Leuven Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Leuven Christmas Market is an annual event in Leuven, Belgium. The market has been around for over 30 years and attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually. It features 140 stalls selling a variety of goods, from crafts to food. The market is usually open from the first Thursday in December to a few days before New Year's Day, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Leuven Christmas Market takes place in the city center at Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein squares. These areas are near significant landmarks like the Leuven Town Hall and University Library. The market is part of a broader winter event called “Leuven Winter Time”, which includes other activities like light trails and food festivals. One of the market's highlights is its authentic local experience. Many vendors are local artisans offering unique Belgian gifts like lacework and speculoos biscuits. There's a focus on a cozy and intimate atmosphere, further heightened by thousands of twinkling lights and seasonal music. Family-friendly attractions like a carousel and Santa's cottage add to the appeal.

Entry to the market is free. Visitors only incur optional costs like buying items or participating in rides. It is close to many of Leuven's main attractions such as the University Library, Leuven Town Hall and several museums and gardens. The market is also known by its Dutch name “Leuvense Kerstmarkt”. Food options at the market include typical Belgian items like waffles, speculoos biscuits, stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew) and a variety of Belgian beers.

What is the Leuven Christmas Market?

The Leuven Christmas Market is an annual Christmas market that takes place in the heart of Leuven, Belgium. With a history spanning over 30 years, it has grown to become one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the country, typically attracting over 800,000 visitors each year.

The market features around 140 festively decorated stalls set up across two central squares – Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein. The stalls offer a wide range of Christmas-themed items including handmade crafts, ornaments, toys, clothing, foods, sweets and more. In addition to the main market, there are other attractions like a carousel, Santa's cottage where children can meet Father Christmas, as well as food trucks, bars and cafes.

The market aims to provide a truly authentic local Christmas shopping experience. Most of the vendors are local artisans, creators and producers from Leuven and surrounding regions. Visitors can find unique Belgian gifts and souvenirs like lacework, chocolates, speculoos biscuits, local beers and more. The variety of high-quality products reflect Leuven's long artistic, cultural and culinary traditions.

A major highlight is the magical atmosphere created by the thousands of twinkling lights and seasonal decorations. The squares and historic buildings like the Leuven Town Hall are beautifully illuminated, providing a picturesque festive setting. Christmas music, delicious aromas and general merriment further add to the spirit. The Leuven Christmas Market has been voted the cosiest in Europe for providing a wonderfully intimate and charming environment.

Leuven Christmas Market offers the complete Christmas market experience – shopping, food, attractions and entertainment – while retaining its warm, homemade local charm. For both tourists and locals, it's considered an essential part of the holiday season in Leuven.

When does the Leuven Christmas Market open?

Leuven Christmas Market 2023 will open from Thursday 7 December to Thursday 21 December, 2023. The Leuven Christmas Market takes place every year in mid-December, running for a few weeks. The exact dates vary each year but it generally opens on the first Thursday in December and runs for a few days before New Years day.

The Leuven Christmas Market is open from 12pm to 9 pm daily and is closed on Christmas Day.

So visitors can experience the Christmas market from late morning through to the late evening each day during its operations. The opening hours allow plenty of time for browsing the stalls, enjoying attractions and soaking up the festive atmosphere.

In the weeks leading up to the market, the city begins putting up decorations, lights and setting up the market stalls to get everything ready for the opening day. The Leuven Christmas Market has been occurring for over 30 years, so it is a treasured annual tradition for locals and visitors alike. Its relatively short 10-day duration adds to its appeal, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement for the festive season in Leuven.

Where is the Leuven Christmas Market taking place?

The Leuven Christmas Market takes place at the Grote Markt, right in the heart of the city center of Leuven, Belgium. It is set up across two main squares of Leuven, Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein. Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein, Herbert Hooverplein and Oude Markt also host Winter Season events. These adjoining squares are located near the iconic Leuven Town Hall and the University Library, two of the city's most famous landmarks.

Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein is a long rectangular square that has the University Library on one end and cafes lining its edges. During the market, it is filled with rows of charming Christmas market stalls selling gifts, foods and drinks.

Herbert Hooverplein is a smaller square situated next to the Town Hall. It hosts an enchanting Christmas forest and Santa's cottage where children can meet Father Christmas.

