Weekendo
Winter in Antwerp
Flanders' biggest Christmas market runs from the Grote Markt to the Operaplein, with an ice rink on Groenplaats and New Year fireworks.
opens Sun 15 November, 10:00
Antwerp ZOO
ZOO Antwerpen · Antwerp, BelgiumSeason15 November – 31 March 2027
Todayclosed
Entrysee below
Whereoutdoors
Price varies by day. Adult (18+): €30.50 in the winter period, €2 less online at least one day ahead (€28.50). Under-3s free.
The market is inside Antwerp LEZ
Cars registered abroad must be registered (free) before entering — otherwise a fine. Check that your car meets the Euro norm.
Guide: what to doofficial website
Official P+R outside the LEZ: Linkeroever, Merksem, Luchtbal, Melsele, Olympiade, Schoonselhof, Boechout, Wommelgem, Bosuil (Linkeroever/Melsele: check the tram service).
About the event
Founded in 1843, Antwerp ZOO combines animals with 19th-century architecture such as the Egyptian temple and the Winter Palace. On cold days much of the visit can be spent indoors: the aquarium with its coral reef, the reptile house, the apes and the hippos. In winter the zoo opens daily from 10 am to 4 pm, Christmas and 31 December included. The day's programme of feedings and keeper talks is posted at the entrance. Tip: come by train, as the entrance is right beside Antwerp Central; buying online at least a day ahead saves €2.
Season calendar
November 2026
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December 2026
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January 2027
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February 2027
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Tap a day to see the hours.
openclosedspecial hours
Opening hours
10 am–4 pm confirmed day by day up to 31 December 2026 (24, 25 and 31 Dec included). 2027 hours not yet published; closing is often later towards the end of winter. Members from 9 am.
| Monday | 10:00–16:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Friday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00–16:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00–16:00 |
Combine with
Christmas markets nearby for the same trip.
Lier Christmas market
Christmas market in Lier — from 11 December to 13 December 2026. More than 100 stalls on three squares, live music and Christmas brass bands; a free 'Sacred Garden' light trail in the city park on 11–12 December.
Sint-Niklaas Christmas market
Christmas market in Sint-Niklaas — from 11 December to 20 December 2026. Dozens of chalets on one of Belgium's largest market squares, over two weekends.
Mechelen Christmas Market
About 50 stalls on the Korenmarkt, Haverwerf, Van Beethovenstraat and Vismarkt along the River Dijle, on December weekends.
Herentals Christmas market
Christmas market in Herentals — 13 December 2026. A one-day market on the Grote Markt with stalls by local associations and charities, part of the Winterlicht programme.
Dendermonde Christmas market
Christmas market in Dendermonde — from 10 December to 27 December 2026. Free entry. Wooden chalets around a large ice rink and a 12-metre tower bar: crafts, regional products, food and drink.
Antwerp ZOO33 markets nearby