[Over]Winteren

[Over]Winteren is Aalst's signature winter festival where the city centre is immersed in festive winter atmosphere for four weeks. Running from 11 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 , the event transforms three central squares into winter wonderlands with ice skating, Christmas markets, street theatre, and family activities. The event partners with local brewers and merchants for food and beverage stalls , creating an inclusive, community-driven celebration. Massive 550 m² covered ice rink on Hopmarkt with panorama bar overlooking the rink Spectator shows including ice skating performances by Kevin Van der Perren, meet & greets with Elsa and Disney characters, ice hockey and figure skating initiation programmes ChristmasFood Village with winter cuisine on opening weekend, followed by creative Christmas markets on subsequent weekends Impressive Christmas tree, twinkling carousel, and 200 m² Austrian-style winter chalet on Grote Markt with après-ski atmosphere Four winter shopping Sundays (14, 21, 28 December 2026 and others) with stores open 14–18 hours for festive year-end shopping Aalst Twinkelt opening day features more than 150 shops open until 22:00 for evening shopping with street theatre, fire performances and musical acts