Christmas Tree Burning on Mariakerke Beach

Burning the Christmas trees on the beach is a long-standing way to close the festive season on the Belgian coast, and Ostend holds its kerstboomverbranding on the Strandplein at Mariakerke, the quieter seaside district west of the centre. Families gather around a large bonfire of spent Christmas trees, right on the sand with the North Sea behind.

It takes place on Saturday 9 January 2027. There are food and drink stalls on the beach, an announced extra attraction, and the evening ends with fireworks over the sea. Entry is free.

The Strandplein is at the end of the Northlaan, by the Northlaan coast-tram stop. Opening and start times had not been published when we checked, so look at the city’s event calendar before setting out. The same day the Christmas tree maze along the beach has its final outing, so the two can easily be combined.