Christmas holidays, New Year's Eve and New Year by the sea

Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year by the sea is a unique experience. The holidays create a wonderfully warm atmosphere over the North Sea, Ostend, the beach and the shopping streets.

Enjoy the fireworks over the sea, the unique Christmas lights... with your family and friends during the Christmas holidays...

You can ice skate in the park, hug Santa Claus, visit an exhibition, and so much more.

Fireworks on New Year

The New Year's fireworks are a cherished tradition in Ostend. At midnight, thousands of people celebrate the transition from the old to the new with the enchanting light spectacle. No other city can match Ostend's unique reflection in the North Sea.

Come to the Groot Strand, near the Ostend Casino, around midnight on New Year's Eve. Enjoy the enchanting colors, the loud bangs, and the swirling stars. Top-notch fireworks every year.

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Gelukkig nieuwjaar !!!

New Year's Eve fireworks Ostend AdobeStock 168855495 scaled

Have you ever rented by the sea during the Christmas holidays? Check whether you are still renting our holiday apartments with a sea view!

Prices and availabilities

Christmas Ostend Santa Claus AdobeStock 71704028 scaled

Super cozy Christmas market

Ostend has a super cozy Christmas market. The tenants of Het Appartement and De Loft experience this every year.

Ostend's coziest square is bathed in Christmas spirit. Order your mulled wine or jenever, your bratwurst or smoutebollen. Immerse yourself in the Christmas entertainment and the festive music program. The Christmas market is surrounded by more than 150 illuminated Christmas trees.

And do you think Santa Claus shouldn't be missing from your cozy Christmas party? Then why not just go look for him? From December 2nd to January 8th, the good old man lives in his Santa Claus House on the Wapenplein in Ostend. Give him our regards!

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activities not to be missed during the Christmas holidays

It is fantastic to spend time by the sea in winter too. Ostend is in a festive mood during the Christmas holidays. There are plenty of reasons to book a holiday in Ostend for Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

Choose the peace and quiet on the beach… or one of these 3 activities.

1. Winter in the park

In the middle of a beautifully illuminated Leopold Park, visitors can skate on the pond surrounded by more than 50 wooden chalets featuring typical Christmas items. This year, the ice rink is covered for the first time, so you can enjoy yourself on the ice in all weather conditions! Daily entertainment and activities for children during the Christmas holidays complete this ultimate winter experience. From Friday, December 2, 2022, to Sunday, January 8, 2023.

2. New Year's dive

The New Year's Dive isn't just for the crazy or the hot-blooded. Every year, thousands of revelers and polar bears plunge into the North Sea. “Simply because it’s fun to kick off the new year this way.” Expect a mass warm-up on the beach, hot drinks and snacks, a wild fancy dress party, and yes… a refreshing dip in the sea. Spectators are welcome too! The New Year's Dive takes place on January 7 at 15 PM on the beach of Ostend in front of the "Drie Gapers", by the bronze equestrian statue of Leopold II at the Royal Galleries

3.Expo James Ensor

We recommend the Ensor exhibition for those who prefer it warmer. The man who lived, worked, and is buried in Ostend is now presenting 36 drawings. Museums, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide are interested in the groundbreaking art of James Ensor. These drawings show another side of the master. Until January 15 at the Ensor House: Scenes from the Life of Christ.

With thanks to Sport.be TV for this Aftermovie Nieuwjaarsduik Oostende

Your next holiday with us in Ostend? Watch now....

The apartment The Loft