Christmas Events for Kids in Antwerp (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

9 min read · Lees in het Nederlands

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Antwerp. The season opens on November 14 with Saint Nicholas Trail (Sint parcours) and runs until January 3 with Winter in Antwerp (Winter in Antwerpen). Of these, 5 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Belgium.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Antwerp, Mechelen, Edegem, Mortsel, Lier and more: 13
  • First: Saint Nicholas Trail (Sint parcours), Mechelen, November 14
  • Free events: Welcome for Saint Nicholas (Ontvangst Sinterklaas), Saint Nicholas Comes to Lint (De Sint komt naar Lint), Winter in Antwerp (Winter in Antwerpen), Mortsel Wintert! and Verhaalkabaal: Christmas Special (Kerstspecial)

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Antwerp

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Antwerp, Mechelen, Edegem, Mortsel, Lier, Lint and Wijnegem
Season
November 14 to January 3
Free events
5
Last checked

Free 5Ticketed and paid 8

Free Christmas events for kids in Antwerp

Tree lightingFree

Winter in Antwerp (Winter in Antwerpen)

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From Dec 4 through Jan 3, downtown Antwerp turns into a winter village. On the Groenplaats, the Grote Markt and the Operaplein there are Christmas chalets with warm snacks and drinks, and on the Grote Markt the big Christmas tree stands among the festive lights.

For kids there is plenty to do: on the Operaplein an authentic carousel turns, on the Groenplaats a covered ice rink circles the statue of Rubens where you can rent skates and, for small children, a skating aid, and on the Astridplein the Ferris wheel gives a view over the city's lights. Strolling around is free; for the rides you pay on site. In December every Sunday is also a koopzondag (shops open on Sunday), so expect crowds on weekends.

Parent tip: Small skaters can rent a skating aid on site; bringing your own skates is fine too.

Host
Stad Antwerpen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Grote Markt, Groenplaats and Operaplein, 2000 Antwerp (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stad Antwerpen (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 12 more Antwerp events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

  • 5 Shows
  • 3 Story time
  • 3 Crafts
  • 3 Zoos and museums
  • 5 Free

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Christmas events for kids in Edegem

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Welcome for Saint Nicholas (Ontvangst Sinterklaas) (Edegem)

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On Wednesday afternoon, Nov 18, Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas, or “de Sint”) comes to Edegem. At 1:30 pm the Saint Nicholas parade leaves from the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van-Lourdes basilica and heads for the old town hall. There, from 2 to 5 pm, Saint Nicholas receives all the children for a personal meeting.

If the line is long, you can enjoy all kinds of activities on the Gemeenteplein from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. The municipality explicitly adds that children who find it all a bit scary are welcome too: you do not have to come close right away, and chatting with a Piet (one of Saint Nicholas's helpers) or admiring Saint Nicholas from a distance is fine as well. The party is free and meant for children ages 2 to 9.

Parent tip: Arrive in time for the parade at 1:30 pm at the basilica; the activities on the Gemeenteplein stop at 4:30 pm.

Host
Gemeentebestuur Edegem (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oud-gemeentehuis (old town hall) and Gemeenteplein, 2650 Edegem (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Gemeentebestuur Edegem (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story timeFree

Verhaalkabaal: Christmas Special (Kerstspecial) (Edegem)

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Verhaalkabaal, the Edegem library's regular story-reading series, gets a special winter edition on Saturday, Dec 12. Children may come to the library in their best Christmas outfit for a warm story time full of Christmas spirit.

After the story, the children get to work on a Christmas craft to take home. The story hour runs from 11 am to 12 pm at the library in Vrijetijdscentrum Kruispunt and is meant for children ages 4 and up. Taking part is free, but it is best to reserve a spot through the website of the municipality or the library. Questions can go to bibliotheek@edegem.be or 03 289 22 20.

Parent tip: Free, but you do need to reserve. A Christmas outfit is welcome but not required. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Bibliotheek Edegem (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliotheek Edegem, Vrijetijdscentrum Kruispunt, Terelststraat 1, 2650 Edegem (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliotheek Edegem (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Mortsel

Christmas lightsFree

Mortsel Wintert!

