The organization, the City of Ghent and De Lijn do everything they can to keep the accessibility of the Ghent winter festivals as optimal as possible.
Ghent welcomes everyone to the annual Winter Festivities, with a strong emphasis on sustainability this time. The organization is introducing an innovative guarantee system with reusable tableware, including cups, plates and bowls. This initiative is part of the city of Ghent's broader efforts to promote environmental awareness and reduce the event's ecological footprint.
The vibrant event, which attracts both young and old, offers a range of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy the atmospheric winter bar 'Chez Babette' on the Emile Braunplein and the new party pavilion 'Schirmbar' on the Korenmarkt. There is plenty of entertainment for children with the famous Christmas tree carousel, and adventurers of all ages can enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel or a trip on the largest mobile outdoor roller skating rink in Belgium.
Bram Van Braeckevelt, alderman of Festivities in Ghent, emphasizes the core of the matter. "A hot chocolate or some roller skating, and all of that is becoming increasingly sustainable... With the Winter Festivities we make it heart-warmingly cozy in Ghent during the darkest and coldest period of the year,"
The city of Ghent's ambition to integrate sustainability into everyday pleasures and events has been quite successful and shows that environmental considerations and conviviality are not mutually exclusive, but can actually go hand in hand. The reusable tableware is washed on site in a specially equipped car wash on Sint-Baafsplein, which reduces the transport of disposable items and contributes to the reduction of waste.
In addition to these environmentally friendly approach, the event also stimulates the local economy. Various stands are manned by local traders, recognizable by the logo with the dragon. This not only promotes local business, but also strengthens the sense of community.
Quinten Goekint from Look I Like reflects on the progress of the Winter Festivities: “I am very satisfied in many areas with the journey we have made in 10 years. The layout, the quality, the smooth construction and dismantling, and undoubtedly also the sustainability process, which will be taken to a higher level with this new approach.”
program
The Ghent Winter Festivities offer a rich program full of free activities for all ages. The festivities continue until the end of the month, with something unique to experience every day. You can enjoy musical performances, such as the Dixieland Streetband who fill the streets of Ghent with their cheerful jazz sounds. The festive atmosphere continues on December 9 with the presence of cheerful mascots and the Charles Dickens Orchestra, which performs the timeless sounds of Christmas carols.
On December 10, visitors will be surprised by not only the mascots, but also a meeting with Santa Claus himself. The Charles Dickens Orchestra once again provides musical pleasure. On December 11, students can enjoy a special evening at Chez Babette with Charme Singer Jens, an event that embodies the youthful energy of Ghent.
The weekend of December 13 offers a meeting with Santa Claus and the Giant Ice Bear, a unique spectacle that is sure to impress. The musical journey continues on December 15 with a performance by The Almost Swinging Jazz Band. After more encounters with mascots and Santa Claus on December 16 and 17, it will be another student night on December 18, this time with Yves Segers at Chez Babette. These events provide a lively and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
The mascots will be back on December 20, followed by a performance by accordionist Marc Muys (duo) on December 21. Show corps WIK will perform on December 22, after which Die Fröhliche Trappisten will take over on December 23. Christmas Day, December 25, is celebrated with a performance by Show Corps WIK, and the following days are again devoted to mascots, musical performances and unique encounters, including the Giant Ice Bear again on December 27.
The final days of the Winter Festivities are filled with music from the Dixieland Street Band on December 28, creative and visually stunning activities such as a live ice sculpture and LED juggler on December 29, and a spectacular fire breather on December 30. The organization, the City of Ghent and De Lijn do everything they can to keep the accessibility of the Ghent winter festivals as optimal as possible. We put all options to reach this event, we have listed this for you.
