Accessibility and practical tips
The Ghent Winter Festivities take place in the historic centre, which is largely closed to traffic during the winter period. This makes the event safe and pleasant to walk through. From Van der Valk Hotel Gent, you can easily reach the centre by public transport, which will take you directly to the Winter Festivities in just a few minutes. You can also choose to hire an (electric) bicycle from the hotel for a flexible and environmentally friendly way to travel.
The hotel has ample parking facilities, so you can leave your car safely. In the city centre itself, there are several park-and-ride zones, from where you can travel to the centre by tram or shuttle bus. This allows you to avoid traffic congestion and enjoy your trip without any worries. A useful tip for visitors is the CityCard Ghent, which not only gives you access to numerous museums and attractions, but also allows you to use public transport free of charge. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the Winter Festivities with a cultural discovery tour of the city.
Book your winter stay in Ghent
Would you like to experience the Ghent Winter Festivities in complete comfort? Then book your stay at Van der Valk Hotel Gent. Our hotel offers spacious rooms, excellent facilities and culinary delights in restaurants such as Restaurant Cocotte and Mr. Sato. Thanks to its convenient location, you can reach the city centre in just a few minutes, while after a day full of winter fun, you can relax in a modern and atmospheric environment. Book your room or package in good time and make your visit to the Ghent Winter Festivities an unforgettable experience.