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For three days the Stadsplein in Mortsel turns into a cozy winter festival. In the craft hut (knutselkot), kids can get busy with glitter on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 pm, dress a snowman or make an ornament for the Christmas tree. On Saturday the penguins come to parade, from 2 to 3 pm and from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

The art installation Evanescent fills the square with giant glowing spheres you can walk through. The installation opens on Friday at 6 pm with The Lighted Drummers and stays up until Dec 27. There is also a market of handmade goods, wintry food and drink, live music and, on Sunday at 5 pm and 6:30 pm, a fire show. On the Gemeenteplein, the winter fair runs from Dec 5 to Jan 3.

Parent tip: Saturday and Sunday are the most fun for kids: that is when the craft hut and (on Saturday) the penguins are there.

Host
Vrije Tijd Mortsel (opens in a new tab)
Where
Stadsplein, 2640 Mortsel (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Vrije Tijd Mortsel (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Lint

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Saint Nicholas Comes to Lint (De Sint komt naar Lint)

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This year Lint celebrates its very first arrival of Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas, or “de Sint”). At 2 pm the parade leaves from OC De Witte Merel and, via the roundabout, Koning Albertstraat and the Heemkundige Kring, the procession reaches the town hall around 2:15 pm, where Dj Handjesindelucht provides entertainment. After that, children can meet Saint Nicholas and Piet (his helper), and the good children get treats.

At the bandstand by the town hall, host Stefan Beeldens takes young and old along in an exciting story: will Saint Nicholas arrive on time? Anyone who makes a drawing for Saint Nicholas beforehand can drop it in the special Saint Nicholas mailbox at OC De Witte Merel from Nov 9 through Nov 17 and so win a prize. The party is free.

Parent tip: Bring the drawing for the contest to OC De Witte Merel by Nov 17 at the latest.

Host
Lokaal bestuur Lint (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gemeentepark en gemeentehuis Lint (municipal park and town hall), Koning Albertstraat, 2547 Lint (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Lokaal bestuur Lint (opens in a new tab)

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Antwerp

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas show

Oh oh oh dennenboom Workshop Trail (parcours)

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Inspired by the family show Oh oh oh dennenboom, hetpaleis creates a parcours (interactive trail) during the Christmas holidays in which you become a pine tree yourself. What does it feel like to form a forest together, who lives underground and how does life in the forest get going? Music, theater and visuals are the starting point, and your imagination does the rest.

The parcours lasts seventy minutes and is meant for children ages four and up together with an adult. There are three sessions a day, at 10 am, 1 pm and 3:15 pm, on Dec 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. Children under 18 pay €8, adults €16. Some sessions, such as Dec 30 at 1 pm, are already sold out.

Parent tip: Everyone needs a ticket, including the accompanying adult. Reserve online, since some sessions are already full. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
hetpaleis (opens in a new tab)
Where
hetpaleis, Meistraat 2, 2000 Antwerp (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with hetpaleis (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Oh oh oh dennenboom (Oh Oh Oh Christmas Tree)

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Every year countless spruces are chopped down, but what do the trees themselves think? In this family show from hetpaleis, made by Kim Karssen and Hendrik Kegels, we meet the residents of the forest, from the wise old tree to the scrawny pine who would love to become a Christmas tree. This year they have had enough, and it becomes a full-blown pine revolution.

It is a mix of musical, object theater and slapstick, with a three-piece band playing live in a beautiful pine-forest set. The show runs from 3 to 4:20 pm and is meant for everyone ages six and up. On Wednesday, Dec 30, the show is interpreted in Flemish Sign Language. Children under 18 pay €9, young people under 26 pay €14.50 and adults pay €18.

Parent tip: For the Jan 3 show there is only a waiting list left, so book quickly for Dec 30 or Jan 2. Expect the show to be in Dutch.

Host
hetpaleis (opens in a new tab)
Where
hetpaleis, Meistraat 2, 2000 Antwerp (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with hetpaleis (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Mechelen

Saint Nicholas visit

Saint Nicholas Trail (Sint parcours) (Mechelen)

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Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas, or simply “de Sint”) is in the country, and he has dreamed up a series of extra challenges and games for the Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (Mechelen Toy Museum). From Nov 14 to Dec 6, kids search the museum for all the Saint Nicholas challenges. Can you build a gift out of LEGO or Duplo, and who jumps best on Saint Nicholas's hobbyhorse?

The trail runs every day during opening hours, from 10 am to 5 pm, and is included in the entrance ticket: €13.50 for children ages 4 to 12, €18.50 for adults and free under age 4. The museum is in the Mechelen train station. If you want to see Saint Nicholas himself, come on Nov 21, 22, 28 or 29.

