From this year onwards, Oostende City is changing its approach with "Oostende Fonkelt". The competition element is disappearing, and the call to decorate the city together is more central than ever. Residents, associations, and businesses are encouraged to decorate their facade, balcony, front garden, front door, or windows in an atmospheric and creative way. Participants will be featured on the Fonkelplan, receive a participant gift, and have a chance to win a gift package. In this way, the city aims to become one large sparkling city and provide extra light and coziness that connects residents during the end-of-year period.
Christmas decoration is a tradition many residents look forward to each year. To have as many Oostendenaars as possible sparkle the city together, Oostende City has been organizing "Oostende Fonkelt" since 2021. After several years, it's time for a new approach. The joy of atmospheric decoration and connecting residents, neighborhoods, and streets remains central. "We've already seen so many beautiful, creative Christmas decorations from Oostendenaars in recent years. We want to focus on that warmth, enthusiasm, and commitment," said Mayor John Crombez. He urges everyone to participate and make Oostende one large sparkling city together.
All Oostendenaars, recognized Oostendse associations, vzw's, museums, schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, residents' associations, other informal associations, and businesses can participate. All participants will be included on the Fonkelplan, a city map featuring all participating locations, which will be available in community centers, the Library, City Hall, and at Toerisme Oostende. This allows residents and visitors to go on a discovery tour of the city during the Christmas period.
Each participant will receive a participant gift. Furthermore, during the New Year's reception, five Oostendenaars, five businesses, and 10 percent of the participating associations will be randomly selected to receive a gift package worth 100 euros.
Those wishing to participate can register from now until November 16, 2026, via www.oostende.be/oostendefonkelt. After that, it will be time to switch on the lights and make Oostende shine together between December 11, 2026, and January 3, 2027. Oostende City, together with Toerisme Oostende and the Economisch Huis, will ensure atmospheric Christmas lighting at central locations in the neighborhoods and the city center.
