End-of-year activities 2011

Add to my brochure print

09/11/2011

We’re eagerly awaiting the festivities, and they’ll be here before we know it!

Let’s have a closer look at the main activities for the festive season.

We’ve included them all in the map Ghent lights up your winter, where you will find information on guided tours, concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, plays, opera etc. One side features a map highlighting the main events, like Winter Dream, the Christmas market and the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Overleaf you will find a list of all the other activities.

You can download this publication on http://www.verlichtjewinter.be/

Here’s a little taste:

25/11/2011 > 08/01/2012 // Winter dream (Winterdroom) - Sint-Pietersplein

This year Sint-Pietersplein, one of Ghent’s most beautiful and largest squares, will once again be given a magical makeover for Winter Dream, which will take place from 25 November till 8 January. Have a bite or sip a drink at one of the many food and drink chalets at the winter village, while admiring the beautiful backdrop to this event: St Peter’s Abbey. Or why not skate on the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Flanders? You can also enjoy numerous performances and admire the city from the enormous and impressive Ferris wheel… At Winter Dream sports, culture and fun go hand in hand!
Hop on the free shuttle train to the Christmas market and back.
Info: http://www.winterdroom.be/

02/12/2011, 8 pm // Ensemble Organum: Roman Christmas - Muziekcentrum De Bijloke Gent

From the 7th to the 13th century, impressive vespers resounded from the large Roman basilicas. Especially around Christmas, when beautiful, complex hallelujahs filled the air with joy. In the 9th century Roman liturgy had to be adapted to the new musical dialect that is now known as Gregorian chant. This concert breathes new life into this music.

04, 11 & 18/12/2011 // Sunday shopping - City-centre

No time to buy the perfect present? Sorry, but that’s no longer any excuse. In December Ghent’s shops will be open on Sunday. Combine the shops and boutiques with the atmospheric stalls on the Christmas market.

09 > 30/12/2011 // Christmas market - Sint-Baafsplein

The wooden chalets at the Christmas market sell artisan objects and Christmas items, but also fantasy jewellery, candles and decorative items… You can also have some tasty snacks and a delicious cup of mulled wine to keep you warm. A diverse programme of performances creates a magical Christmas atmosphere.
Monday to Friday 1-9 pm / Saturday & Sunday 11 am - 9 pm / 24 December 11 am - 4 pm / from 25 December onwards, closing at 7 pm

18/12/2011, 1-8 pm // Gift market - Vrijdagmarkt

Looking for the perfect Christmas present or just fancy a convivial outing? Combine the shops and boutiques with the atmospheric stalls on the Christmas market.

18/12/2011, 3 pm // The Nutcracker - Capitole Gent

A simple nutcracker turns into a splendid prince who takes Clara off to the land of the Sugar-Plum Fairy. This unique Christmas ballet by Tchaikovsky is performed in dazzling sets and is a unique experience for the whole family.

19/12/2011, 8 pm // Christmas concert - Hogeschool Gent Conservatorium

Big band and the Close harmony choir of the Conservatory of Ghent University College conducted by Marc Godfroid and Wilfried Van Beveren bring you sing sing sing compositions by Peter Herbolzheimer, Darmon Meader, and many others.

24/12/2011 > 06/01/2012, 4 pm // Glühwein boat - Graslei

Boat trip + 2 glasses of mulled wine per person
Tickets: € 12.00
Info & booking for groups of 10 and more: Gent Watertoerist / T. +32 9 269 08 69
Departure: Graslei, 4 pm (24/12 & 31/12: 2 pm) (Ñ 25/12 & 01/01)

31/12/2011, midnight // Fireworks - Portus Ganda

Make sure you’re at the rendezvous at midnight! There will be at least three kisses waiting for you, for a very special New Year! Fireworks and butterflies guaranteed!

01/01/2012, 3 pm // New Year’s concert: Vienna to Paris - Vlaamse Opera Ghent

This festive concert perfectly blends the grandeur of 19th-century Paris and Vienna: operettas and waltz are the main styles, the perfect way to celebrate the transition to the New Year. Before the concert you can enjoy a vast champagne brunch at the opera salons.

15/01/2012, 11 am - 1 pm // New year’s drink - Sint-Baafsplein

Like every year, the city council treats the inhabitants of Ghent to a free New Year’s drink with the mayor at 11 am on the beautiful Sint-Baafsplein. In Ghent we like to celebrate the New Year in style, and we invite our tourists to join the locals in their celebrations