Parent tip: Combine the trail with one of the days when Saint Nicholas himself is at the museum.

Host
Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen, Koning Albertplein 2B, 2800 Mechelen (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

Meet the Sint! (Ontmoet de Sint!) (Mechelen)

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On Nov 21, 22, 28 and 29, the Sint (Sinterklaas, Saint Nicholas) is a guest at the Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen. Kids can hand him their wish list in person, and the Sint has a small treat for every child. Meanwhile you do fun challenges together with your family in the museum and play games among the toy collection of past and present.

The meeting is included in the regular admission ticket: €13.50 for children ages 4 to 12, €18.50 for adults and free for children under 4. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm and is located in Mechelen station, at the kiss-and-ride zone at the back. The Sint parcours (Saint Nicholas trail) through the museum also runs until Dec 6.

Parent tip: Take the entrance at the back of the station (go down between platforms 11 and 12) or park in Parking P1 Station Mechelen.

Host
Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (Toy Museum), Koning Albertplein 2B, 2800 Mechelen (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas story time

Christmas Holiday Story Readings (Voorleessessies kerstvakantie) (Mechelen)

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During the Christmas break you can come to the Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (Mechelen Toy Museum) and listen to the adventures of Stinkhond (Stinky Dog), the hairy hero of the well-known picture books. The enthusiastic volunteers of Bibliotheek het Predikheren, the city library of Mechelen, read the funniest stories aloud at the museum.

There are two short sessions a day, at 1:30 pm and 2 pm, on Monday, Dec 21, Tuesday, Dec 22, Monday, Dec 28 and Tuesday, Dec 29. The reading is part of your museum visit, and the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm. A ticket costs €13.50 for children ages 4 to 12 and €18.50 for adults; children under 4 get in free. Note: the museum is closed on Dec 24, 25 and 31.

Parent tip: Come a bit early and see the museum first: the readings start at 1:30 pm and 2 pm. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (opens in a new tab)
Where
Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen, Koning Albertplein 2B, 2800 Mechelen (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Speelgoedmuseum Mechelen (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Mortsel

Saint Nicholas visit

Orion en de Bibliodroom: Play with a Visit from Saint Nicholas (toneel met bezoek van de Sint) (Mortsel)

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In the Bibliodroom (the dream factory), Orion's dreams are made: the dream designer thinks them up, the dream technicians carry them out and the dream director keeps an eye on everything. Until Orion suddenly disappears from his dream and turns up in the Bibliodroom itself, and the whole dream world is turned upside down.

The play is written, directed, acted and played entirely by leaders and former leaders of the scouts and guides 32/48 Sint-Albertus and Lieven Gevaert, and afterward Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas, or “de Sint”) comes to visit. There are three performances at the Mark Liebrecht Schouwburg, each about two hours. Children pay €7.50, adults €10, and with the reduced opportunity rate (kansentarief) it is €2. The proceeds go to the running of the scouts.

Parent tip: Buy tickets in advance through the activities page of Mortsel; count on about two hours including the Saint Nicholas visit. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Scouts 32/48 Mortsel (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mark Liebrecht Schouwburg, Heilig-Kruisstraat 16, 2640 Mortsel (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Scouts 32/48 Mortsel (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Lier

Christmas show

Solan & Ludwig: The Snow Machine (de sneeuwmachine) (Lier)

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In a small Norwegian village there is normally a thick blanket of snow at Christmas, but this year it stays green. The inventor Reodor builds a super-powerful snow cannon, but in the wrong hands the machine becomes dangerous. It is up to the cheeky duck Solan and the sweet hedgehog Ludwig to save the village and Christmas.

The Norwegian animated film from 2013 runs 76 minutes and is shown in a Dutch-language version without subtitles, so it also works for children who cannot read yet. The Liers Cultuurcentrum shows the film on Sunday morning, Dec 20 at 11 am at CC Vredeberg, for children ages 5 and up. A ticket costs €5, or €1 with the reduced opportunity rate (kansentarief).

Parent tip: Spoken in Dutch, so ideal for little ones who cannot read yet.

Host
Liers Cultuurcentrum (opens in a new tab)
Where
CC Vredeberg, 2500 Lier (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Liers Cultuurcentrum (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Wijnegem

Saint Nicholas visit

Saint Nicholas Show: Pietje Tique (Sinterklaasvoorstelling) (Wijnegem)

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Pietje Tique would love to go up on the roof, but he is too scared. Luckily Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas, or “de Sint”) has an idea. After that, Pietje Tique also tries his hand as a magician, though it is anyone's guess whether it all goes smoothly.

