Mechelen in Vuur en Vlam
Free fire-art walk through Mechelen's centre with fire sculptures and interactive installations.
Drive foot traffic and local engagement through an immersive, Instagram-worthy fire-art experience that positions Mechelen as a cultural destination.
- Behind-the-scenes fire sculpture creation and artist interviews
- User-generated content campaign: #MechelenInVuurEnVlam fire-art photos
- Partner with local restaurants/hotels for bundled 'art walk + dining' packages
- Virtual tour or time-lapse of installations for reach beyond attendees
Mechelen in Vuur en Vlam is a winter festival at its seventh edition, running across three weekends and three distinct locations. The festival starts on 6–7 December in Tivolipark, moves to Hombeek's village centre on 13–14 December, and concludes in Mechelen's historic city centre on 20–21 December 2026. Each location features its own unique atmosphere with highlights including musical fire welcomes, atmospheric light projections and a fire spectacle 'Vuur Elize' on the Grote Markt.
Part 1
6–7 December 2026 (Friday–Saturday)
- Fire installations and spectacular fire shows throughout the city centre: Grote Markt, IJzerenleen, Bruul, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat, Sinte Mettetuin and Kruidtuin.
- The Vurige Winterstoet (Fire Winter Parade) featuring fiery stilt walkers, an impressive fire giant and elegant fire bird, departing Veemarkt at 19:30 and concluding in Kruidtuin at 20:45.
- Warm drinks and food chalets at De Post location
- small festive Christmas market on Friday, Saturday and during Shopping Sundays.
- Musical fire welcome
- in Hombeek, the local brass band Braaband Hombeek performs on Friday evening.
- Cosy winter walks with fire and light animations
- warm drinks and snack stalls to warm up.
- Multi-thousand visitor event and one of the largest in Mechelen.