The squares provide a spacious yet intimate setting for the Christmas market against the backdrop of Leuven's ornate medieval architecture. The Gothic spires of the 14th-century Town Hall tower over the festivities. The Christmas cheer spreads to the surrounding streets and lanes. The cafes, shops and houses around the two squares dress up with festive lighting and decorations to complement the market. Visitors can easily walk between Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein to experience all the magic of the Leuven Christmas Market. The location reflects the market's strong ties to Leuven's cultural identity.

What is “Winter Time” in Leuven?

In Leuven, the Christmas market is part of Leuven Winter Time, the umbrella concept for all winter holiday events. At the Grote Markt (Grand Place), you can have a warm drink or try the typical smoutebollen in a beautiful winter garden. Pop into city hall for a short classical music concert and a guided visit. Also at the St Peter's Church, classical music concerts take place during the holidays. And if you want to have a bit of a more educational Christmas, you can join a guided walk through the city.

From December 12 until December 16, 2023, you can follow the Light experience trail (Un)Holy light, a route of light installations throughout the city. And at the end of December, you can fill your belly at the Foodtruck Festival.

Not to miss is the one night where the Grand Beguinage of Leuven is lit up by candlelight. It's quite magical! This, Great Beguinage by candlelight, will take place on Saturday, December 16 from 5 until 10 p.m.

Why should you visit the Leuven Christmas Market?

Find below the reasons why someone should visit the Leuven Christmas Market.

• Unique Local Experience. The market offers an authentic local Christmas shopping experience with artisans and vendors from Leuven and surrounding regions. Find distinctive Belgian products and gifts not available elsewhere.
• Magical Holiday Atmosphere. With thousands of twinkling lights, festive music and yuletide cheer, the market creates a wonderfully cosy and enchanting atmosphere for the season.
• Beautiful Historic Setting. The squares and medieval buildings like the Gothic Town Hall provide a photogenic storybook backdrop.
• Family-Friendly Attractions. From the carousel rides to meeting Santa in his forest cottage, children will love the market's festive attractions.
• Delectable Treats. Indulge in Belgian holiday flavours – waffles, chocolates, gluhwein, local beers, sweets, savoury crepes, sausages and more.
• Ideal Christmas Shopping. Find unique handmade crafts, ornaments, decorations, clothing, toys and gifts for Christmas.
• Windows to Local Culture. Experience Leuven's artistic traditions, talented artisans and passion for the holidays.
• Quintessential Christmas Charm. Soak up the Yuletide spirit and old-fashioned Christmas cheer at one of Europe's cosiest markets.

Leuven Christmas Market is the perfect place to enjoy yourself in Christmas magic while sampling local culture, cuisine and crafts. It captures why Christmas markets are treasured traditions.

What is the cost for entering the Leuven Christmas Market?

Entry to the Leuven Christmas Market is completely free. Visitors do not need to pay any admission tickets or fees to access the market areas, attractions, events or activities. All the festivities taking place on Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein, Herbert Hooverplein and the surrounding streets are open to the public at no charge. The only optional costs involved would be by purchasing items from the market stalls, food trucks, cafes etc. or rides on the carousel or other attractions for children.

What are the attractions close to the Leuven Christmas Market?

The Leuven Christmas Market is ideally situated right in the historic heart of Leuven, surrounded by many of the city's top attractions:

• Leuven Town Hall. Leuven Town Hall is an impressive late Gothic town hall with its ornate architecture and spires towers over the Herbert Hooverplein market square.
• University Library. University Library of Leuven is iconic university library building forms an impressive backdrop to the Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein market area.
• Oude Markt. Leuven's Old Town square and social hub lined with lively pubs and cafes.
• St. Peter's Church. St. Peter's Church. is a historic church with stunning Baroque interior located just off the market squares.
• M – Museum Leuven. M – Museum Leuven is a museum of both fine art and archaeology, housed in a stately neo-classical building.
• Stella Artois Brewery. Stella Artois Brewery offers tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous Belgian beer.
• Kruidtuin Botanical Garden. Kruidtuin botanical garden is Leuven's most popular garden with thousands of plant species just 10 minutes from the market.

Visitors to Leuven Christmas Market can easily explore the city's historic landmarks, museums, stores, cafes and parks during their stay. The central location of the market puts all of Leuven's top attractions and amenities right at hand to complement the seasonal festivities.

Is there an alternative name for Leuven Christmas Market?