Theater Tique has been performing shows with Mannetje Tique for years, a hilarious little blue figure made of stretchy fabric who lives in his own world and speaks his own language. Two performers bring him to life together, and the interaction with the audience makes it extra fun for young children. The show lasts one hour, on Sunday morning, Nov 29 at 10:30 am at Den Blijk in Wijnegem. A ticket costs €9, or €7 with UiTPAS.

Parent tip: Buy tickets in advance or at the box office; with UiTPAS you pay €2 less. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Gemeenschapscentrum 't Gasthuis Wijnegem (opens in a new tab)
Where
Den Blijk, Turnhoutsebaan 199, 2110 Wijnegem (opens in maps) (near Antwerpen)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Gemeenschapscentrum 't Gasthuis Wijnegem (opens in a new tab)

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More Christmas events for kids in Belgium

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.com.be (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Antwerp: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Antwerp?

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Antwerp, each on its host’s own page: Orion en de Bibliodroom: Play with a Visit from Saint Nicholas (toneel met bezoek van de Sint) (Mortsel), Saint Nicholas Comes to Lint (De Sint komt naar Lint) (Lint), Welcome for Saint Nicholas (Ontvangst Sinterklaas) (Edegem) and 10 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Antwerp?

Yes, 5 of the 13 events here are free: Saint Nicholas Comes to Lint (De Sint komt naar Lint) (Lint), Welcome for Saint Nicholas (Ontvangst Sinterklaas) (Edegem), Winter in Antwerp (Winter in Antwerpen) and 2 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Antwerp?

Where to see Santa: Orion en de Bibliodroom: Play with a Visit from Saint Nicholas (toneel met bezoek van de Sint) (Mortsel), Saint Nicholas Comes to Lint (De Sint komt naar Lint) (Lint), Welcome for Saint Nicholas (Ontvangst Sinterklaas) (Edegem) and 3 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Antwerp?

Christmas story times on this page: Saint Nicholas Comes to Lint (De Sint komt naar Lint) (Lint), Christmas Holiday Story Readings (Voorleessessies kerstvakantie) (Mechelen) and Verhaalkabaal: Christmas Special (Kerstspecial) (Edegem). Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Antwerp

In Antwerp the festive month begins on the river, when Sinterklaas arrives by boat beside the city's oldest building. A few weeks later, the old center lights up for Winter in Antwerp, with a covered ice rink around the statue of Rubens.

How Antwerp celebrates Christmas

Antwerp's season has two big moments. First, in November, comes the arrival of Sinterklaas, the gift bringer. Then, in December, comes Winter in Antwerp, the city's winter festival, with a Christmas market, a giant tree, light tunnels, a covered ice rink and a Ferris wheel.

For a visiting family, the first surprise is that Sinterklaas arrives by boat on the Scheldt river. The boat docks at the pontoon on the Steenplein, right beside Het Steen, the oldest surviving building in the city, built between 1200 and 1225 as the gatehouse of the Antwerp castle. In 2025 the Sint then walked to the Grote Markt and spoke to the children from the town hall balcony.

Sinterklaas, the boat from Spain and the Christmas market

Sinterklaas is based on Saint Nicholas, the patron of sailors and merchants. By tradition he comes from Spain, so a boat on the river suits a harbor town. No one knows for sure why Spain: some link it to 1087, when his relics went to Bari, a city that later belonged to the Spanish kingdom of Naples, and others to the tangerines the Sint brings. Kids can enjoy both stories.

On December 6, Belgian children find their presents. Until December 5, the Sint visits schools and hospitals.

The Christmas market is much younger. According to a Brussels outlet, it began growing strongly around 2010. It started on the Groenplaats, then the Grote Markt and the Suikerrui joined. Since 2023 the Hendrik Conscienceplein and the Operaplein are part of the festival too.

Planning a Christmas visit to Antwerp with kids

The season on this page begins in mid-November with Sinterklaas events in the towns around Antwerp. Edegem has a free parade and meet-and-greet on November 18, and Lint holds its first-ever free arrival on November 21. The Toy Museum in Mechelen offers a Sinterklaas play trail from November 14 to December 6 and meetings with the Sint on four November weekend days.

