It’s December, yes it’s cold and dark but this only means one thing… Christmas is around the corner! And so is the return of Winter Wonders – Plaisirs d’Hiver. The internationally famous Brussels Christmas market is back until 5 January 2025 all around the city centre. Explore the chalets with handcrafted gifts, gastronomy, mulled wine and plenty of fun activities – discover all you need to know in our full guide to Winter Wonders.
The city is buzzing with events and happenings to keep our spirits aglow – from enchanting markets to cultural treasures and gastronomic delights, we bring you tips and ideas to embrace the festive mood and make the coming weeks truly magical. Let’s step into the sparkle of the season together!
Interested in music and archaeological heritage? You cannot miss the Coudenberg Sound Box Fest, a music festival under the Place Royale in the remains of and old medieval palace. The festival is a meeting point for music and history, from 24 November to 15 December, where artists from Belgium and beyond will enchant this unique archaeological site with different styles of music. More info
If you’re into magic, don’t miss the Winter Program: A Magical Christmas Adventure in the World of Mind (WOM) museum at Tour & Taxis. This holiday season, WOM adds a touch of festive enchantment with the special show “L’Enchanteur de Noël”, running from 21 December to 5 January 5, 2025. Featuring the charismatic Maxime Mandrake, this family-friendly event unveils the poetic mysteries of Christmas through dazzling illusions. On 21 & 22 December, Santa Claus himself will make a surprise appearance to delight young and older alike. More info here.
Experience a different guided tour with Heritage in Motion, Brussels City Hall told by acrobats. The program combines circus and dance performances by the acrobatic company Back Pocket, the perfect mix for admiring an iconic Brussels landmark while having a great time.
For a bit different experience, you can step back 2,200 years and explore ancient China with the Terracotta Army exhibition. Embark on this extraordinary journey to discover the grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors and the legacy of China’s First Emperor. More info
Finally, Smurfs are back in town, a perfect occasion for the family holiday activity. The Great Smurfs Adventure at Brussels Expo allows fans of all ages to take on the role of a real Smurf and explore the Smurf village with its iconic mushroom houses and mystical forest. Discover more
The festive spirit of Winter Wonders shines beyond Brussels with Lanterna Magica, a lights installation around La Hulpe castle, only 17km away. Enchanting, magical and musical! This brand-new immersive trail will plunge you into a dreamlike world where every corner of the park will reveal sparkling light effects and enchanting projections in a winter fairytale full of wonder and mystery. More info
Now that we have you covered with the cool immersive experiences, it’s time to explore some of the freshest additions to Brussels’ vibrant gastronomic scene. Firstly, check out Akai, the new hotspot restaurant & bar located in recently opened Cardo Hotel at Place Rogier. Expect vibrant ambiance and breathtaking panoramic views. More here
For another rooftop adventure—this time with an Alpine twist—head to Chalet d’Altitude, which just opened atop the Grand Casino Viage in the city centre. This urban chalet concept brings the mountains to Brussels with Savoyard fondues, raclettes, cured meats, raclette sandwiches, and a unique après-ski vibe overlooking the city.
Have you visited the Bortier Gallery yet? This historical treasure has recently reopened following renovations. This gourmet gallery in the heart of the city now provides a fusion of dining spots with bookshops, creating a harmonious blend of culture and fine food. Check our Instagram video for a sneak peek!
And for a deliciously quirky experience, don’t miss the first edition of Bakery Rave, taking place in some top bakeries across town (Mains, Brood, Grain…) from 11 to 15 December. Come for delicious pastries, stay for the beats and free coffee. More here
Get ready, Brussels will celebrate 100 years of Art Deco throughout 2025. After the success of the Art Nouveau Year 2023 and nearly 2 million visitors, Art Deco will be in the spotlight with exhibitions, guided tours, lectures and opening of buildings, inviting the public to rediscover different facets of this movement in our city. To already get into the mood, visit the new expo “Echoes of Art Deco” at Villa Empain.
The House of European History recently celebrated a remarkable milestone—welcoming its one-millionth visitor! The museum’s lunch tours will be festive this month with the theme ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year.’ Tours are free and take place every Tuesday. Also at the House of European History, the temporary exhibition Bellum & Artes enters its last weeks and will be closing on 12 January.
Meanwhile, the lunchtime concerts continue at Info Hub of the European Parliament until 17 December with plans to return in 2025 and run until March. Concerts are free to attend and include classical & jazz performances by different musicians and ensembles.
Victor Horta, Henry van de Velde, Paul Delvaux, Santiago Calatrava…they all have something in common: Their passion for trains. Draw Me A Train is a new exhibition at Train World exposing some of the works of these exceptional artists expressing the beauty of trains. Original drawings by Victor Horta related to his work at the Brussels Central station will be exhibited to the public for the first time. Until May 2025. Tickets
Which are the boundaries between humans and wild animals? The exhibition WILD? at the Natural Sciences Museum, explores the tricky relationship via Belgian wildlife with a focus on the meaning and different perceptions of this word: Exotic? Distant? Dangerous?… More info here.
