Christmas market Leuven 2026
Christmas shopping in Leuven by train
A Xmas trip to Leuven
The Christmas market in Leuven is located in the historic city centre, on Ladeuzeplein and Hooverplein. Wander past dozens of stalls offering handmade gifts, artisanal products and festive snacks. The scent of warm waffles and mulled wine fills the air while street musicians and twinkling lights add to the magical atmosphere.
When is the Leuven Christmas market?
The Christmas market in Leuven takes place from 3 to 20 December 2026. During Wintertijd in Leuven, you can enjoy four weeks of festive activities in the city centre, including food trucks, light installations and cosy winter walks.
Your trip to Leuven with Eurocity Direct
Eurocity Direct and EuroCity operate 16 times a day between the Netherlands and Belgium. With Eurocity Direct or EuroCity, you can travel from the Netherlands via Antwerp to Brussels. From there, take a direct local train to Leuven.
View your itinerary using the international itinerary planner.
Prices Amsterdam - Leuven with Eurocity Direct
| Free travel NS route | Free travel NS route | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd class | 1st class | |||
| Flex rate | € 64,50 | € 51 | € 96,30 | € 74,60 |
| Saver | € 29,20 | € 24,20 | € 53,80 | € 42,80 |
Listed from-prices are based on one-way tickets from Amsterdam Zuid. The price of Eurocity Direct and EuroCity are based on kilometres – if you depart form a station that is closer to Leuven, then the trip is cheaper. The price is also sometimes lower if you travel with EuroCity. That train runs between Rotterdam and Brussels.
Going to the Christmas market after 12 December 2026?
Going to a Christmas market? Good news: most Christmas markets open as early as November. You can already buy train tickets to Christmas markets until 12 December.
Do you want to visit a Christmas market after 12 December? Then, in some cases, you will have to be a little patient when buying train tickets. Due to a new schedule from 13 December, we cannot yet sell some tickets. But don't worry. We can let you know when tickets are available on your desired travel day:
- Click on your desired travel time in the calendar
- Click on 'set alert' and enter your email address
- You will receive an email as soon as the tickets are available
This way you will always be the first to know and benefit from the lowest prices.
Other things to do during Christmas in Leuven
Leuven is a lively university town with a medieval centre full of cafés, restaurants and historic buildings. Take a winter walk through the city, visit the impressive town hall or enjoy a local beer in one of the many cosy pubs. In this Burgundian city, warmth and hospitality are always close by.
Christmas market in Leuven
Christmas market in Brussels
While doing your Christmas shopping, you can take a moment to look at the illuminated Ferris wheel, enjoy the street entertainment or skate on the famous skating rink.
Christmas market in Antwerp
Wintery scenes, beautiful nativity stalls, twinkling lights and festive Christmas music make for a memorable day trip.
Christmas market in Bruges
Look around, take a stroll and buy. That's what you can do in the most beautiful small city in Europe.