Winter in Antwerp itself starts on Friday, December 4, 2026 and runs to January 3, 2027. Entry is free, and rides and attractions cost extra. Later come a free three-day winter festival in Mortsel on December 11 to 13, a Christmas film in Lier on December 20 and theater workshops at the hetpaleis theater.

Most events are in Dutch, so check with the host if you need English.

A detour, wishes and 23 choirs

On November 15, 2025, the Sint had to take a detour. That weekend a new section of the Scheldt tunnel was being lowered into the river, so he came from Hoboken instead of the harbor. Singer Bart Peeters and the mayor were waiting to greet him at the Steenplein.

Winter in Antwerp ran from December 5, 2025 to January 4, 2026 at seven spots in the center. The big Christmas tree carried 1.2 kilometers of lights, there was a 1,000-square-meter covered ice rink on the Groenplaats and about 1.5 million people came. More than 2,600 wishes hung on the wish tree on the Grote Markt, and 23 choirs sang in a singing Christmas tree. In 2024 the Sint even stayed inside Het Steen for weeks, from November 16 to December 6.

Traditions today

  • The arrival of Sinterklaas at the Steenplein: In November the Sint's boat docks beside Het Steen. He walks along the quays and the Suikerrui to the Grote Markt and addresses the children from the town hall balcony.
  • Winter in Antwerp: A little over four weeks of Christmas markets, light tunnels and winter bars at seven spots in the center. In 2026 it starts on December 4.
  • Skating on the Groenplaats: A covered 1,000-square-meter rink around the statue of Rubens, under a roof of lights.
  • The Ferris wheel: During Winter in Antwerp the wheel stands on the Astridplein and gives a view over the city lights.
  • The nativity scene on the Handschoenmarkt: At the foot of the cathedral you find a Christmas crib, charity chalets and a singing Christmas tree with choirs.
  • New Year fireworks: On December 31, 2025 about 120,000 people watched the fireworks along the Scheldt and in the historic center.

A fact for kids

Het Steen, where the Sint's boat docks, is the oldest building in Antwerp, about 800 years old. In 2025 the Sint even had to sail a detour because a piece of tunnel was being lowered into the river.

Questions about Christmas in Antwerp

Is Antwerp worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes. You can see Sinterklaas arrive by boat in November, skate under a roof of lights on the Groenplaats and ride a vintage carousel. Many events nearby are free, including parades and a winter festival in Mortsel.

When does Winter in Antwerp start in 2026?

It starts on Friday, December 4, 2026 and runs to January 3, 2027. In 2025 it ran from December 5 to January 4, a little over four weeks, at seven spots in the center.

What is Winter in Antwerp?

It is the city's winter festival, with a Christmas market, a giant tree, light tunnels, winter bars, a covered ice rink, a Ferris wheel and a vintage carousel. Entry is free, and attractions cost extra.

Where does Sinterklaas dock in Antwerp?

At the pontoon on the Steenplein, next to Het Steen. In 2025 he then walked along Het Steen, the Ernest Van Dijckkaai and the Suikerrui to the Grote Markt. Around 2:45 p.m. he addressed the children from the town hall balcony.

Why does Sinterklaas come by boat?

Saint Nicholas is the patron of sailors, merchants and children, and by tradition he comes from Spain. A boat on the Scheldt suits a harbor city, and he docks beside Het Steen, the oldest building in Antwerp.

Why does Sinterklaas live in Spain?

Nobody knows for sure. Some link it to 1087, when the relics of Saint Nicholas went to Bari, a city that later belonged to the Spanish kingdom of Naples. Others think of the tangerines the Sint traditionally brings.

What is Het Steen?

It is the oldest surviving building in Antwerp, built between 1200 and 1225 as the gatehouse of the Antwerp castle. What stands today is less than 5 percent of the old castle. Since 2021 it has been a tourist welcome center.

Why did Sinterklaas take a detour in Antwerp in 2025?

On November 15, 2025, a company was lowering the sixth section of the new Scheldt tunnel into the river. That part of the river was closed, so the Sint came from Hoboken instead of the harbor. Bart Peeters and the mayor waited for him there.

Can you watch the Sinterklaas arrival from home?

Yes. In 2025 the Flemish broadcaster showed it live from 1:30 to 3:10 p.m. In 2020, during lockdown, nobody could come to the quay, and kids watched only on TV.

Is the Sinterklaas arrival in Antwerp accessible?

