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!
KETNET AAN ZEE
Step into the world of Ketnet and participate in lots of cool Ketnet activities: present the Karrewiet news yourself, prepare for the Gala of the Golden Ks, play along with the Kingsize Live board game and much more!
From Tuesday 2 January, daily performances between 2.30pm and 3.30pm will feature the Ketnet Band, Sarah & Bavo, .... and others.
Saturday 23 December to Sunday 7 January 2024
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Find out all about this free event at www.heldenplein.be and www.ketnetvoorouders.be.
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 7 January 2024
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.
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 7 January 2024
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 15 December, 17 - 20.30 h) and Dumortierlaan (on 29 December, 16 - 21 h) 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.
gastronomy
During the Christmas period, Knokke-Heist transforms into a culinary oasis where guests are pampered with delicious dishes and warm, welcoming ambiance. Local chefs are inspired by winter flavours and ingredients, and create menus that perfectly match the cosiness of the festive season. Think hearty stews, refined game dishes and flavoursome fish dishes with a festive twist.
The combination of excellent food, warm hospitality and the enchanting Christmas ambience makes a visit to Knokke-Heist during the holidays an unforgettable experience for foodies and epicureans.
Find more than 200 restaurants, including 4 prestigious star restaurants, and numerous delicatessens at mykh.be/gastronomy.
FAIRY-TALE WALK a christmas full of love
Knokke-Heist is bathed in a sea of Christmas lights with a Scandinavian touch. Take a journey along beautifully lit avenues and squares. Discover majestic moose, impressive wolves and bears, a fairytale deer gate, metre-high Christmas balloons and countless other surprises.
Avoid the crowds and come and enjoy relaxing Christmas shopping in the more than 1,800 shops. At the Tourist Office, you can pick up a fun walking tour, which immediately shows you all the highlights.
Until 07.01.2024
The tourism office is open daily from 9.30am-17pm.
Closed on 25 December and 1 January.
BRAND-NEW SOCIAL MEDIA ROUTES
The social media routes are back! Just like the tourism office, Knokke-Heist's six walking and cycling routes have been given a metamorphosis. The routes not only let you see the municipality from a different angle, they also provide you with lots of cool and interesting content to share on your social media. Ideal to do on a beautiful autumn day, alone, with friends or colleagues or with the whole family. The routes vary by network so there is something for everyone!
Youtubers Loïc Van Impe, Angelo Dorny, Sarah Puttemans & Hannes Coudenys show you their favourite spots in the YouTube cycling route.
Pinterest is the social medium for finding 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 via the new Pinterest route and associated account.
No fewer than 6 walking and cycling routes, based on well-known social media, show you the way in Knokke-Heist! Pick up the free routes at our tourism offices.
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 “Closer to paradise” - spark & valer sabadus
In Knokke-Heist, we end the year musically with an end-of-year concert in St Margareta church. On the bill this year: "Closer to Paradise" by Spark & Valer Sabadus. A unique poster with which we place an organ point on the year 2023!
28.12.2023
8 pm, St Margaret's Church
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.
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