The Ghent Christmas market with kids: 5 must-do activities

Last year around Christmas I travelled with my husband Robin and our two children, Maeve (4) and Miles (1) to the Ghent Christmas market. Not only they but also we were amazed by the covered roller skating rink, all the colourful stalls and the winter wonder castle. During the dark winter months, the historical centre of Ghent turns into a true winter paradise for young and old. And everything is within walking distance! These are our best tips for winter in Ghent with the whole family.

1. The Christmas market 

At the annual Christmas market in Ghent, you will experience the true magic of Christmas. Stroll past more than 150 illuminated Christmas stalls with charming Christmas items, traditional crafts and original gifts for the holidays. Taste the most delicious hot drinks and snacks for young and old, such as Glühwein, hot chocolate, pancakes and oliebollen. From St. Baafsplein to the end of the Korenmarkt, wooden chalets, sparkling attractions and richly decorated Christmas trees adorn the streets of Ghent.

2. Churches in the area

With so many beautiful Christmas lights and decorations in the city, you could almost forget to look up. That's a shame, because beautifully lit monumental buildings tower above the Ghent Christmas market, such as the 10th-century Saint Bavo's Cathedral . Step inside and admire the metres-long nativity scene that decorates the cathedral every year. No fewer than 16 Christmas scenes, a rotating windmill and a river with flowing water make it a real mini Christmas village. Afterwards, children can view the Christmas market from above in the flying sleigh of the reindeer mill opposite the cathedral. In addition, you will find the Romanesque Saint Jacob's Church and the 18th-century Saint Nicholas' Church within a ten-minute walk . Our daughter Maeve couldn't get enough of it!

3. The roller skating rink

Roll over a smooth, snow-white floor and imagine yourself on the ice. At the Ghent Christmas market, the classic ice rink has been replaced by a trendy and environmentally friendly roller skating rink . The 400 square meter roller skating rink runs under the City Hall , so you stay nice and dry in wet weather. It is the ideal place for children to learn to (roller) skate, because if you fall, you won't get a wet bottom! You can also leave your gloves, hat and waterproof pants at home. Roll with the whole family under the silver disco balls and stop at the après (roller) skating bar Chez Babette to quench your thirst. Our children were just a little too young for the roller skating rink, but watching from the sidelines with a warm waffle and a glass of Glühwein is also very cozy!

4. The Ferris wheel

The literal highlight of winter in Ghent is the 45-metre-high Ferris wheel 'Grand Soleil' on the Korenmarkt, which is beautifully lit and can be seen from far away. For children it is an amazing experience to float up in a cabin and enjoy a spectacular view of the Ghent Christmas market and the surrounding churches. 'Again, again!' Our kids couldn't get enough of it. Do you prefer to stay a bit closer to the ground? Then step into one of the large Christmas balls of the Sapin Magique, a giant moving Christmas tree on the square of the cathedral.

5. The Winter Wonderland Castle

End your visit to the Christmas market in the mystical winter wonder castle . During the winter months, the centuries-old Gravensteen castle, near the Christmas market, is transformed into a fairytale castle with magical lighting and Christmas music. Stroll through the richly decorated castle, have your photo taken in a sleigh, hang up a Christmas wish and enjoy a beautiful view of the historic city centre from the keep. Tip: visit the Gravensteen Winterbar .

Foto: Foto: Martin Corlazzoli / © Stad Gent-Dienst Toerisme

Hotspots for lunch and dinner with children

After so many activities you will definitely get hungry and thirsty. And there is no shortage of food at the Christmas market! Enjoy a pancake, warm waffles or a hot chocolate at one of the many nativity scenes.

Would you rather take your time? Plop down with the whole family in the atmospheric Mémé Gusta , where you can dine in a living room atmosphere. While you wait, the hospitable waiters provide the little ones with pencils and coloring pages. The menu includes traditional dishes for young and old, such as stew, shrimp croquettes, vegetarian options and a children's menu with adapted portions. The centrally located family restaurant Uilenspiegel is also recommended. In the afternoon, the children can enjoy home-made pancakes and Brussels waffles, while in the evening you can choose from classic Flemish and French dishes for the whole family .

Accommodation tip: Novotel Gent Centrum

There is nothing better than a comfortable and centrally located hotel when you are traveling with children. The Novotel Gent Centrum is located in the middle of the Christmas market, just behind the Korenmarkt, and has connecting rooms for families. This way you can easily take a break for the children's afternoon nap in between Christmas shopping. The hotel is located in a beautiful 14th-century building and has a modern interior. While the little ones are sleeping, you can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, sauna or cozy bistro. We will definitely be back!

This article was created in collaboration with Visit Gent. For more travel inspiration for a city trip to Ghent, take a look at the website of Visit Gent .