Discover the enchanting Ghent Christmas Market Tour, a must-experience activity for those seeking to enjoy the city’s festive charm. This 1.5-hour private tour takes visitors on a journey through the market’s vibrant stalls, where they’ll uncover the rich history and traditions behind Ghent’s beloved holiday celebrations. Guided by a local expert, you will savor the aroma of mulled wine, browse an array of artisanal crafts, and gain a deeper appreciation for the unique cultural heritage that makes this event so special. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour promises to leave you with lasting memories of Ghent’s captivating Christmas atmosphere.
Key Points
- The 1.5-hour Christmas market tour in Ghent, Belgium, explores the festive atmosphere with over 150 stalls featuring traditional treats, crafts, and local wares.
- The tour offers insights into Belgian Christmas history, architecture, and cultural traditions like the origins of the Christmas tree and significance of holiday dishes.
- The tour includes a dedicated local guide, customization options, and a hassle-free experience, with all gratuities and entrance fees covered.
- The market experience immerses visitors in the scents of pine and mulled wine while offering the opportunity to savor warm glühwein and explore unique artisanal creations.
- The tour showcases the key market locations in Ghent, including Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt, providing a comprehensive exploration of the city’s festive traditions.
Tour Overview
The Ghent Christmas Market Tour typically lasts 1.5 hours, allowing visitors to explore the festive atmosphere of the city.
The tour is priced at €187.17 per group of up to 15 participants and starts at the iconic Saint Bavos Cathedral. Offered in both English and French, the private group experience lets you learn about Ghent’s holiday traditions.
The market boasts over 150 stalls spread across several locations, each offering an array of festive treats, crafts, and gifts. As you wander the stalls, you’ll be enveloped by the scents of pine resin and mulled wine, truly capturing the essence of a Belgian Christmas celebration.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ghent
Booking Information
Booking the Ghent Christmas Market Tour is straightforward, as you can check availability for starting times and reserve your spot without any upfront payment.
Plus, you can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility makes it easy to plan your holiday festivities without the worry of non-refundable fees.
The tour can accommodate private groups of up to 15 participants, so you can enjoy the festive market experience with family or friends.
Whether you book the tour in advance or on the day, you’re guaranteed a seamless and memorable journey through Ghent’s enchanting Christmas wonderland.
Market Experience
Visitors can explore over 150 stalls brimming with festive treats, handcrafted gifts, and local wares throughout the picturesque squares of Ghent’s Christmas market.
The stalls are situated at Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt, allowing guests to enjoy the city’s captivating holiday culture, with the scents of pine resin and mulled wine filling the air.
From traditional Belgian cookies and Christmas tree ornaments to unique artisanal creations, the market offers an array of tempting options for visitors to discover.
Whether browsing the stalls or savoring a warm cup of glühwein, the Ghent Christmas market provides an authentic and enchanting experience.
Cultural Highlights
Beyond the festive market stalls, the Ghent Christmas tour also offers insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage and holiday traditions. Guests can learn about the Belgian Christmas history, both past and present, as they explore the Romanesque and Gothic church architecture that defines Ghent’s picturesque cityscape. The guide shares stories of Ghent’s unique Christmas customs, like the origins of the city’s iconic Christmas tree and the significance of traditional Belgian holiday dishes. To further immerse guests in the local culture, the tour incorporates interactive activities, such as a tasting of mulled wine and an opportunity to try on traditional Flemish attire.
Cultural Highlights | Past | Present |
---|---|---|
Belgian Christmas History | Origins of traditions | Modern celebrations |
Ghent’s Architecture | Romanesque churches | Gothic cathedrals |
Local Customs | Iconic Christmas tree | Holiday cuisine |
Tour Inclusions
The Ghent Christmas Market tour package includes a dedicated local guide to lead the group, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.
Customization options are available throughout the tour, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their interests.
Plus, all gratuities and entrance fees are covered, providing a hassle-free and inclusive tour.
The tour inclusions feature:
-
Local guide dedicated to the group
-
Customization options during the tour
-
Gratuities and entrance fees covered
-
Personalized and immersive experience
-
Hassle-free and inclusive tour package
Ready to find more treasures? More shopping adventures we recommend in Ghent
Explore Festive Stalls
One can explore over 150 stalls offering a stack of festive treats, crafts, and gifts across several locations in Ghent’s Christmas market.
The stalls are situated at Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt, providing a delightful array of holiday delicacies and handmade crafts.
Visitors can enjoy the local holiday culture, taking in the scents of pine resin and mulled wine that permeate the air.
From unique artisanal goods to traditional Belgian specialties, the stalls at Ghent’s Christmas market offer an enchanting shopping experience, allowing guests to discover the city’s rich festive traditions and customs.
Discover Belgian Traditions
Along With exploring the festive stalls, the Ghent Christmas Market Tour takes visitors on a journey to uncover the rich tapestry of Belgian holiday traditions and customs. Throughout the tour, the local guide shares insights into the country’s deep-rooted yuletide heritage:
-
Discover the origins of the iconic Belgian Christmas tree, a symbol of seasonal cheer dating back to the 16th century.
-
Learn about the legend of Saint Nicholas and his helpful companions, who visit children’s homes on the eve of December 6th.
-
Gain an appreciation for the significance of spiced bread, or ‘lebkuchen,’ a beloved holiday treat with centuries-old roots.
-
Explore the role of the nativity scene in Belgian Christmas celebrations, a cherished tradition passed down through generations.
-
Understand the cultural importance of the Ghent Altarpiece, a renowned 15th-century masterpiece that holds a special place in the hearts of locals during the festive season.
Recap
The Ghent Christmas Market Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s festive spirit.
Guided by a local expert, visitors can discover the rich history behind Belgian holiday traditions, savor mulled wine, and explore an array of charming stalls filled with artisanal gifts and delectable treats.
This 1.5-hour tour is the perfect way to experience the magic of Ghent’s Christmas celebrations.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in Ghent
More Tour Reviews in Ghent
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ghent we have recnetly reviewed
- 2 Best Shopping Tours In Ghent
- 5 Best Food Tours In Ghent
- 2 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Ghent
- 9 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Ghent
- 2 Hours Private Historical Walking in Ghent
- Pub Trail Ostend: an Adventure Full of Surprises
- Belgium: Discover the Best of Brussels on Our Guided Tour
- Ghent Christmas Market & Castle of Counts 2 Days From Paris
- Ghent Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game
- Discover Mons While Playing! Escape Game – the Walter Case
- Kortrijk Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game
- Escape Room