In 2025 there were spots for wheelchair users and sign language interpreters near the stage on the Grote Markt, and a listening aid on the Steenplein and Grote Markt. The city recommended coming on foot, by bike or by public transport.

Did Sinterklaas really stay in Het Steen?

Yes, in 2024. From November 16 to December 6 he stayed in Het Steen, where helpers guided groups of up to 25 visitors through the halls with games, riddles and jokes. Good kids got a treat, and there was a treasure hunt in the center afterwards.

When did the Antwerp Christmas market start?

According to a Brussels news outlet, it began growing strongly around 2010 and started on the Groenplaats. The Grote Markt and the Suikerrui came later. In 2023 the market and a winter fair moved from the quays to the Operaplein and the Hendrik Conscienceplein, which are part of Winter in Antwerp now.

Where is Winter in Antwerp held?

In 2025 it used seven spots: the Steenplein, the Suikerrui, the Grote Markt, the Handschoenmarkt, the Hendrik Conscienceplein, the Groenplaats and the Operaplein. The Suikerrui had light tunnels, and the Operaplein a nostalgic carousel.

Can you ice skate in Antwerp at Christmas?

Yes. In 2025 a covered 1,000-square-meter rink stood on the Groenplaats around the statue of Rubens, under a roof of lights, with Christmas chalets and a winter bar beside it. Being covered, it works in the rain too.

Where is the Ferris wheel in Antwerp at Christmas?

On the Astridplein, where it gives a view of the city's lights during Winter in Antwerp.

How big is the Christmas tree in Antwerp?

The height was not announced, but the big tree carried 1.2 kilometers of lights in 2025. The city also put up 21 small and three large Christmas trees in the center, and a wish tree on the Grote Markt held over 2,600 wishes.

Where is the nativity scene in Antwerp?

On the Handschoenmarkt at the foot of the cathedral. In 2025 there were also charity chalets and a singing Christmas tree where 23 choirs performed. It is a quieter corner, good with small children.

How crowded is Winter in Antwerp?

Very. In 2025 about 1.5 million visitors came over about four weeks, including 170,000 on the opening weekend. A year earlier it was 1.3 million. With little kids, pick a quiet time of day.

Are there fireworks on New Year's Eve in Antwerp?

Yes. On December 31, 2025 about 120,000 people watched the fireworks along the Scheldt and in the historic center. On January 4 the city closed Winter in Antwerp with a New Year message and singing on the Grote Markt.

Are there Christmas theater shows for kids near Antwerp?

Yes. The hetpaleis family musical about Christmas trees rebelling against being cut down is for ages 6 and up and plays December 30, 2026 and January 2 and 3, 2027. A 70-minute workshop, where kids 4 and up and their parents become a pine forest, runs December 21 to 23 and 28 to 30.

Where can kids meet Sinterklaas near Antwerp?

Several towns hold free events: a parade and meet-and-greet in Edegem on November 18 for ages 2 to 9, and Lint's first-ever arrival on November 21. In Mechelen, the Toy Museum has meetings with the Sint on four November weekend days, included with admission.

Are there free Christmas events near Antwerp?

Yes. Examples are the Edegem parade, the Lint arrival, an Edegem Christmas story hour with a craft on December 12 (registration required) and the Mortsel Wintert festival on December 11 to 13 with a kids' craft corner, a penguin parade and a fire show.

Are Christmas events in Antwerp in English?

Most events are in Dutch, the local language. Parades, markets, rinks and lights do not need much language, but plays and story hours do, so check with the host.

Sources

  1. Intrede van Sinterklaas in Antwerpen op 15 november, VRT NWS
  2. Sinterklaas moet omvaren door werken aan Oosterweel-Scheldetunnel, VRT NWS
  3. Sinterklaas and his helpers will dock in Antwerp on 15 November, Belga News Agency
  4. De Sint verblijft wekenlang in het Steen, BFTP
  5. Antwerp Christmas Market 2025 features 70 stalls, ice rinks and lights, Brussels Morning
  6. Winter in Antwerp 2025-2026: 1.5M visitors, 120k for New Year's fireworks, Trip by Trip
  7. 'Winter in Antwerp' attracts 1.5 million visitors, The Brussels Times
  8. Sinterklaas will still come to Belgium this year, despite lockdown, The Brussels Times
  9. Sinterklaas, Wikipedia
  10. Het Steen (Antwerpen), Wikipedia
Kelsey Cecil
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