Christmas in Antwerp: you should not miss these tips
Oo la la la, are you lucky enough to have that? Christmas in Antwerp can celebrate. It has long been the case that you no longer have to go to Germany for a magical Christmas experience, because in Belgium they also know how to hang lights, play Christmas music and how to pour mulled wine. Belgian favorite? Maybe Antwerp, because you are inside no time by car or train. And if you go, do it right, because these places in the city will have the most magical Christmas.
And oh yes, while you're there: Then definitely check out our favorite catering establishments in the city!
You celebrate Christmas together, that's the first thing. At least we hope so and we wish it for everyone. Family, friends, your own family: withdraw yourself, hang out in pajamas all day, watch Christmas movies, Mariah & co on the speakers and only change clothes (in velor and glitter of course) when the food is on the table. Peace on earth in the best possible (and tastiest) way we can think of. But… No one says you have to do that at home, do they? Correct. Every Christmas we prefer to choose a large house in a nice location that is accessible to everyone and where we do exactly what we describe above, with the only adjustment being that a walk outside is much more fun somewhere other than at home.
With the risk of losing our own (Christmas) addresses, we prefer to stay at one of the enormous holiday homes of Wonderful in Antwerp or Blessed by the Sea. In Antwepen, owner Kathleen has two houses: one in the Leeuwenstraat where you can stay with 10 people, and one in the Lange Ridderstraat where no fewer than 14 people can spend the night! Both houses are hidden in the heart (heart, heart, heart!) of Antwerp city center.
That's a party, especially for the little ones because the sleeping quarters of both houses have crazy and very clever sneak-through beds that are in a kind of white 'bunk bed caves'. Spending the night with nieces and nephews has rarely been more fun! And yes, both houses (and this also applies to the other houses spread across the Flemish coast) are equipped with everything you could possibly need during such a long (Christmas) weekend, from tips in the neighborhood to all kitchen utensils. for an extensive Christmas meal. And don't book now. Thanks.
Antwerp is especially beautiful at Christmas. And very nice: from November 24 to December 31, 2022 you have the World of Aperitivo in Antwerp. When you set foot in Christmas Valhalla, you understand where those promises come from. At MARTINI (and Bart!) they love it la dolce vita and that is noticeable. The store is full of festive gifts, christmasy decoration and table accessories and stuff that takes your drinks to a higher level. The arrival of Santa Claus is not the only reason for a party, the MARTINI Floreale and MARTINI Vibrante are also celebrated: festive rascals that belong to MARTINIs famiglia di aperitivos. In the store you can mix them to make your own cocktail. With a shopping basket in one hand and a cocktail in the other, Christmas shopping suddenly becomes a lot less stressful. The fact that you don't have to pack them yourself also makes a big difference.
A bit cliché, but hey, the Ferris wheel is part of it. And this Ferris wheel in Antwerp scores points because you can go there around Christmas for an unforgettable breakfast or aperitif moment. This means that you can drink or eat something at a height of 45 meters for 50 minutes (with a maximum of four people).
Breakfast? Have them. The Bubbels in the Sky breakfast is perfect for you. Would you prefer something else? The apero range includes all kinds of snacks from goat's cheese to charcuterie and from a savory macaron to a white truffle.
Then we will forward you to Barts Best of: cup of coffee, brekkie and brunch in Antwerp. There is no shortage of nice breakfast, coffee and brunch shops in the always nice Anvers.
Kill two birds with one stone Boker Tov on the South, diagonally opposite the KMSKA. Open from 08.00 a.m. to 20.00 p.m. you can go here for breakfast to brunch and early dinner. And anyone who has tasted Tel Aviv before knows that your table will be full of small dishes such as hummus, muhammara, pita, za'atar, tabbouleh, olives and more. In the Deli & Gift Shop you can quickly score original gifts for under the Christmas tree.
Sorry, we can't resist mentioning another cocktail spot (we are enthusiasts after all). Enjoy sipping festive cocktails Marnigold. Since September 2022, you will find Marnigold on the Antwerp Friday Market, named after the symbolic gold flower.
Ten points for the interior, which is inspired by the golden years of Hollywood with a nod to major cities such as London and Paris. In addition to cocktails, there is also wine and beer here. Take a look at them here Instagram page.
Discover Antwerp with the kids? Five districts and their associated ones nicest catering addresses in Antwerp, here you go!
Christmas means sweets. You will find the best vegan sweets at Have a Roll. After a successful first pop-up, Have a Roll continued to run at full speed. Combine your visit to Antwerp with a delicacy.
Until the holidays they sell an almond paste with cinnamon roll flavor at the Oudaan.
It reopened in September 2022 KMSKA its doors, after an eleven(!) year renovation. Besides looking at art, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant here Madonna. This museum is compared to the Rijksmuseum and we understand that. The building is beautiful, enormous and you will find both old and more modern art.
And of course there is something special during the Christmas period: amateur artists get the chance to exhibit their work. And here again the opportunity to shop; The museum's gift shop will provide original gifts this year.
- Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library: what do Harry Potter and Christmas have in common? Magic it is. The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library immediately gives you the feeling that you have entered the world of Harry Potter. It has been preserving cultural heritage for more than five centuries.
- COCOON: wellness in the heart of the city at the wellness revelation COCOON. Here you will find all beauty services under one roof and you can literally retreat to your own private cocoon. You choose your light settings and the music that is played. In the meantime, have your hair taken care of, enjoy a manicure and finish with a relaxing massage.
- Want to shop for more gifts? You must have this list.
- Old school Winter fun: from Central Station, a string of lights leads you to the historic heart of the city. The city fills with classics such as the Christmas market and the skating rink on the Groenplaats.
No place to sleep yet? Then read about this one first 19 hotels and B&Bs in Antwerp.
But to stay in the Christmas spirit you can choose one of the various hotels in Antwerp, which will happily contribute to the magical end-of-year feeling. Zo you can reach hotel FRANQ a Holiday Package books. Upon arrival you will be welcomed with a hot aperol or hot chocolate. The room is filled with gifts (and a Winter in Antwerp guide) and the next day you start with a breakfast with bubbles. To top it all off, there is also it Holiday Season Culinary Package.
