Ostend Christmas Lights Walk

The Keignaerttrippers walking club runs its annual Christmas-lights walk through Ostend on Saturday 19 December 2026, now in its 18th edition. It is a relaxed, organised walk — the kind of volkssport tocht that is a Flemish winter institution — timed so you see the city’s Christmas lighting come on at dusk.

The route takes in the Christmas market, the ice rink and a lit tunnel in the centre. Walkers set off at their own pace from the start point between 10:00 and 18:00, and the fixed participation fee is €3.

Registration is at the VIVES college campus on the Slachthuiskaai, on the harbour side of the centre. Walks like this usually offer routes of different lengths; wear warm, comfortable shoes, and bear in mind that the later you start, the more of the lights you will catch.