Christmas Experience in Ghent – Walking Tour

Ghent, Belgium transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, and visitors can experience the enchanting Christmas spirit on a delightful walking tour. Beginning at the majestic Gravensteen Castle, the guided journey immerses guests in the city’s rich history and festive ambiance as they stroll along the beautifully decorated Lys River. Captivating insights from a local professional illuminate the twinkling lights, artisanal crafts, and seasonal treats that make Ghent a must-see destination. The tour concludes at Sint-Baafsplein, the epicenter of holiday magic, where a towering Christmas tree and charming market stalls await. With so much to discover, it’s easy to see why this Christmas experience in Ghent is quickly becoming a favorite among travelers.

Key Points

• Immerse in the festive ambiance of Ghent with a 2-hour guided walking tour highlighting the medieval Gravensteen Castle and the Christmas-decorated Lys River.
• Explore the vibrant Sint-Baafsplein, the heart of Ghent’s Christmas magic, adorned with a towering tree and lively wooden chalets.
• Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Ghent through insightful commentary from a professional local guide.
• Enjoy opportunities to admire the twinkling lights, wreaths, and garlands decorating the bridges and balconies along the picturesque Lys River.
• Benefit from a straightforward booking process with flexible starting times and a full refund policy for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Christmas Experience in Ghent is a 2-hour walking tour that takes visitors through the enchanting streets of the historic city.

Priced from €423.00 per group (up to 4 participants), the private tour is led by a professional local guide and offered in English.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour begins at the iconic Gravensteen Castle, where guests spend 30 minutes exploring the awe-inspiring medieval architecture.

Next, they’ll walk along the festively decorated Lys River for 30 minutes before ending at Sint-Baafsplein, the epicenter of Ghent’s Christmas magic.

Visitors can expect to gain insights into the city’s history and local traditions while seeing the fairy tale atmosphere of Ghent during the holiday season.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests begin the Christmas Experience in Ghent at the Gravensteen, a medieval castle that captivates with its awe-inspiring architecture.

After a 30-minute guided tour of the castle, the group embarks on a 30-minute walk along the beautifully decorated Lys River.

The festive decorations along the scenic riverside create a fairy tale atmosphere.

The tour concludes at Sint-Baafsplein, the epicenter of Christmas magic in Ghent.

This iconic location, filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer, offers the perfect end to the Christmas experience.

Itineraries are subject to change, but the tour consistently showcases Ghent’s striking landmarks and rich local traditions.

Tour Experience

Participants enjoy Ghent’s captivating Christmas ambiance as they explore the city’s beautifully decorated sites and striking landmarks.

A professional local tour guide provides insightful commentary, sharing intriguing anecdotes that bring the history and local traditions to life.

The tour experience offers:

• Insights into Ghent’s rich history and cultural heritage
• Exposure to the fairy tale atmosphere of the city during the Christmas season
• Opportunities to admire the festive decorations along the scenic Lys River
• Encounters with awe-inspiring medieval architecture, such as the Gravensteen Castle
• Exploration of the iconic Sint-Baafsplein, the epicenter of Christmas magic in Ghent.

Attractions

Several captivating attractions await visitors on the Christmas Experience in Ghent walking tour.

First, there’s the awe-inspiring Gravensteen Castle, a medieval architectural marvel dating back to the 12th century. Participants will spend 30 minutes exploring its impressive grounds and learning about its rich history.

Next, the tour takes visitors along the festively decorated Lys River, offering a scenic 30-minute stroll.

The tour culminates at the iconic Sint-Baafsplein, the epicenter of Ghent’s Christmas magic, where the tour guide will share intriguing anecdotes about the city’s local traditions.

Throughout the experience, attendees can expect to be enchanted by Ghent’s beautifully decorated sites and striking landmarks.

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Booking Information

Booking the Christmas Experience in Ghent walking tour is straightforward.

Customers can reserve their spot without immediate payment and check availability for starting times and select participants and date.

The meeting point is the main entrance of the Medieval Castle Gravensteen, which can be easily found on Google Maps.

There’s an additional €8 admission fee for the Stadshal / City Pavilion.

• No immediate payment required to reserve your spot
• Check availability for starting times and select participants and date
• Meeting point at the main entrance of Medieval Castle Gravensteen
• Easily found on Google Maps
• Additional €8 admission fee for the Stadshal / City Pavilion

Starting Location

The Christmas Experience in Ghent – Walking Tour starts at the iconic Gravensteen, a magnificent medieval castle located in the heart of Ghent.

Participants will meet at the main entrance of the castle, which dates back to the 10th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.

During the 30-minute stop at the Gravensteen, the guide will provide insights into the castle’s impressive architecture and its role in Ghent’s history.

From this starting point, the tour will continue along the Lys River, allowing participants to admire the festive decorations illuminating the scenic waterway.

Festive Decorations

After exploring the awe-inspiring Gravensteen Castle, participants embark on a scenic 30-minute stroll along the picturesque Lys River.

The banks of the Lys come alive with a dazzling display of festive decorations, including:

• Twinkling string lights that adorn the trees and lamp posts
• Vibrant Christmas wreaths and garlands adorning bridges and balconies
• Sparkling snowflake-shaped lights that dance across the water’s surface
• Whimsical wooden sculptures and life-sized nutcracker figures
• Cozy wooden chalets selling hot mulled wine and seasonal treats

This enchanting walk transports visitors into a fairy tale, as they enjoy Ghent’s magical Christmas atmosphere.

Christmas Magic

Stepping away from the festive decorations along the Lys River, visitors arrive at the epicenter of Christmas magic – Sint-Baafsplein. The iconic location is filled with an enchanting atmosphere, where a stunning Christmas tree stands tall, surrounded by charming wooden chalets. Visitors can browse the local artisanal crafts and indulge in traditional holiday treats, creating lasting memories.

Attractions	Description
Christmas Tree	A towering centerpiece adorned with twinkling lights
Wooden Chalets	Quaint market stalls offering unique gifts and delicacies
Local Artisans	Showcasing their handmade products and crafts

This captivating square embodies the essence of Ghent’s Christmas spirit, inviting visitors to enjoy the fairy tale-like setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should be mindful of respecting the privacy of other participants. Guests are encouraged to capture the festive atmosphere and scenic sights they encounter along the way.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the walking tour. However, they should be mindful of not disrupting the group or leaving any litter behind. Consuming food and beverages during the tour is at the discretion of the guide.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations Available?

The tour provides accessibility accommodations, including wheelchair access and assistance for participants with mobility challenges. Visitors should contact the tour provider in advance to discuss any special needs or requirements.

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour is comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Layers are advised as the temperature can fluctuate throughout the tour. Participants should dress for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

The tour does not require any special equipment. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves walking outdoors along the Lys River and exploring the city. No specialized gear is needed.

Recap

The Christmas walking tour in Ghent offers a delightful experience, immersing visitors in the city’s rich history and festive ambiance. From the majestic Gravensteen Castle to the charming St-Baafsplein, the tour showcases Ghent’s enchanting holiday spirit. Travelers can delight in twinkling lights, artisanal crafts, and seasonal treats, making it a truly magical winter wonderland. The guided tour provides captivating insights, ensuring a memorable exploration of Ghent’s Christmas magic.

You can check if your dates are available here: