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BELGIUM |
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Location:
Antwerp
2012 dates to be confirmed
10 Dec - 01 Jan 2012
The festivities this year officially begins 10 December 2011 with a stunning light parade. The light parade will enthral you with its spell-binding sight and sound extravaganza. Floats, fire jugglers, dancers, acrobats and other sparkling characters will spirit their way along the quays of the Scheldt. Ell Circo d’ell Fuego and Theatre Tol will give this fairy-like light parade an Antwerp accent while Father Christmas is billed to play the star role! .
Christmas market
This year the Christmas market will extend across several squares, forming a trail through the city centre from Steenplein over Suikerrui to Grote Markt.
Around the statue of Brabo there will be two circles with chalets. A new section of the Christmas market will also be added in Handschoenmarkt. These chalets will be arranged in a triangle, opposite the Cathedral.
A visit to Antwerp’s Christmas market is an excellent opportunity for a pleasant walk through the city.
Info
From 10/12 until 28/12 (Grote Markt, Suikerrui and Handschoenmarkt) and from 10/12 until 8/01 (Steenplein)
Sun-Wed from 12 noon until 8 p.m.
Thu-Sat from 12 noon until 11 p.m.
24/12 and 31/12 from 12 noon until 6 p.m.
1/01 from 2 until 8 p.m.
Free of charge
Skating with a view of the Scheldt
The ice rink has been a permanent fixture for several years. This year the city hopes to entice visitors with a new location in Steenplein: skating overlooking the Scheldt. In Steenplein you will also find part of the Christmas market and the ice rink, as well as a pleasant terrace with chalets for food and beverages. Steenplein: the place to be during the highly enjoyable holiday season!
Info
From 10/12 until 8/01
Sun-Wed from 12 noon until 8 p.m.
Thu-Sat from 12 noon until 11 p.m.
24/12 and 31/12 from 12 noon until 6 p.m.
1/01 from 2 until 8 p.m.
Steenplein
4 euro, including skate rental
Ferris wheel
Fancy a breath of fresh air or getting a bird’s-eye view of the hustle and bustle in the city? Then board the Europa Rad on Steenplein and experience the festive season from a height. From this 55-metre high, 42-gondola giant observation wheel, you are guaranteed to enjoy the most breath-taking panoramic views of the city.
Info
From 10/12 until 8/01
Every day from 12 noon until 11 p.m.
Steenplein (cruise terminal)
5 euro for adults, 3 euro for children
Music For Life in Groenplaats
During the Christmas period Antwerp not only wants to be a vibrant city and a shopping city, but also a warm and inclusive city..
Het Glazen Huis [The Glass House] of Music For Life is about to retrace the route it has travelled these past number of years. Between 21 and 23 December, het Glazen Huis will stop on Groenplaats. As is customary, the Red Cross and radio station Studio Brussel will once more use this Music For Life event to highlight a ‘silent killer’. This year’s theme is diarrhoea, the most common cause of death amongst children under the age of 5. Express your solidarity and help turn the 2011 event into another top edition.
Check out www.antwerpen.be for special Christmas deals!
Information:
Antwerp Tourism & Congress
Phone: ++32 3 232 01 03
Email: visit@stad.antwerpen.be
www.antwerpen.be/visit
Join us on facebook (The Insiders Travel Guide to Antwerp)
www.antwerpen.be |
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How to say "Merry Christmas" in Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
No idea where to go this winter?
Try Christmas shopping in Antwerp!
Antwerp, home of the Flemish Baroque master Rubens, not only has a wealth of outstanding museums, picturesque galleries, sculpted streets and beautiful architecture, it contains also a rich and diverse range of stores. Christmas shopping in Antwerp means strolling around in the many pedestrian streets, past historic houses and pleasant shopping centers all within walking distance.
Here is the ideal mix for your city break shake:
- Easily reached by train or plane,
- An excellent array of accommodations,
- Top it all off with a shopping extravaganza,
- Add a sprinkle of culture in our museums and churches,
- Stir it all with a fantastic selection of winter events,
- Shake it well with some great restaurants and cafes,
- And serve with a splendid New Year’s fireworks display!
- We’ll throw in the wintry setting and magical lights for free…
- The perfect blend for your Christmas shopping!
Dates 2010-2011 Edition:
Christmas holidays: Saturday 25 December 2010 until Sunday 9 January 2011
Opening Parade on the quays and in Steenplein: Saturday 11 December 2010
Start of the Christmas market in Steenplein, Suikerrui, Market and Handschoenmarkt: Saturday 11 December 2010
Start Steenplein ice rink: Saturday 11 December 2010
Sunday shopping: Sunday 12 and Sunday 19 December 2010
Music For Life in Groenplaats: Saturday 18 until Friday 24 December 2010
New Year’s Fireworks: Friday 31 December 2010
End of Christmas market: Sunday 2 January 2011
End of ice rink: Sunday 9 January 2011
New Year's Reception: Sunday 9 January 2011 (tbc)
Christmas tree bonfire in Linkeroever: Saturday 15 January 2011
For more information, please go to:
www.shoppinginantwerp.be
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Groenplaats - Christmas Market |
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New Year’s fireworks display,
What better way to mark the transition from old to new than with a fireworks show? This year, the Antwerp fireworks will be launched from a pontoon near the Zuiderterras and the pedestrian tunnel. The pyrotechnic spectacle will last 20 minutes. This unique firework extravaganza was specially designed for the city and will be combined with festive music. You will be able to watch and hear the entire show from both quays along the Scheldt. Once the display is over, there is nothing stopping you from partying the night away in the city centre.,br>
Info
31/12
At midnight
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Additional services provided:
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