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Antwerp Christmas

Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar -- Merry Christmas in Flemish

If you having an Antwerp Christmas here is a list of not to miss events. Christmas markets are an old holiday tradition in Belgium where both locals and visitors can shop for original and traditional decorations along with other Christmas goodies at open-air stalls in the heart of the city.

* Ice rinks: 9 December until 3 January, Grote Markt
* Christmas market: 9 December until 27 December, Groenplaats
* New Year’s fireworks: 31 December, Scheldt Quays

Cost: Free.

The beautiful lights and decorations amid historic landmarks, colorful stalls, nativity scenes, music, and array of food and drink is sure to please those of all ages. Take a spin on the ice skating rink next to the fountain of Brabo in the center of the square or Christmas concerts in the evening. Or better yet do both :-)

An absolutely magical event. There are wooden huts in the middle of the square selling all sorts of traditional specialties. You can sip mulled wine under the Christmas tree or try one of Antwerp's famous jenevers while warming up next to a cozy open fire.

antwerp-christmas

Also check out the Magical Christmas lights along the axis from Central Station to the Scheldt quays and the Giant Christmas trees in Koningin Astridplein, Handschoenmarkt and Grote Markt.

If you are thinking about visiting other Belgian cities than Car rental in Belgium is a good choice. Waiting for a train in the chilly winder months is less comfortable then having the convenience, flexibility to come and go as you please. And lets not forget -- you might need a somewhere to put all your Christmas shopping!

Antwerp Hotels

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Accommodation is usually heavily booked for Christmas, so if you plan to visit from in December and early January it is wise to make reservations at least several weeks in advance.

Try this free unique search tool that scans multiple hotel reservation websites simultaneously to help you find the lowest rate instantly.

It eliminates the need to search major websites one by one in order to compare prices and availability.

(The Program 2009 for Antwerp Christmas 2009 will be online shortly)

Christmas Market the 2008 program sample

• Opening event: 12 December

• Ice rinks: 12 December until 4 January, Grote Markt 

Sunday until thursday: 12 P.M.-8 P.M.
 Friday and saturday: 12 P.M. - 10 P.M. 
Exceptions: 24 December (12 P.M. - 6 P.M.)

• Christmas market:  

The annual Antwerp Christmas Market takes place from 12 December until 28 December, this year on the Groenplaats instead of the Grote Markt.

Sunday until thursday: 12 P.M.-8 P.M. 
Friday and saturday: 12 P.M. - 10 P.M.
Exceptions: 24 December (12 P.M. - 6 P.M.)

More Antwerp Winter Events (2008)...

Winter village: 12 December until 4 January, parking cruiseterminal 

Sunday until thursday: 12 P.M.-8 P.M.
 Friday and saturday: 12 P.M. - 10 P.M.
Exceptions: 24 December (12 P.M. - 6 P.M.) and 31 December (12 P.M. - 2 A.M.)

Indoor winterfair: 26 December until 4 January, Waagnatie

Sunday shopping: 14 December and 21 December

New Year’s fireworks: 31 December, Scheldt quays

Christmas tree bonfire: 10 January, Antwerp-Linkeroever

New Year’s drink: 11 January, Grote Markt

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