Experience winter at its best in Knokke-Heist!
Our seaside resort is also full of life in winter. During the holiday period, the streets and buildings are adorned with festive lighting and we offer a wide range of winter activities for young and old alike. The ideal combination for a weekend of Christmas shopping!
RUDOLPH FAIRY-TALE WALK
Do you know the fairy tale of Rudolph? Today, we will take you on a moose trek through Knokke-Heist. Discover the story of this special animal!
This 2-km fairy-tale walk is suitable for children from the ages of 4 to 10. Collect your free activity booklet from the tourist office in Knokke (Zeedijk 660) and start your walk straight away.
The booklet is only available in Dutch!
Up to and including 8 January 2023
The tourist office is open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm
Closed on 25 December and 1 January
COVERED ICE RINK
Skating fun for the whole family is guaranteed on Knokke-Heist ice rink. You can also visit the ice rink for tasty snacks and drinks and there is even a funfair to keep the youngest visitors happy!
Up to and including 8 January 2023
Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Closed at 6 pm on 24 and 31 December and open from 12 pm on 25 December and 1 January.
World Cup Pop-Up
Come and enjoy the World Cup matches with your family and friends in a unique and stylish football setting. The little ones will have tons of fun in the kids’ corner. Challenge your family and friends to a round of table football.
Even after the World Cup, the pop-up will remain a fun activity for the whole family during the Christmas holidays. Visit our inspiring Instagram photo boxes or leave a thank-you note in the 'Thank You Martinez' book. In the lounges, you can relive the 'best of moments' of the World Cup.
Come and immerse yourself in the sporty atmosphere at The World Cup Pop-Up Heldenplein.
Up to and including 8 January 2023
Open daily from 11 am to 11 pm. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January
ATMOSPHERIC SHOPPING STREETS
During the holiday period, the streets and buildings are adorned with festive lighting and we offer a wide range of winter activities for young and old alike. The ideal combination for a weekend of Christmas shopping! Our range of boutiques puts Knokke-Heist firmly in the number one spot on the fashion map. You will find absolute top brands here. Plus, the shops are always open on Sundays and public holidays.
No time to go shopping during the day? The shops on Graaf d'Ursellaan (on 16 December) and Dumortierlaan (on 30 December) will be happy to regale you with late-night shopping during the winter period.
Discover the magical Christmas atmosphere at our tourist office in Knokke. There you can take a fun Christmas snapshot in the Christmas forest while taking a free shopping plan with you for more shopping inspiration.
Tip: why not take advantage of our Shopping Shuttle that connects the main shopping streets? During the Christmas holidays, it runs every day between 11 am and 6 pm. Outside the holiday period, the shuttle only runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
cozy winter atmosphere
To stay in the winter atmosphere, you can also enjoy the cosy winter bar Ice Bar on Van Bunnenplein or experience the ultimate Christmas feeling during a visit to a Christmas crib at Heldenplein with life-size statues surrounded by large illuminated and decorated Christmas trees.
Up to and including 8 January 2023
WINTER IN THE ZWIN
You can also experience the beautiful nature of the Zwin region during the winter! In various huts along the route, Zwin guides will be available every day of the Christmas holidays. Children can go to the viewing centre to listen to a wonderful winter story or to enjoy various crafts.
Would you rather have a guided themed walk? If so, try one of our family walks or a winter walk with mulled wine!
Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm during the holiday period. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays outside the holiday period.
Closed on 25 December and 1 January
NEW YEAR’S CONCERT “PETITE MESSE SOLENNELLE” - GIOACHINO ROSSINI
In Knokke-Heist, we end the year on a high note with a New Year’s concert in St Margaret's Church. On the programme this year: “Petite Messe Solennelle” by Gioachino Rossini, performed by the leading Belgian Octopus Symphonic Choir. 4 vocal soloists, harmonium and piano, skilfully conducted by Bart Van Reyn, the music director of the Flemish Radio Choir. A unique programme which will bring the year 2022 to a grand finale!
29.12.2022
8 pm
WINTER FIREWORKS
On 6 January, Knokke-Heist is organising a fireworks show on the beach. So put on some warm clothes and welcome in the New Year with our amazing fireworks shows!
06.01.2023
6.30 pm
BRAND-NEW SOCIAL MEDIA ROUTES
Get out and about with our brand-new social media routes!
YouTubers Loïc Van Impe, Angelo Dorny, Sarah Puttemans & Hannes Coudenys will show you their favourite spots in the YouTube bike route.
Pinterest is the best social media platform for gaining inspiration and putting together mood boards. Are you looking for a new interior, fun trips or inspiration for dishes or restaurants? Knokke-Heist has the answers, in the form of the new Pinterest route and the associated account.
No less than 7 walking and cycling routes, based on well-known social media, will guide you around Knokke-Heist! Pick up the free routes from our tourist offices.
KOEN VANMECHELEN EXHIBITION
Since the very beginning of his career as an artist, Koen Vanmechelen has been wrestling with the future of our species: how should humans move forward from this point? How can we live sustainably, sharing our planet with other animals, with respect for the environment of even the smallest creatures? Through his ‘Cosmopolitan Renaissance’ exhibition in the Scharpoord Cultural Centre, you will discover the answers to these questions based on his artworks and the audio guide.
A nice tip for families: the family trail will allow your child to discover the fascinating universe of artist Koen Vanmechelen in a playful way!
Up to and including 15 January 2023
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm during the holiday period. Closed on Tuesdays outside the holiday period.
Picture: (c) Sebastiaan Franco
KID-PROOF MUSEUMS
Our museums are also well worth a visit and are an experience the whole family can enjoy. In the HEY experience centre, you can discover all about the past, present and future of Knokke-Heist. Through 360°projection, the interactive map of the town and the 11-metre long panoramic painting, you will discover the exceptional life of this seaside resort.
The For Freedom Museum vividly and realistically depicts the dark times of World War II. Each figure in the museum has a personal story and looks lifelike!
Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm during the holiday period. HEY is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays outside the holiday period. The For Freedom Museum is only open at weekends outside of the holiday period.
Closed on 25 December and 1 January. HEY is also closed on 26 December and 2 January.
BOUNCY CASTLE PARADISE
Jungle Jump will be filling the Laguna Sports Centre with bouncy castles and attractions during the last weekend of the Christmas holidays! All children from the ages of 2 to 12 are welcome to come and bounce to their hearts’ content.
07.01.2023-08.01.2023
10 am to 7 pm
Indoor water fun
Experience water fun for all ages on the slides and in the swimming pools of Sportoase Duinenwater. Parents can relax in the well-being centre.
Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm