‍It's that time of year again: a time when you can't help but think about cosiness, presents, friends and family and... the Leuven Christmas Market. This year marks the 38th edition of this market, which is held in the city centre. Mgr. Ladeuze Square and H. Hoover Square form the backdrop for one of the oldest and cosiest Christmas markets in the country, where you can find those last-minute gifts you need for the end-of-year celebrations. Or you can browse the many stalls from home and abroad offering their homemade craft products, while enjoying a delicious hot drink or tasty snack to take your mind off the cold weather.

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‍Visitors from home and abroad

‍Last year, more than 600,000 visitors from home and abroad flocked to the capital of Flemish Brabant. We certainly owe this to the many visitors from the region, but more and more people are also coming to Leuven from all over the country. Many coach tours from abroad also like to stop at Ladeuze and Hooverplein. Meanwhile, the Belgian and Dutch rail operators now offer discounted tickets to the Leuven Christmas Market.

‍New

‍Regulars such as Chalet Artois, the Christmas Carousel and the Christmas Pyramid will, of course, remain. For this 38th edition, there are also plenty of new features to look forward to. Not only will the Christmas market run for longer (18 days), but there have also been a few significant changes to the layout. For example, there is a completely revamped central square featuring a number of chalets where you can enjoy all sorts of dishes prepared on the spot and served completely fresh. There’s plenty to choose from, including sauerkraut, game burgers, grilled salmon, Brazilian street food, BBQ, tartiflette or cheese fondue rolls. There’s also the new Mill Village with the Wishing Mill, where, after tossing in a coin, you can make a wish that will only come true at the Leuven Christmas Market. Incidentally, all the coins go entirely to this year’s charity. Hooverplein has also been given a makeover and overlooks a Christmas tree some 20 metres high – unique in its kind and a first for Belgium.

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‍Santa’s Cottage

‍Santa himself will, of course, be there too; together with his elves, he welcomes young and old alike every day from 1 pm in his specially decorated cottage.

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‍Pyramid Party

‍Do you have something to celebrate, or would you like to organise an end-of-year drinks party for colleagues, friends or family? We’d be delighted to help you plan a cosy party on the first floor of our Christmas pyramid! Send an email to secretariaat@leuvensekerstmarkt.com and we’ll take care of the rest.