Yes, the Leuven Christmas Market is also known by its Dutch language name “Leuvense Kerstmarkt” and “Wintertijd”, which means “Winter Time” in English. As Leuven is located in the Flanders region of Belgium where Dutch is the primary language, the Christmas market is referred to as “Leuvense Kerstmarkt” in Dutch. The name translates to “Leuven Christmas Market” in English.

“Leuven Christmas Market” and “Leuvense Kerstmarkt” are commonly used interchangeable names for the festive market held annually in the city center of Leuven. On the market's official website and social media pages, the Dutch name “Leuvense Kerstmarkt” is predominantly used.

Within Leuven itself, locals refer to event as the “Leuvense Kerstmarkt”. In the wider region, it may be called the “Leuven Christmas Market” especially when promoting it to international tourists who are not familiar with the Dutch language.

What food can visitors eat Leuven Christmas Market?

Visitors can eat in Leuven Christmas Market all the typical Belgian food available. Find below the food or drinks that people car eat in Leuven Christmas Markets stalls.

• Belgian Waffles. The warm, fluffy Belgian waffles at the Leuven Christmas market come straight from the irons of street vendors. Topped with powdered sugar or chocolate sauce, they provide a sweet treat to enjoy while strolling through the festive holiday stalls.
• Speculoos Biscuits. Speculoos Biscuits are crunchy, spiced speculoos biscuits are a staple at the Leuven Christmas market. Their gingerbread-like flavor pairs perfectly with the market's hot chocolate and mulled wine. Vendors sell decorative tins filled with the shortbread cookies, making great edible souvenirs.
• Stoofvlees. Stoofvlees is flemish beef stew simmers all day in beer at the Leuven Christmas market. Chunks of tender meat mingle with the rich gravy, mustard and spices. Served in a hollowed bread bowl, it's the perfect comfort food while braving the winter chill.
• Kerststronk. Kerststronk is a Yule log cake rolled in chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar sold at the Leuven Christmas market bakery booths. Its light, airy sponge pairs nicely with the decadent chocolate for a can't-miss holiday dessert.
• Gluhwein. Gluhwein sipping on a steaming cup of gluhwein is a Leuven Christmas market tradition. The mulled wine infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves warms market-goers young and old as they admire the handmade crafts.
• Fries. Fries is crispy, twice-fried Belgian fries are a staple snack at the Leuven Christmas market. Served piping hot in paper cones and with an array of dipping sauces, they provide a savory bite amongst the sweets.
• Boudin Blanc. The boudin blanc sausage found at Leuven Christmas market food stalls has a mild, subtly spiced pork and chicken filling. Grilled and served with mustard, it makes for a tasty quick bite while shopping.
• Belgian Beers. Belgium is renowned for its beers and the Leuven Christmas market showcases a variety of local brews. From rich, malty dubbels to hoppy IPAs, the market offers samples in collectible winter beer mugs.
• Belgian chocolates. Artisan Belgian chocolates abound at the Leuven Christmas market, from truffles to pralines to hollow chocolate Santas. Vendors tempt passersby with the aroma of melting chocolate as they craft confections by hand.

How to get to Leuven from Brussels?

Listed below are the steps to get from Leuven to Brussels.

1. First, check how far Leuven is from Brussels. Leuven is located about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of Brussels. It takes around 30 minutes to drive between the two cities. Decide what mode of transportation to take to Brussels. The main options are train, bus, car, rideshare services like Uber or bike.
2. Second, if taking the car, plan the route. Take the E40 motorway, which is the quickest option. The other route is via local roads. Enter the destination address in Brussels into a phone's map or GPS.
3. Third, drive out of Leuven via the fastest route based on the GPS directions. The E40 will have some tolls along the way. Relax and enjoy the drive. Make sure to obey speed limits and drive safely along the way. On reaching Brussels, follow the GPS to the exact destination. Park in a garage, side street or designated parking area. Explore Brussels by foot or public transport.
4. Fourth, if taking the train, locate Leuven train station. It is centrally located just east of the city centre. Trains to Brussels run very frequently, up to 5-6 times per hour during peak times. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes.
5. Fifth, purchase a ticket at the ticket counter or from a machine in Leuven station. Be sure to get a ticket for the train going all the way to Brussels Central Station. Tickets cost around €9 each way.
6. Sixth, locate the correct platform for trains heading towards Brussels. There will be clear signage. Board the train when it arrives and find a seat. Store luggage safely.
7. Seventh, disembark when the train reaches Brussels Central Station. Follow signs towards the metro or exits from the station.
8. Eighth, from Brussels Central, take the metro or tram to the destination or hail a taxi just outside the station. Consider taking an Uber or Lyft.

