Experience the Traditional Local Flavors at Ghent’s Annual Christmas Market

Each winter, the medieval city of Ghent transforms into a twinkling wonderland for its annual Christmas Market. Cobbled streets glow under festive lights, the scent of warm spices drifts through the air, and every corner hums with holiday cheer. But beyond the charming scenery, Ghent’s Christmas Market is a feast for the senses — a place where centuries-old Belgian and local Ghent traditions come to life through food, drinks, and sweets.

Ghent's traditional foods and recipes are deeply connected with its region and history. Belgian cuisine is built on craftsmanship and quality — slow-cooked stews made with local beer, seafood dishes tied to the North Sea, sweets refined by centuries of tradition, and chocolates and waffles that have become global icons. Ghent adds its own signature touches with specialties created only here, from tender waterzooi to nostalgic kroakemandels and the city’s famous cuberdons.

In the Christmas season, unlike the larger, more commercial markets, Ghent offers a more local, down-to-earth feel — where regional specialties sit beside beloved national classics, and many vendors come from small producers, family kitchens, and local artisans. It’s the perfect place to taste both traditional Belgian favorites and unique Ghent-only treats you won’t find anywhere else.

Savory Foods to Warm You Up

Waterzooi (Local Ghent)

A true Ghent specialty, waterzooi is a creamy stew traditionally made with fish but now often prepared with chicken. Brimming with vegetables, herbs, and velvety cream, this comforting dish has been warming locals since the Middle Ages. Served piping hot in a bowl, it’s perfect for warding off the winter chill.

Gentse Stoverij (Local Ghent)

Ghent’s own twist on the beloved Flemish beef stew, Gentse stoverij is slow-cooked with local dark beer, onions, and spices until melt-in-your-mouth tender. The deep, malty flavor pairs beautifully with a side of crispy Belgian fries — a hearty choice for cold December nights.

Kroakemandels (Local Ghent)

These crispy, salted fried peas are a nostalgic Ghent treat, once sold at fairs and festive gatherings. Simple yet addictive, kroakemandels make for the perfect snack as you stroll between stalls.

Belgian Fries with Mayonnaise (Belgian)

Forget everything you know about fries — in Belgium, they’re an art form. Twice-fried for the perfect crunch and served in paper cones with rich, tangy Belgian mayonnaise, they’re a must-try for first-time visitors and locals alike.

Moules-Frites (Belgian)

Another Belgian classic, this dish pairs plump mussels steamed with white wine, garlic, and herbs with a generous serving of golden fries. It’s a festive market indulgence that captures the country’s coastal flavors.

Prawn Croquettes (Belgian)

A golden, crispy shell gives way to a creamy, savory filling packed with tiny, sweet North Sea grey shrimp—one of Belgium’s most prized ingredients. These prawn croquettes are a coastal specialty beloved across the country, and at Ghent’s Christmas Market, they’re often served hot and fresh, perfect for eating as you wander between the twinkling stalls. Each bite delivers a taste of the Belgian seaside, wrapped in the warmth and comfort of deep-fried perfection.

Sweets to Enjoy While You Wander

Ghent’s sweets are a reflection of the city’s heritage, shaped by centuries of local tradition and artisanal craftsmanship. From iconic cuberdons made with closely guarded recipes to the delicate, nostalgic sneeuwballen crafted by family-run producers, each sweet carries a flavor found nowhere else in Belgium. Humble, comforting, and deeply tied to East Flanders, these confections offer a taste of Ghent’s cultural identity — and during the Christmas season,  they become part of the market’s most memorable experiences.

Cuberdons (Local Ghent)

Also called “neuzekes” for their nose-like shape, these purple, cone-shaped candies have a thin, crisp shell and a soft, raspberry-flavored center. They’re a true Ghent creation, best enjoyed fresh from local market stalls.

Gentse Kletskoppen (Local Ghent)

Thin, crispy almond cookies with a delicate caramelized flavor, Gentse kletskoppen are a beloved local biscuit. Their name means “chatting heads” in Dutch, a nod to the idea of sharing them during a friendly conversation.

Sneeuwballen (Ghent Snowballs) (Local Ghent)

Light as a cloud, these iconic Ghent treats feature a vanilla fondant center enveloped in dark chocolate and finished with a dusting of icing sugar. They crack delightfully at first bite, then melt on your tongue like fresh snow—pure winter magic straight from Larmuseau’s century-old recipe.

