Christmas Tree Maze on Mariakerke Beach

Every Christmas holiday, Ostend turns the beach at Mariakerke, the quieter seaside district west of the centre, into something unusual: a maze made of 500 Christmas trees, standing in the sand with the sea behind them. It is free and aimed at young and old, and makes a good excuse for a winter walk along the beach.

The maze is open from 18 December 2026 to 9 January 2027. On the final day, Saturday 9 January, the trees are burned on the beach at the Strandplein, an Ostend tradition that marks the end of the festive season, with food and drink, a show and closing fireworks. Entry to the burning is free as well.

The maze is at the Strandplein end of the Northlaan, near the Northlaan coast tram stop. Opening hours and the start time of the tree burning have not been published yet, so check the city’s event calendar before you go. The maze is on soft sand and not suitable for wheelchairs.