Where to stay in Leuven during the Leuven Christmas Market?

Find below the best hotels and apartments to stay in Leuven during the Christmas Market.

• Martin's Klooster. Martin's Klooster is our luxury option. Leuven is a pretty laid-back city but if you're looking for class, Martin's Klooster is a good choice. Located in a 16th-century former convent just 280 meters from the Old Market, it has a winter garden, a bar with a fireplace and its own paid underground parking lot. Breakfast costs extra too, but WiFi is included. The spacious rooms here are tastefully decorated and equipped with a flatscreen tv, a minibar and modern bathrooms.
  Check here for more reviews, prices and availability.
• B&B Alizée. B&B Alizée is our B&B option. B&B Alizée lies in the historical center of Leuven and has a homely feel thanks to rooms with hardwood floors, a minibar, a seating area, a television, free WiFi and free toiletries in the en-suite bathroom. The freshly prepared breakfast including homemade bread and jams is complimentary.
  Check here for more reviews, prices and availability.
• Park Inn by Radisson Leuven. Park Inn by Radisson Leuven is our internation chain option. The Park Inn by Radisson is located right next to Leuven train station, making your arrival and departure hassle-free. All of its modern rooms come equipped with a flatscreen tv, a work desk, coffee and tea facilities, air conditioning and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower. Guests can use the WiFi and fitness area but breakfast comes at an extra cost.
  Check here for more reviews, prices and availability.
• Cube Hostel. Cube Hostel is our budget option. Cube hostel lies in the center of historical Leuven and has dorms, private rooms and family rooms with balconies. Guests can enjoy the games room, use the free WiFi or read a book from the library. There's also a bar. Breakfast isn't included but you can buy your own and prepare it in the shared kitchen.
  Check here for more reviews, prices and availability.
• Getaway Studios. Getaway Studios is our apartments option. Getaway Studios is located just 350 meters from Leuven's Grand Place and 10 minutes walking from the train station. All studios have a fully-equipped kitchen, a seating area with a flat screen tv, a desk and a private bathroom. Free toiletries are provided, as is free WiFi. If you do come by car, you can park it here for €15/day.
  Check here for more reviews, prices and availability.

What are the best restaurants to eat in Leuven?

Listed below are the best restaurants in Leuven.

• Taste. Taste is an excellent option for experiencing fine dining amidst the festive atmosphere of the Leuven Christmas market. This restaurant is renowned for its modern Belgian cuisine artfully prepared with seasonal ingredients. The elegant yet warm interior makes it ideal for a special holiday dinner or luncheon. Reservations are recommended as Taste is a popular destination during the bustling Christmas market.
• Dewerf. Dewerf's casual charm makes it a favoured spot for enjoying both lunch and dinner during the Leuven Christmas market. The festively adorned restaurant offers a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary Belgian dishes. The relaxed ambiance draws locals, students and visitors seeking a place to dine during their market explorations. Reserving a table ahead of time is wise, as Dewerf tends to fill up during the busy Christmas season.
• Den Angelus. Den Angelus provides an authentic taste of Flemish cuisine and cosy charm ideal for the Christmas market season. The traditional dishes and rustic interior capture the essence of a Belgian winter holiday. Locals and visitors alike flock to Den Angelus for classics like stew and seasonal creations. Booking reservations upfront, especially for dinner, allows one to secure a table amidst the holiday rush.
• Raffat. The Leuven Christmas market is an excellent time to explore Raffat's unique Middle Eastern flavours. The warm, exotic decor provides a delightful contrast to the traditional market fare. The seasonal menu offers exciting new tastes for holiday lunches or dinners. As Raffat gains popularity during the festivities, reservations are recommended to guarantee a table.
• EssenCiel. EssenCiel's elegant sophistication makes it a special destination during the Leuven Christmas market. The seasonal tasting menus provide an exquisite fine dining experience perfect for holiday occasions. The meticulous presentation and atmosphere evoke the magic of the season. Reservations are essential as EssenCiel is in high demand during the market's busiest evenings.
   

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