Christmas, one of my favorite holidays of the year. And the **Ch[ristmas markets**](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/christmas-market-in-leuven-wlxa) 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.

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](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/must-sees-in-ostend-5dag) for "**Ostend for Anchor**" and will be open for visitors.

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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.

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.

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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](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/a-christmas-market-in-leuven-t8jk).

A classic seaside city with a historical story behind it. Perfect for any family trip or shopping day. Walk the beaches or explore the historical sights of the world wars. 

Ostend

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Kursaal Oostende

This is the big cultural centrum of Ostend. They have concerts, theater performances, activities, ... all throughout the year.

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De grote post

### Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Leopoldpark Christmas Market in Oostende

If you're looking for a magical Christmas experience, look no further than the Leopoldpark Christmas Market in Oostende. Situated in the heart of the city, this festive market offers a delightful array of activities and attractions that will leave you feeling merry and bright.

### A Winter Wonderland in Leopoldpark

As you enter Leopoldpark, you'll be greeted by the enchanting sight of an ice rink in the middle of the park's lake. Lace up your skates and glide across the ice, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the park. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the ice rink offers a fun-filled activity for all ages.

### Festive Stalls and Delicious Treats

Surrounding the ice rink, you'll find a variety of food stands and vendors selling small Christmas presents. Take a stroll through the market and indulge in some traditional Belgian treats, such as warm waffles, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Browse the stalls for unique gifts and souvenirs to bring back home for your loved ones.

### Illuminated Tunnel and Christmas Lights

One of the highlights of the Leopoldpark Christmas Market is the illuminated tunnel in the Adolf Buylstraat shopping street. This stunning tunnel stretches for 188 meters and is adorned with an impressive canopy of 232,500 lights. As you walk through the tunnel, you'll be surrounded by a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

### Explore the City by the Sea

While visiting the Leopoldpark Christmas Market, take the opportunity to explore the charming city of Oostende. Located on the Belgian coast, Oostende is a popular seaside resort known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Wander through the city's streets and admire the unique architecture, a blend of historic buildings and modern designs.

### Discover the Atlantic Wall

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Atlantic Wall is a must. This system of fortifications, bunkers, and tunnels was built by the Nazis during World War II and offers a fascinating insight into the city's past. Take a guided tour along the 2 km itinerary and learn about the military architecture of the Second World War.

### When to Visit

The Leopoldpark Christmas Market is open during the winter season, typically from late November to early January. The market is at its most festive during the weeks leading up to Christmas, with the city adorned in lights and decorations. Plan your visit accordingly to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of the Leopoldpark Christmas Market in Oostende. Whether you're skating on the ice rink, browsing the stalls for gifts, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, this market is sure to create lasting memories. So grab your winter coat and head to Oostende for a truly enchanting Christmas experience.

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Christmas market in the Leopoldpark

This is a yearly festivity in Ostend where you can go to and visit all sorts of boats for four days in a row. It usually takes place on the end May and beginning of June.

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Ostend for anchor

Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Lying on the North Sea coast, Belgium's immediate neighbours are France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. The small nation of Belgium might leave you surprised by its rich and gorgeous heritage. It boasts a number of fascinatingly historic cities packed with medieval and Art Nouveau architecture and famous for their long traditions in arts, fashion and fine dining. If you've seen the best of them, the Belgian countryside offers anything from sandy beaches to the densely forested hills and ridges of the Ardennes. Brussels, the country's vibrant capital, is a modern world city with a highly international character. It combines massive postmodern buildings in its European Quarter with impressive historic monuments, such as the World Heritage listed Grand Place, surrounded by guildhouses and the Gothic town hall. There's Laken Castle and the large St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, dedicated to the cities patron saints. The Royal Palace is a more recent but no less grand structure. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Atomium, a remarkable steel structure and remnant of the 1958 World's Fair.

Belgium

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Christmas market in Ostend

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I am Eline Melis from Belgium and am currently doing my internship at Itinari for cultural studies. I first studied Japanology for three years and so I went to live in Japan for one year at the age of 18. I have always been curious about other countries and cultures and that was the reason why Itinari spoke to me. By living overseas in Japan, I started to realize how much I actually love my country and how I missed certain spots/views. That is why I want to show other people the beautiful places I know in my country and the cities where I live.

Christmas market in Ostend

The Santa Claus boat

Wapenplein

Leopoldpark

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