Weekendo
Gentse Winterfeesten (Ghent Winter Festival)
Ghent's Christmas market spreads across several squares in the historic centre, with chalets, an ice rink and winter bars open late.
opens Sun 15 November, 10:00
Kristallijn ice rink, Ghent
IJsbaan Kristallijn · Ghent, BelgiumSeason15 November – 31 March 2027
Todayclosed
Entrysee below
Whereindoor
From €9 per person, skate hire included. Booking online recommended.
About the event
Kristallijn, near Ghent University Hospital, welcomes the public every day, with afternoon sessions and several evening sessions a week, plus extra sessions during school holidays and public holidays. Skate hire (sizes 25 to 50) is included in the ticket, and a bar overlooking the ice lets companions watch. You choose a half-hour arrival slot online and then skate until the session ends. Some Friday evenings turn into 'Techno on ice'. Tip: gloves are compulsory, dress in layers, and come by car or bike: parking is free, but the nearest bus stop is almost 2 km away.
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.
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Opening hours
Sample week (16–22 November 2026); the schedule is published weekly and changes in school holidays. Some Friday evenings: 'Techno on ice'.
| Monday | 14:00–16:30 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 14:00–16:30, 20:00–21:30 |
| Wednesday | 14:00–16:30, 20:00–21:30 |
| Thursday | 14:00–16:30, 20:00–21:30 |
| Friday | 14:00–16:30, 17:00–18:30 |
| Saturday | 14:00–18:00, 20:00–21:30 |
| Sunday | 10:00–11:30, 14:00–18:00, 20:00–21:30 |
- Fri 25 December — closed. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Fri 1 January — closed. Closed on 1 January.
Combine with
Christmas markets nearby for the same trip.
Zottegem Christmas market
Christmas market in Zottegem — from 3 December to 27 December 2026. A covered Christmas market with a central bar, food corner and chalets, Thursday to Sunday in December.
Lokeren Christmas market
Christmas market in Lokeren — from 11 December to 12 December 2026. A small two-evening market with 12 chalets of Christmas gifts.
Oudenaarde Christmas market
Christmas market in Oudenaarde — 4 December and 27 December 2026. A winter village in front of the Gothic town hall, a skating rink, Santa in the Bisschopskwartier, a light parade and a horse-drawn carriage.
Eeklo Christmas market
Christmas market in Eeklo — from 18 December to 20 December 2026. A Christmas weekend on the Markt with stalls run by local associations and shops.
Aalst Christmas market
Christmas market in Aalst — from 11 December to 3 January 2027. A food village on the Grote Markt and about 12 non-food chalets on the Hopmarkt, during the [OVER]WINTEREN festival.
Kristallijn ice rink, Ghent40 markets nearby