Ostend Christmas Market and Ice Rink

Ostend’s Christmas market returns to the Wapenplein, the main square of the old town, under a new organiser for 2026. Wooden chalets, a carousel, bars and a kiosk fill the square, and for the first time the nearby Sint-Petrus-en-Paulusplein becomes a dedicated family square, with children’s animation and a covered rink of 600 square metres of real ice. The two squares are about seven minutes’ walk apart.

The market runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, open daily from 11:00 to 22:00 and until 23:00 at weekends. Entry is free. Skating costs €10 including skate hire, or €9 if you bring your own; Ostend associations pay €6.50 and schools €5, and the UiTPAS Kansentarief is €2. The chalets run from oliebollen and waffles to a grill house, a bistro and a Christmas cocktail bar.

Dogs are welcome on a lead and both squares are wheelchair accessible; the public toilets cost €1. The market is a short walk from Ostend station and sits beside the city’s shopping streets. In the evenings the Lichtgolf light walk passes the church square, so the two make an easy winter outing to combine.