Weekendo
Mechelen Christmas Market
About 50 stalls on the Korenmarkt, Haverwerf, Van Beethovenstraat and Vismarkt along the River Dijle, on December weekends.
opens Sun 15 November, 10:00
Planckendael ZOO
ZOO Planckendael · Mechelen, BelgiumSeason15 November – 31 March 2027
Todayclosed
Entrysee below
Whereoutdoors
Price varies by day. Adult (18+): €32.50 in the winter period, €2 less online at least one day ahead (€30.50). Under-3s free. Dino Nights: separate ticket.
About the event
Planckendael, the 'nature park' run by the same society as Antwerp ZOO, spreads across a large wooded estate in Muizen. Animals are grouped by continent – Asian elephants, rhinos, giraffes, bears and birds – with generous play areas for children. In winter the park opens every day from 10 am to 4 pm, Christmas and 31 December included. Distances are long, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a robust pushchair. Tip: buy online at least a day ahead to save €2, and pair the day visit with Dino Nights (separate ticket, reduced on the same day), listed in our Lights & festivities section.
Season calendar
November 2026
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
December 2026
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
January 2027
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
February 2027
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
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. Members from 9 am. Dino Nights (separate ticket): until 3 January, Thu–Sun and daily in the holidays except 24 and 31 December, until 10 pm.
| 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.
Vilvoorde Christmas market
Christmas market in Vilvoorde — from 11 December to 13 December 2026. 35 chalets run by local associations on the Grote Markt, on the opening weekend of Winters Vilvoorde.
Grimbergen Christmas market
Christmas market in Grimbergen — from 11 December to 13 December 2026. Free entry. The centre becomes a winter village: 75 stalls of crafts and winter food, with entertainment in the abbey basilica and on the market square.
opens Sat 12 December, 10:00
Neder-Over-Heembeek Christmas market
Christmas market in Neder-Over-Heembeek (Ferme Nos Pilifs) — Saturday 12 December 2026, 10:00–18:00. Free entry. A local market: check the details with the organiser before you go.
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.
Leuven Christmas Market
More than 120 stalls on Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein, in front of the University Library, for 18 days before Christmas.
Planckendael ZOO43 markets nearby