Winter Season Leuven
There’s no better place to spend those cold winter days than in Leuven’s convivial city centre with a light festival, the Christmas market, winter walks and a lot more. Winter Season Leuven guarantees an annual itinerary packed full of wonder and fun.
Christmas market
9.12-21.12.2025 • Ladeuzeplein & Hooverplein
Experience the authentic atmosphere at one of Belgium’s oldest and liveliest Christmas markets. With piping hot mugs of spiced wine, the warm vibe of many fire baskets, dozens of stalls with artisan gifts, and tasty treats that you won’t find anywhere else. No Christmas stress this year, because the Shopping Sundays on 14 & 21 December give you plenty of time to do your shopping.
Great Beguinage by candlelight
13.12.2025 • Schapenstraat • Free entrance
Can you think of a more enchanting sight than the centuries-old façades of the Grand Beguinage in Leuven lit by the light of thousands of candles? A magical experience, enhanced by the sound of the carillon bells ringing and a choir singing. For free. Goosebumps guaranteed!
Sunday Shopping
14.12 & 21.12.2025 • Centre of Leuven
It is wonderful to shop in the cosily lit shopping streets of Leuven during the winter months. On the Shopping Sundays of 14 and 21 December, most shops open their doors from 13:00 to 18:00.
Incredible View
04, 08 & 18.12.2025 • Ladeuzeplein
18:00-22:00 (final climb)
During the first three Thursdays of December, pay an exceptional evening visit to the iconic tower of the University Library for an Insane View of Leuven in all its Christmas glory.
Christmas Concerts Currende
11, 18, 23 and 29.12.2025 • Saint Peter's Church
18:00-22:00
The classical ensemble Currende sings and plays Christmas music from Flanders. They perform both festive music and more intimate songs. Listen to hymns about baby Jesus, singing angels and leaping sheep in the heated church,
Christmas in Park Abbey
14.12.2025-08.01.2026 • Park Abbey
18:00-22:00
Silent walk
During two guided walks, you can experience the tranquility of the abbey and the beautiful surrounding nature.
Carillon concerts
On four Wednesday afternoons, the carillonneur will play Christmas carols. They are sure to ring a bell!
Christmas market, concert, and sing-along
Sunday, December 14, is the highlight of Christmas at the Abbey. At the Christmas market, you can buy original gifts and sample delicious treats. Finish the day by singing along during the sing-along.
New Years Eve Corrida
28.12.2025 • Centre of Leuven
Local sporty types always end the year with the most festive running competition in the country: the New Years Eve Corrida. You can choose between a course of 4, 8 or 12 kilometers.
Leuven countdown
31.12.2025 • Oude Markt
It's a great tradition: on the last day of the year, the Oude Markt fills up for a dazzling new years party. A lineup full of DJs will play their best tunes the entire evening, surrounded by a huge amount of bells and whistles. 3...2...1...Happy New Year!