Speculoos (Belgian)

These spiced biscuits, flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, are an essential Belgian holiday treat. Their warm, aromatic notes make them perfect alongside hot drinks on a cold market evening.

Belgian Waffles (Belgian)

Served fresh and warm, Belgian waffles are crisp outside and fluffy inside. At Ghent’s market, you’ll often find Liège waffles with caramelized pearl sugar or Brussels waffles with powdered sugar and fruit.

Pralines & Belgian Chocolates (Belgian)

Belgian chocolatiers are renowned worldwide, and their pralines, filled with ganache, caramel, or nut pastes, are holiday must-haves. The Christmas Market offers everything from classic dark chocolates to playful seasonal designs.

Marzipan Figures (Belgian)

A sweet almond paste molded into festive shapes and sometimes hand-painted, marzipan has been part of Belgian winter traditions for centuries and remains a charming seasonal indulgence.

Festive Drinks to Keep You Warm

Belgian Beer (Belgian)

Belgium’s beer heritage is world-famous, and Ghent’s Christmas Market is the perfect place to sample it. From rich Trappist ales to fruity lambics and spiced winter brews, stalls and pop-up bars offer something for every palate. Many vendors feature local breweries, making it a great opportunity to taste seasonal specialties you won’t find elsewhere.

Hot Chocolate (Belgian)

Made with real Belgian chocolate, this drink is pure indulgence. Thick, creamy, and intensely flavorful, it’s often topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. Many stalls also offer unique variations, like dark chocolate with chili or white chocolate with vanilla.

Jenever (Belgian)

Belgium’s traditional juniper-flavored spirit, jenever, is especially popular in winter when served as a shot. It is traditionally served in tulip-shaped glasses. You’ll find it in classic flavors as well as festive twists like speculoos, chocolate, or fruit-infused varieties at Ghent’s Christmas Market.

Christmas Beers (Belgian)

Belgium’s love for beer shines brightest during the holiday season with special Christmas brews crafted to warm the heart and delight the palate. At Ghent’s Christmas Market, you’ll find festive favorites like Bush De Noël, a rich amber beer with notes of caramel, spice, and a comforting warmth perfect for chilly winter evenings. Another local gem is Glühkriek, a unique twist combining the tart sweetness of cherry beer (kriek) with mulled spices, creating a festive sip that’s both fruity and warming.

Artisanal Treats to Take Home

Beyond the ready-to-eat dishes and sweets, Ghent’s Christmas Market is also a place to discover traditional food products made to enjoy later. These artisanal treats reflect the region’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality, and offer a meaningful way to bring a taste of Ghent and Belgium home with you — whether as a souvenir or a gift for fellow food lovers.

Tierenteyn-Verlent Mustard (Local Ghent)

This fiery, freshly milled mustard has been made in Ghent for over 200 years, following a secret family recipe. Sold in charming stoneware jars, it’s perfect for adding a sharp kick to cheese, sausages, and festive charcuterie boards.

Hinkelspel Cheeses (Local Ghent)

Artisanal cheeses crafted in Ghent using traditional methods and organic milk from cows, goats, and sheep. Each variety have flavors that range from mild and creamy to rich and complex. It is perfect for a holiday cheese board or as a gift for a fellow foodie.

Where to stay in Ghent to visit the Christmas markets

1898 The Post is one of the best places to experience Christmas in Ghent. This boutique hotel is set in Ghent’s former central post office. With its elegant historic architecture, intimate atmosphere, and unbeatable location overlooking the Christmas markets, it combines comfort with character. Unlike larger hotels, it offers a more intimate atmosphere with just 38 individually designed rooms and suites, each blending historic character with modern comfort.

Final Thoughts

The Ghent Christmas Market is a living showcase of Belgium’s and Ghent’s rich traditions. From savory Flemish stews to iconic Belgian waffles, you will find a wide variety of local flavors and immerse yourself in centuries of local culture. Visiting in December means stepping into a warm and welcoming world where Ghent’s medieval charm meets the glow of Christmas lights, and where the flavors, scents, and artistry of Belgium come alive.