The Ghent Christmas market, part of the Gentse Winterfeesten, runs from 3 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Stalls start around Sint-Baafsplein, under St Bavo’s Cathedral, and follow the streets past the Belfry and St Nicholas’ Church towards the Korenmarkt. It opens later than most Belgian markets, but it stays open late into the evening, and it carries on into the first days of January.
Ghent Christmas Market 2026: Key Facts
| Dates | 3 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
| Expected hours | Mon–Thu 12:00–00:00, Fri 12:00–01:00, Sat 11:00–01:00, Sun 11:00–00:00; shorter hours on 24, 25 and 31 December |
| Main area | Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt and the streets towards the Korenmarkt |
| Ice rink | Expected under the Stadshal (city pavilion), 4–31 December |
| Entry | Free |
| Nearest station | Gent-Sint-Pieters, then tram 1 to the Korenmarkt |
The dates are confirmed. Daily hours follow last year’s pattern and could change, so check Visit Gent’s event page before you go.
Where Is the Ghent Christmas Market?
Sint-Baafsplein
The square in front of St Bavo’s Cathedral is the main hub, with chalets, food stands and bars. A Ferris wheel has stood here in recent years, and it’s expected again in 2026.
Botermarkt to the Korenmarkt
From Sint-Baafsplein the stalls continue past the Belfry, the Stadshal and St Nicholas’ Church to the Korenmarkt. It’s an easy walk, and the old centre is car-free, so you can wander between the squares without worrying about traffic.
Ice Skating at the Stadshal
The ice rink came back under the Stadshal in 2025, and it’s expected to run from 4 to 31 December in 2026.
Food and Drink at the Ghent Christmas Market
Look out for Ghent’s own sweets: cuberdons, or “Gentse neuzen”, cone-shaped candies with a soft raspberry centre. You’ll also find jenever in lots of flavours, mulled wine, waffles, fries and Belgian beer. With stalls open until midnight on most days, Ghent works well for an evening visit.
Getting There
Most trains arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, south of the centre. Tram 1 runs from the station to the Korenmarkt, a short ride. Ghent is a short train ride from both Brussels and Bruges, so it’s easy to see two or three Belgian markets on one trip.
Luggage Storage Near the Ghent Christmas Market
Visiting Ghent for the day, or checking out before an evening train? Radical Storage has a few partner locations in Ghent, including one in the city centre and one next to Gent-Sint-Pieters station. You can search for storage near Sint-Baafsplein or near Gent-Sint-Pieters and pick your bags up after the market.
Each bag is protected up to €10,000, cancellation is free, and prices start from €0.90 a day. Radical Storage has 16.5K+ locations in 2.3K+ cities, rated 4.8/5 by travellers.
Ghent Christmas Market FAQ
It runs from 3 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
The main area is Sint-Baafsplein, by St Bavo’s Cathedral. Stalls continue past the Belfry and St Nicholas’ Church towards the Korenmarkt.
Based on last year’s hours, it’s expected to stay open until midnight most days and until 1:00 on Friday and Saturday nights. Check the official site for 2026 times.
Yes. The rink under the Stadshal is expected to open from 4 to 31 December 2026.
Try cuberdons (Gentse neuzen), flavoured jenever, waffles and a local beer.
Radical Storage has partner locations in Ghent city centre and next to Gent-Sint-Pieters station. Book online and drop your bags before heading to the stalls.