Christmas market Leuven 2026
Christmas shopping in Leuven by train
A Xmas trip to Leuven
The Christmas market in Leuven is situated in the historic heart of the city, on Ladeuzeplein and Hooverplein. You can stroll past dozens of stalls selling handmade gifts, artisanal products and festive treats. The scent of warm waffles and mulled wine fills the air, whilst street musicians and festive lights create a magical atmosphere.
But there’s more! The Groot Begijnhof looks stunning by candlelight, there are Christmas concerts, a light show, and the University Library is beautifully illuminated.
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, a light trail in the Botanical Gardens 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.
Other things to do during Christmas in Leuven
Leuven is a charming university town with a medieval centre full of cafés, restaurants and historic buildings. Take a winter stroll through the town, climb the tower of the university library after sunset, or sample a local beer in one of the many cosy cafés. In this lively town, a good time is always just around the corner.
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.
