A weekend in Antwerp for the Christmas Markets

Antwerp is a Dutch-speaking city in the small European country of Belgium. It’s one of the main cities, second to Brussels (the capital), and has one of the largest ports in the world. It’s a historic economic and cultural stronghold in the ‘low countries’. As a result, there are plenty of interesting things to visit, especially at a festive time of year.

In the run-up to Christmas Antwerp hosts one of Europe’s lesser-known Christmas Markets. It’s a quaint and charming Christmas market. Think huddling by the log fire drinking gluhwein (mulled wine) or stealing a kiss under the mistletoe in the Grote Markt.

The Antwerp Christmas markets are sprawled across the city centre so it’s a cosy, local affair. Usually, the markets open on the first weekend of December. In 2019 the markets will open on December 7th and close in the new year on January 5th 2020. That’s plenty of time to get into the Christmas spirit and keep it that warm feeling going into the new year.

The Grote Markt is also a lovely place to visit. It’s bursting with bars and restaurants, is home to the town hall and other traditional style Belgian architecture. All in all a nice spot to thaw out in with a drink or some food after spending the day exploring the markets.

Antwerp Winter Wonderland Activities

In the Winter months the city posts illuminated signs up around the city directing you to the special festive events. There’s one signposting you to an open air ice rink on Groenplaats Square. This is a short walk from the Grote Markt. Nothing says Christmas more than wobbling around on an ice rink with your mates, watching your breath in the cold air as you huff and puff to stay up-right. Once again there are some great places to grab a bite to eat after you’ve exhausted yourself with all that skating. Make sure you find time to try:

• The Belgian beers — they’re super strong so will warm you through to your cockles
• A true Belgian waffle — doused in chocolate there is almost nothing better!

If skating’s not your thing, then take a walk towards the Scheldt river. Here you’ll find an impressive Ferris Wheel twinkling from 55m high. A short ride offers you unparalleled views of Antwerp and the markets spread out below. I’d recommended a nighttime trip for a more magical experience. You can see sparkling Cathedral and the river twinkling in the darkness as Christmas lights reflect all around. Breathe in the cool, fresh air and relish in the freedom of this open-air carousel.

For activities based firmly on the ground try your hand at a game of outdoor mini-golf or the kids can have fun on the artificial slopes and try tubing. For a more relaxing experience, there’s the Winter Wellness centre. Steam your worries away in the sauna and soak in the hot tub to forget how many Christmas presents you still need to buy.

Antwerp’s Cathedral at Christmas

Religious or not, the Cathedral of Our Lady is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It also hosts several pieces of art from the KMSKA gallery (currently closed for renovations at of the time of writing). These religious masterpieces are complementary to the cathedral backdrop. Admire the brushwork as the light cascades through the stained glass windows.

The cathedral took 169 years to build and was completed in 1521. The intricate spire can be seen from all around the city — a staple in any panoramic shot of the city. In Winter the spire is bathed in red light with dancing snowflakes projected on the walls. Just opposite the Cathedrals entrance is a tall Christmas tree and the special 360-degree nativity scene.

Antwerp’s Museums

If you’re looking for a break from the cold Antwerp has plenty of museums to check out.

The first I’d recommend is the Rubens House (Rubenshuis). This is the home and studio of the infamous (or soon to be once you’ve spent any time in Antwerp) Pieter Paul Rubens. The building itself was built in 1611 and then extensively restored back in 1937 when is was transformed into the museum you see today. Filled with artwork from Rubens and other prominent artists like Anthony Van Dyck it’s an indulgent space. Rubens and his wife collected paintings and sculptures to fill the house, many of which now reside all over the world. Overall it’s an impressive place to explore whether you’re an art lover or not.

The UNESCO World Heritage ‘Museum Plantin-Moretus’ is a vast 16th Century building overflowing with history. It’s home to the world’s first industrial printing works. Books and manuscripts lay everywhere with topics ranging from medicine to cartography to religion and more. The museum includes:

• a library from 1640,
• a bookshop from 1700 (complete with lists of banned books)
• several rooms with beautiful and intricate gilded leather walls.

It’s also interesting to learn about the original printing processes first carried out some 400 years ago.

If you’re into contemporary art there’s the KMSKA gallery. This Museum of Modern Art features both temporary and permanent collections. As a relatively small museum, you don’t need too much time to explore this one without feeling rushed.

For photographic works from traditional and modern photographers check out the FOMU (Foto Museum). The permanent collection features historic works showing Europe and its people over the past few centuries. It’s fascinating to compare the world we know now with how it used to be, as shown in this collection. There are also temporary exhibitions demonstrating a wider cultural and social context.

2011 brought a newer museum to the city — the MAS museum — which boasts an incredible 470,000 items! When you first arrive take a moment to appreciate the striking architecture. The 10 storey complex seems built from box like structures placed one on top of the other. Each floor is purposefully designed to lead you through a story that tells of Antwerp’s connection to the world. There are four central themes: power, metropolis, ports and, life and death. Each exhibit uses modern media (photography and videos) alongside traditional paintings, sculptures and artefacts to complete the story. Do be sure to set aside a good afternoon to make sure you have time to visit this museum to avoid missing out.

The top floor (which is free entry to all) provides a wonderful panoramic view of Antwerp from a height of 60m. If the weather’s bad though take a look at the view from each floor as you make your way up. You might find there’s no need to brave the exposed roof top view.

If you’re serious about spending time in Antwerp’s Museums then consider the Antwerp City Card. This gives you free access to most of the museums, churches and public transport alongside other discounts. These are available for 24, 48, or 72-hour durations.

A Train Station to Remember

If you’re coming by train I’d highly recommend you stop to admire the Central train station when you get off. Avoid hurrying through and instead gaze at the 1905 neo-Gothic exterior, and the dome (best viewed from inside). In fact, it’s so beautiful you should take a detour to go and see it. Heralded as one of the world’s five most beautiful train stations it would basically be rude not to take a look.

Originally posted on Sage Adventures travel & wellness lifestyle blog: www.sageadventres.co.uk.