Gentse Winterfeesten
Ghent's winter festival with 150+ wooden chalets winding through the historic centre plus an ice rink and ferris wheel, and from 2026 onward running until the last Sunday of the Christmas holidays.
ⓘ Recurring event. The 2026 date is the usual window; confirm the exact date closer to the event.
Position Gentse Winterfeesten as a must-visit European winter destination combining historic charm with festive attractions, driving holiday travel bookings and seasonal spending.
- 150+ wooden chalets through Ghent's medieval streets—a winter market lover's dream
- Ice skating + ferris wheel + holiday shopping in one historic city centre
- Extended 2026 season: plan your winter escape through early January
- Festive family day-trip or weekend getaway from across Europe
The Gentse Winterfeesten transforms the historic heart of Gent into a sprawling winter festival with over 150 wooden stalls stretching from Sint-Baafsplein to Korenmarkt . The festival attracted 2.5 million visitors in the last edition, making it Gent's most-visited event . From 2026, the festival will no longer end on 31 December but on the last Sunday of the Christmas holidays . [ " More than 150 wooden chalets spread across Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije and Korenmarkt ", " Ice-skating rink under the Stadshal, Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views, and carousel ", " Gravensteen castle transformed into a Winter Wonderland castle ", " Culinary offerings from Belgian treats to international flavours including Peruvian cuisine and Asian specialties ", " Cosy Christmas chalets, festive atmosphere and entertainment throughout ", " Free entry; costs only for rides, food and special events " ]
Notable campaigns1
- Belgian Lottery (Loterie Nationale): Sponsors and covers major Ghent events including Gentse Feesten; leverages event content for branded content marketing with CTA to online gaming hub.
Campaign ideas8
- Sponsor a 'Brand Lounge' chalet with exclusive tastings (food/beverage brands especially well-positioned—think Belgian breweries, chocolate makers, coffee roasters).
- Launch a limited-edition holiday product tie-in (packaging, flavors, or bundles) with Gentse Winterfeesten branding; sell exclusively at market stalls.
- Create an Instagram filter or AR experience tied to iconic Ghent architecture (Three Towers, Ferris wheel) with brand callout; encourage #GentseWinterfeesten shares.
- Host a student night takeover (mid-week late-night activation) targeting Ghent's large university population; DJ set, drink specials, photo booth.
- Partner with local craft vendors for a co-branded gift box or 'artisan collection' bundle—position your brand as champion of handmade/local.
- Sponsor ice rink entry or hot drink stations with branded cups; create a social moment around the winter experience (skating selfies, warmth).
- Run a 'Countdown to Winterfeesten' email/SMS campaign to locals 3 weeks prior with early-bird offers or exclusive preview access.
- Launch a cause-driven angle: donate a % of festival sales to a winter/holiday charity; emphasize warmth & community (resonates with Ghent's vibe).
Social angles6
- "Gent's best-kept winter secret ❄️ We're at the Gentse Winterfeesten until Dec 31—grab your [product] and embrace the magic. #GentseWinterfeesten #WinterWonderland"
- "Hot chocolate. Ice skating. Handmade gifts. That's the Gentse Winterfeesten energy. ✨ Join us under the Three Towers. #GhentWinter #LocalBelgium"
- "Student vibes meet medieval charm 🎄 Late-night chalets, craft beers, and 150+ stalls. Ghent's festival hits different. #GentseWinterfeesten #GhentNightlife"
- "Medieval city. Modern festival. 150+ wooden chalets spread across historic Sint-Baafsplein, Korenmarkt & beyond. This is winter done right. #GhentChristmas #WinterFeels"
- "Ferris wheel views over illuminated spires. Ice rink beneath the Stadshal. Roasted chestnuts & mulled wine. 🎡❄️ Gentse Winterfeesten starts Dec 4. #CozyWinter #BelgianChristmas"
- "We're bringing [artisan/local/craft ethos] to the Gentse Winterfeesten. Limited-edition [product] available exclusively at [location]. #SupportLocal #GentseWinterfeesten"
Ad copy starters5
“"Escape to Ghent's Winter Wonderland. 150 chalets, ice skating & craft beer. Dec 4–Jan 3. #GentseWinterfeesten"”
“"Medieval spires. Modern magic. Discover Europe's coziest Christmas market in Ghent."”
“"Handmade gifts. Roasted chestnuts. Late-night chalets with 3,000+ students. Gentse Winterfeesten starts now."”
“"[Your Brand] is bringing warmth to Ghent's coldest nights. Find us at the Winterfeesten."”
“"Ferris wheel selfies, hot chocolate, & no crowds. Ghent's festival > Brussels' crowds. Winterfeesten.be"”
Tips4
- Lean into Ghent's underdog positioning vs. Brussels/Bruges—emphasize authenticity, student energy, less touristy vibe, and local artisan focus. Brands that champion 'real' over 'Instagram-perfect' will resonate.
- Target late-night (weekends especially): The festival stays open until 1am with a strong student/après-ski bar culture. Evening activations (DJ sets, happy hours, photo opportunities) outperform daytime approaches.
- Bundle food/beverage with experience: This is a market where people spend on drinks and treats. Sponsoring the ice rink, hot-drink stations, or food chalets is more effective than abstract brand presence.
- Run a 3-week lead-up campaign: Festival awareness peaks in early Dec. Start email, social, & paid ads in mid-November; localize messaging to Ghent/Flanders residents (many day-trip visitors).