Antwerp Christmas Market

Antwerp, the main city of Flanders and the second city of Belgium, is located along the Scheldt river almost 100 km from the sea, but despite the distance, the sea has made the fortune of the city. In fact, since the 13th century Antwerp, thanks to its strategic position between Germany and the sea, became an important commercial center frequented by Venetian, Florentine, Genoese, English, Spanish and German merchants.

In the 15th century Antwerp overtook Bruges, which until then had been the main port in the area and then, in the 16th century, with the expansion of European trade to America and Asia, Antwerp became one of the most important and busiest European ports , but towards the end of the century the city, due to the revolt of the United Provinces, began a period of decline from which it never recovered.

Antwerp retains many interesting buildings from its golden age, some, such as the 16th century Old Town Hall (Stadhuis) and guild houses, overlook its most beautiful square, the Grote Markt, where the Market is usually held Christmas. Antwerp’s Gothic cathedral, dedicated to Our Lady, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (part of the Beffrois of Belgium and France).

ANTWERP CHRISTMAS MARKET

Christmas in Antwerp is rich in many types of events, obviously not missing the classic Christmas market held in the heart of the old city, but Antwerp also has its own beautiful ice skating rink – which is usually set up in the Steenplein – there is also the Christmas village, concerts and three large Christmas trees in Koningin Astridplein, Handschoenmarkt and Grote Markt.

1) Antwerp Christmas Market (Kerstmarkt Antwerpen). The stalls of this market occupy the Grote Markt – the ancient market square -, the Handschoenmarkt, the Steenplein, the Suikerrui and the Groenplaats. You will find an infinite number of Christmas decorations, gift items and local cuisine products.

Christmas markets in Groenplaats, Grote Markt, Suikerrui and Steenplein.

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