From December 11 to January 3, residents and visitors can soak up the winter atmosphere in the 'Hoppestad' (Hop City). This year's Winter in Poperinge program includes an indoor Christmas market with an ice rink, the year-end sales campaign, Christmas shopping, a winter walk, the Hoppeland light run, a illuminated tractor parade, and a free New Year's reception.
The indoor Christmas market, featuring Christmas chalets operated by 11 local associations, will be held on the Grote Markt. Various bands and DJs will perform music from the stage on weekends. The Christmas market runs from Friday, December 11, to Sunday, January 3, open Monday to Thursday from 2 PM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 2 PM to 1 AM, and Sunday from 2 PM to 11 PM. The proceeds from the chalets go to the participating associations.
The indoor ice rink is open to all ages. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 2 PM to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 2 PM to 10 PM. An ice skating session costs 8 euros. Opening hours may vary on December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1.
On Saturday, December 12, AC Hoppeland and volunteers are organizing the second edition of the Hoppeland Lichtjesloop (Light Run). This recreational running and walking event starts and finishes at the Grote Markt, taking participants through the illuminated city center. There are three distances: 3 km, 6 km, and 9 km. A portion of the proceeds will go to vzw Letterhop. More information and registration at www.achoppeland.be.
The year-end sales campaign runs from December 1 to 31, where customers at over 70 local businesses can collect stamps for a chance to win over 10,000 euros in vouchers. Completed stamp cards can be submitted until January 6, 2027, with winners drawn the week of January 11.
On Sunday, December 20, there will be a Christmas shopping day featuring Christmas elves handing out candy, a visit from Santa Claus, promotions at participating shops, music, Christmas atmosphere, and children's entertainment. There will also be an extra small Christmas market in front of the town hall. Shopping hours are from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM.
On Sunday, December 27, Groene Kring Poperinge – Ieper, in collaboration with the Landbouwraad Poperinge and the city of Poperinge, will present an illuminated tractor parade. The children's parade starts at 4 PM and will wind through the city center. The tractor parade departs at 5:30 PM from Transagro Bouton in the industrial area and will pass through the center twice before heading towards Proven, Roesbrugge, and Krombeke, ending at the Grote Markt. A jury will select the top five most beautiful tractors. More information and registration via the Facebook page of Groene Kring Poperinge – Ieper.
The winter walk, organized with UNIZO Poperinge, invites families to enjoy a festive walk through the illuminated streets, with challenges and riddles at shop windows. Participants who complete the walk will receive a souvenir and have a chance to win a Pop.kado voucher. Forms are available at the Tourism office, the Hop-On! chalet at the Christmas market, and participating shops. More information at www.poperinge.be/winterinpoperinge.
Winter in Poperinge concludes on Sunday, January 3, with a free New Year's reception for all residents at the Maeke Blyde, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Aviko will offer free fries. After the reception, from 2 PM onwards, everyone is welcome at the Christmas market for a festive afternoon.
