6x Winter activities in atmospheric Ghent

1. The Winter Wonderland Castle

In the heart of the city you will find the fairytale castle Gravensteen . Between 11 December and 9 January a visit to the castle is even more magical. During this period the castle is completely decorated in winter and Christmas atmosphere. Between the atmospheric illuminated walls and decorated Christmas trees you will learn about the knightly culture of the twelfth century. Follow an audio tour narrated by the Ghent comedian Wouter Deprez and then enjoy a drink in the Winterbar.

^{Foto: Kasteel Gravensteen / Bas Bogaerts / Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme}

^{Foto: Kasteel Gravensteen / Martin Corlazzoli / Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme}

2. Christmas shopping in Ghent shops

In December, Ghent is the place to be for your end-of-year purchases . Stroll through the atmospheric streets and warmly decorated shop windows during the coldest days of the year. The extra shopping Sundays make it even easier to shop when it suits you. Shop locally and discover the many Ghent shops and their owners, who are only too happy to introduce themselves to you. 

^{Foto: Kerstmarkt / Martin Corlazzoli / Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme}

3. A winter walk through atmospherically lit Ghent

Is the winter too dark and grey for a city trip to Ghent? No way! Between 26 November and 16 January, the city centre is extra atmospherically lit. Many lights hang above the streets and the shop windows are completely in winter theme. On the Korenmarkt, a huge Christmas tree shines in front of the Sint-Niklaaskerk. Take a walk through the city centre and along the Graslei and Korenlei for picturesque reflections in the Leie River. Also visit The Blue Birds by Maeterlinck, which was given a permanent spot on the Predikherenlei after the Ghent Light Festival in 2012.

^{Foto: Winter in Gent / Martin Corlazzoli / Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme}

4. Night at the museum

On December 2nd, several museums will open their doors for a nocture . Plan your own route along the museums that appeal to you and book your tickets online. Enjoy a cozy evening among other art lovers until 22:00.

Our tip: the American and European pop art in SMAK . Admire the work of Andy Warhol, Panamarenko and Roy Lichtenstein, among others.

^{Foto: Museum S.M.A.K / Bas Bogaerts / Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme}

5. The Ice Rink

Ice skating in the open air in the centre of Ghent is possible from 3 December to 9 January in the Stadshal on the Emile Braunplein. Atmospheric lighting, winter music and a Christmas tree in front of the historical buildings: you won't find a cosier ice rink. Are you done skating? Then you can get a drink at Ray , a bar in a greenhouse that is also known as 'the greenhouse of Little Turkey'.

^{Foto: IJspiste / Bas Bogaerts / Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme}

6. Pop-up bars in a winter atmosphere

This winter you have a wide choice of pop-up bars in the city centre of Ghent. Drink a hot drink between Christmas trees and ancient walls in Gravensteen Castle or enjoy the festival atmosphere and live music in the covered forest in the Zebrastraat . At Bar Bricolage at the Oude Gentse Dokken you can enjoy new encounters and delicious snacks and drinks around a campfire. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays there are concerts and workshops.

^{Foto: Binnenstad Gent / Martin Corlazzoli / Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme}

Plan your winter trip to Ghent

You read it: Ghent is the place to enjoy winter atmospheres. On the website of Visit Ghent you will find many more activities and all information about the opening hours and accessibility of the above-mentioned attractions.