Christmas, one of my favorite holidays of the year. And the Christmas markets are one of the only things that will make me leave my home to defy the cold weather outside. The Christmas market of Ostend is one of these markets. Santa Claus can also be found in Ostend this year.

The Santa Claus boat

But did you know that there is a boat known as the Santa Claus boat? Of course it is not the Santa Claus that brings children presents on Christmas eve, but the Dutch Santa Claus who visits children on the sixth of December who used to use this boat. The boat will be in Ostend for "Ostend for Anchor" and will be open for visitors.

Wapenplein

There are two places in Ostend you have to go to for the Christmas market. The first is situated at the wapenplein. This is the place to go to if you have children, since Santa Claus has placed a temporary home there you can come and visit. You can also take pictures together with Santa Claus.

Leopoldpark

If you follow the Christmas lights after this you will automatically end op at a park in Ostend, the Leopoldpark. I think this is probably the busiest place in Ostend right now. Adults, teenagers, children, every age class can be found eating a snack from a stand, drinking the traditional gluhwein, ice skating and so on.

The nice thing about this ice skating rink is that is it placed on a lake. This way it is situated in the middle of the park and the stands are placed all around it. Even when leaving the park there are Christmas trees everywhere and a lot of buildings and even boats are decorated with lights. The ideal place to enjoy the Christmas spirit with your friends or family. Another great Christmas market is located in Leuven.

The author

Eline Melis

I am Eline, from Belgium, and doing my internship at itinari. I have always been curious about other cultures and, for other curious ones, I want to show the places I know best!

View all my stories

Are you ready to experience this story yourself?

Book your trip