Christmas markets in Flanders and Brussels 2011

With the summer slowly closing to an end Flanders is once more gearing up for yet another spectacular display of Christmas cheer. Visitors flocking to Flanders for unique gift ideas will be spoilt for choice as market squares will be brimming with stalls offering original handicrafts, decorative items, seasonal food and drink as well as a special yuletide atmosphere. As usual, the cities of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Mechelen, Ypres and Ostend will be hosting respective Christmas markets but will add something extra special to the festivities by providing activities such as ice rinks, amusements, firework displays, concerts and special winter festivals for all ages to enjoy over the whole period.

Here is a snapshot of what is on offer in Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent:

Brussels Christmas Market
Date: 25 November 2011 – 01 January 2012
Where: Bourse (Stock Exchange) & Marché aux Poissons
What: 240 winter chalets selling original gifts and Christmas decorations.
Ice skating rink and large Ferris wheel
Street artists, sound & light shows
Open: Mon-Thurs 12:00 – 21:00 and  Fri – Sun 11:00 – 22:00
winterwonders.be

Antwerp Christmas Market
When:10 December 2011 – 8 January 2012
Where: On the Handschoenmarkt, Grote Markt &  Suikerrui (until 28 December) and also     on the Steenplein
What: Over 90 stalls offering all kinds of gifts & delicacies
Ice Skating available up until 08 January 2010
Sunday shopping  on 11 and 18 December
Open:  Sunday to Thursday 12:00 – 21:00 and   Saturday 12:00 – 23:00

Bruges Christmas Market
When: 25 November 2011 – 1 January 2012
Where: Simon Stevinplein and Markt Square
What: Winter and Christmas gifts, gluhwein and snacks
Ice skating rink (from 26 November until 9 January and from 12:00 – 21:00)
Open: Mon-Thurs & Sun 11:00 – 19:00/22:00
Fri & Sat 11:00 – 19:00/23:00    

The Ice Sculpture Festival (to be confirmed)
winterinbrugge.be, icesculpture.be

Ghent Christmas Market
When: 9-30 December 2011
Where: On the St Baafsplein
What: 50+ stalls of goodies, including candles, jewellery,woollies and more alongside food and drink stalls
Open:   Mon-Fri 13:00 – 21:00
Sat & Sun 11:00 – 21:00
24 Dec 11:00 – 16:00 from 25 December: closes at 19:00
Winter Dreams 2011: Taking place on the Sint Pietersplein from 25 November 2011 until 8 January 2012. Featuring an Ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, food & drink stalls.
 
Please note, all Christmas markets dates are always subject to change