Weekendo
opens Thu 17 December, 17:00
Ploegsteert Christmas market
Christmas market in Ploegsteert (Rue de Messines 22) — Thursday 17 December 2026, 17:00–23:00. A local market: check the details with the organiser before you go.
hours not confirmed yet
Cassel Carnival – Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman
Centre de Cassel (Grand'Place) · Cassel, FranceSeason7 February – 29 March 2027
2027 dates not confirmed yet
Todayclosed
EntryNo price is given on the official sites.
Whereoutdoors
About the event
The small hilltop town of Cassel holds two carnivals a year around its giants. The winter carnival falls on the Sunday before Mardi gras, and only Reuze Papa comes out. The summer carnival, on Easter Monday, is the only day of the year when Reuze Maman appears. The two giants, dating from 1827 and 1860, belong to the processional giants of Belgium and France recognised by UNESCO. In 2027 Easter Monday marks Reuze Papa's 200th birthday, and the organisers have invited carried giants from other towns. Traditionally the day opens with a drum wake-up call and ends with a torchlit return; the detailed 2027 programme will be published later.
Season calendar
February 2027
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March 2027
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Tap a day to see the hours.
season dates, hours not confirmed yet
Dates and hours
Winter carnival: Sunday 7 February 2027 (expected, based on tradition), times not published. Easter Monday 29 March 2027 (confirmed) – traditional programme: drum wake-up at 6 am, Harlequin band at 10 am, 'Four Merveilleux' and visiting groups at 2.30 pm, Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman come out at 5 pm, torchlit return at 10 pm. 2027 times still to be confirmed.
Combine with
Christmas markets nearby for the same trip.
opens Thu 17 December, 17:00
opens Thu 10 December, 15:00
Warneton Christmas market
Christmas market in Warneton (Rue du Gheer 56) — Thursday 10 December 2026, 15:00–20:00. Free entry. A local market: check the details with the organiser before you go.
opens Sun 6 December, 10:00
Houthem Christmas market
Christmas market in Houthem (Rue de Wytschate) — Sunday 6 December 2026, 10:00–18:00. Free entry. A local market: check the details with the organiser before you go.
De Panne Christmas market
Christmas market in De Panne — from 12 December to 3 January 2027. A Christmas village on the Markt with chalets, music and performances, food stalls and an ice rink.
hours not confirmed yet
Comines Christmas market
Christmas market in Comines (Rue du Pont-Neuf) — from 10 December to 13 December 2026. Free entry. A local market: check the details with the organiser before you go.
Diksmuide Christmas market
Christmas market in Diksmuide — from 11 December to 13 December 2026. Traditional chalets on the Grote Markt: a Christmas run on Friday, a carillon concert, jazz concert and DJ party on Saturday, a sled slide and family entertainment on Sunday.
Cassel Carnival – Reuze Papa and Reuze Maman14 places nearby