Ghent’s Christmas Market dates have not yet been announced.
Market Hours: TBA
If you’re heading to Ghent for the Christmas market, you’re in for a treat! The market takes over the city’s charming medieval center, and it’s full of festive lights, delicious food, and unique gifts.
You’ll find a mix of wooden stalls lined up around the Korenmarkt, Sint-Baafsplein, and Vrijdagmarkt, selling everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to traditional Belgian treats like waffles, frites, and mulled wine (called gluhwein). There’s also a great selection of local chocolates and cheeses you can sample or take home as gifts.
The atmosphere is pretty magical, with the medieval buildings and Ghent’s stunning lights making everything look like a winter wonderland. Whether you’re there to shop, eat, or just enjoy the holiday vibes, Ghent’s Christmas market has something for everyone!
Recommended Accommodations:
- Ghent Marriott is located Right on the Korenmarkt, righ in the heart of the action. You can step out the door and be in the middle of the Christmas markets. Plus, it offers stunning views of the Gravensteen Castle and the nearby river.
- Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof is just a short walk from the main Christmas market areas. The hotel is a mix of luxury and comfort, located in a beautiful historic building.
Restaurant Recommendation:
- Restaurant Cocotte is a great spot if you’re looking for a cozy and delicious meal near the Christmas markets. It’s located just a short walk from the Korenmarkt and Sint-Baafsplein. They serve a mix of Belgian and French-inspired dishes, like slow-cooked meats and fresh seafood.
- Roots is another good choice if you’re in the mood for a good meal just a short walk from the main Christmas markets. It’s located near Vrijdagmarkt, in a lively, trendy part of the city. The restaurant changes menus for the seasons, but serves dishes like local fish, homemade pasta, and unique salads.
Arrival & Location:
- By Car: If you’re planning to drive to Ghent for the Christmas markets, keep in mind that the city center is mostly closed to cars during the market season. There are several parking garages just outside the city center where you can park your car and then walk to the Christmas markets, including Parking Centrum (Sint-Michiels) and Parking Korenmark. Be prepared for busy parking lots, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to arrive early or pre-book parking.
- By Train: Ghent is very well-connected by train, with Gent-Sint-Pieters being the main train station. It’s easy to reach Ghent from other Belgian cities or even from nearby countries. From the station, you can take a tram (about 15 minutes) or a taxi to the city center, or if you’re up for a bit of a walk, it’s only about a 20-minute stroll to the Christmas markets.
- Trams and Public Transport: Getting around Ghent during the Christmas market season is a breeze thanks to the city’s reliable public transport system. The tram network is especially useful, as it connects key locations like the train station and the city center. The trams are frequent, easy to use, and affordable. You can hop on a tram to get close to the main market areas or other popular attractions. Ghent also has buses, though trams are usually the most convenient for tourists.
- Parking and Getting Around: While parking in the city center is limited during the Christmas markets, there are plenty of parking garages around the edges of the center. If you’re staying in the city for a while, you may prefer to use public transport to get around and avoid the hassle of driving and parking in the crowded center.
Accessibility:
The city has made efforts to ensure that visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy the Christmas markets and surrounding attractions. Here’s what you can expect:
- Parking: There are several parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities near the city center, such as Parking Centrum (Sint-Michiels) and Parking Korenmarkt. From these parking spots, it’s easy to reach the Christmas market areas by foot or with public transport.
- Pedestrian Zones: The main Christmas market areas are in pedestrian-only zones, which makes it easier to move around without the worry of traffic. However, like many historic cities, some areas of Ghent feature cobblestone streets, which can be a bit bumpy for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Still, the city has worked on improving accessibility with smoother paths and ramps in the most visited areas.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Many of the main attractions and stalls at the Christmas markets are wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and wide paths to ensure access. The Korenmarkt and Sint-Baafsplein are major spots for the markets and are generally accessible. However, some smaller areas may still present a challenge due to older infrastructure.
- Public Transport: Ghent’s public transport system is fairly accessible. The buses and trams in the city are equipped with low floors and ramps, making it easy for those with wheelchairs or mobility issues to get around. The main Ghent train station is also accessible with elevators and ramps.
While Ghent is quite welcoming, it’s always a good idea to plan your route ahead of time, especially in the older parts of the city where some uneven surfaces may still pose challenges.
Holiday Events:
To be announced
Website:
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