Antwerp’s annual “Winter in Antwerp” festival concluded on Sunday after attracting an estimated 1.5 million visitors over the past four weeks, city authorities announced. The event ended with the city’s traditional New Year celebration, drawing tens of thousands into the historic centre despite cold winter conditions.
The popular winter festival transformed large parts of central Antwerp into a festive landscape, spreading activities across seven key locations. These included Steenplein, Suikerrui, Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt, Hendrik Conscienceplein, Groenplaats, and Operaplein, each offering a distinct atmosphere and range of attractions.
From the opening weekend, visitor numbers pointed to a highly successful edition. Around 170,000 people attended during the first days alone, enjoying illuminated streets, Christmas markets, live performances, seasonal food stalls, and winter-themed entertainment designed for both families and tourists.
Throughout the four-week run, locals and visitors alike were drawn to the city centre by a combination of traditional charm and modern spectacle. Festive lights reflected off historic facades, while music and performances filled squares that usually serve as everyday meeting points for residents.
The highlight of the festival came on 31 December, when approximately 120,000 spectators gathered along the banks of the Schelde River and across the old city to welcome the New Year. Crowds filled key viewing areas hours before midnight to secure a clear view of the annual fireworks display.
As midnight approached, the atmosphere intensified with music, countdowns, and shared celebrations. When the fireworks finally lit up the night sky, they marked both the arrival of the New Year and the official close of this year’s Winter in Antwerp festivities.
In a gesture of appreciation to visitors, the city organised a closing celebration offering free snacks, drinks, and access to winter attractions. Nearly 50,000 tokens were distributed, allowing attendees to enjoy a final taste of the festival’s offerings before it officially came to an end.
Grote Markt served as a central gathering point during the final celebrations. The square hosted a New Year’s greeting by the city council, reinforcing the sense of community that organisers say lies at the heart of the winter festival.
The evening also featured a sing-along session that proved especially popular with local residents. Classic Antwerp songs such as “Antwaarpe” by De Strangers and “De lichtjes van de Schelde” by Bobbejaan Schoepen echoed through the square, creating a moment of shared nostalgia.
City officials described this year’s edition as one of the most successful in the festival’s history. According to the municipality, the combination of strong attendance, positive public response, and smooth organisation contributed to the record-breaking visitor numbers.
Mayor Els van Doesburg expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, praising both the organisers and the public. “Winter in Antwerp shined brighter than ever before this year,” she said in a statement. “With 1.5 million visitors, it was truly an exceptional success.”
Tourism officials believe the festival continues to play an important role in boosting Antwerp’s winter economy. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses reported increased activity throughout December, supported by the steady flow of visitors into the city centre.
With another successful edition now concluded, attention will soon turn to planning next year’s Winter in Antwerp. City leaders have indicated they aim to build on this momentum, ensuring the festival remains a cornerstone of Antwerp’s cultural calendar.