As the world’s capital of comics, a new exhibition dedicated to Mr. Invincible has landed at Brussels Comic Art Museum. Mr. Invincible: Beyond the panels, explores the life of this mysterious superhero who effortlessly breaks through the panels of a comic page. The comic series sprung from the mind of French author Pascal Jousselin, who popularised the meta-comic to the general public through the series. While visiting the Museum, you can also jump on the exhibition A Century of Belgian Comics, available though 2025. Read more.
Hatred is noisy but Love Is Louder! In times of war, a new exhibition in Bozar explores the many facets of love, its tensions, and its various forms. Navigating between the personal and the political, the exhibition will zoom in on three dimensions of love: romantic love, kinship and friendship, and love in a broader social context; from the Summer of Love of 1967 to today. Visit until 5 January and get your tickets now.
If you like electronic music and social causes, Maatwerk By Night is the party you are looking for. After a successful open-air event in June in Vauxhall, Maatwerk is back on 7 December with another electronic music party to celebrate the end of the festival year. DJs, local beer, a solidarity action donating part of the profit to Brussel Helpt, who collaborates with community centres. Read more.
If you thought mindfulness was a new term, you are wrong. The Royal Library of Brussels hosts the exhibition Mindfulness from the Middle Ages – The Imitatio Christi 1424 – 2024. After the Bible, this is the most distributed and widely read spiritual self-help book in the world. The Library treasures more than 1000 manuscripts and prints of this œuvre, including the autograph that its author Thomas Kempis kept until his death. Visit until 21 December at KBR.
Have you ever dreamt of watching a film from your car and living your Hollywood fantasy? Brussels makes it possible with the arcade of Parc du Cinquantenaire as a backdrop screen. Cinair: Drive-in cinema is back in December with the screening of films like Harry Potter, Aladdin or Aquaman. More info.
A new temporary exhibition ‘Changemakers: From committed art to democratic artivism’ opened in the Parlamentarium in November. The exhibition explores how young artists and activists engage in the defence of democracy through artivism and social networks. The expo will run until February in the Parlamentarium and will later move to the Culture XL space on Rue Wiertz, Ixelles.
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium presents a new exhibition Drafts: From Rubens to Khnopff, running until 16 February. Step into the studio and witness the creative process firsthand, capturing the essence of a work of art from the very first sketch—whether on a blank sheet, a wooden panel, or a piece of cardboard. This immersive experience promises new perspectives on the behind-the-scenes of creations by iconic artists such as Rogier van der Weyden, Rembrandt, Rubens, Magritte, and many others. More details
Marollescence offers a new way to enjoy the authentic Marolles neighbourhood by following a path with iridescent artistic installations until 5 January. Discover six artworks that will guide you along the cozy streets and shops, bars and restaurants of this vibrant district. From Place de la Chapelle to Place du Jeu de Balle, a perfect excuse to wander around this picturesque quartier. More here
The Design Museum Brussels presents Untold Stories – Women Designers in Belgium, 1880-1980, the works of over 50 women designers and makers active in Belgium between 1880 and 1980. Featuring a diverse range of objects, many of which have never been displayed before. This groundbreaking showcase celebrates the under-appreciated contributions of women to Belgian craft and design. Until 13 April. More info
Finally, a reminder of the closure of the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art (MIMA) in the canal area. MIMA will sadly close its doors on 5 January 2025, after 9 years, 17 exhibitions, and over 400,000 visitors. The current exhibition ‘Multitude’ by Alexandre Farto aka Vhils is still on, so don’t miss one of the last opportunities to enjoy the final chapter of the museum’s unique journey. More here
Looking for culture tips around Brussels?
Experience Art Antwerp, Art Brussels’ little sister, if you will. Since 2021 the Belgian capital’s long-standing reputed art fair leaves its home once a year to descend upon Antwerp, a testament to the Flemish city’s vibrant, burgeoning art scene. With its exclusive format – a committee selects galleries on an invitation-only basis – Art Antwerp is a true boutique fair of a more intimate nature encouraging meaningful conversations between collectors, art lovers, curators, artists and galleries. From 12 to 15 December. Read more
A trip to Liège will offer you a chance to see the expo The Worlds of Paul Delvaux at La Boverie. This is a major new exhibition about Paul Delvaux, presenting masterpieces that have not been seen or brought together for many years. Experience Delvaux’s influence on Surrealism and art history through a captivating display of paintings, drawings, and installations. More info
Also happening this month:
- Last weeks to see Bellum et Artes – Europe and the Thirty Years’ War. The House of European History has a temporary exhibition Bellum et Artes (War and Arts), about the role of the arts during the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). More info
- The exhibition Hosting at La Centrale, marks the reopening of this art space in the Saint Catherine’s district after extensive renovations. To celebrate this event, the expo ‘hosting’ showcases the work of 250 artists from Brussels and its surrounding suburbs, transforming the entire space of la Centrale, a former power station, into a vibrant gathering point. Until 9 Feb. More info
- “Alechinsky, Pinceau Voyageur” – For the very first time since its opening to the public in 2010, the Boghossian Foundation presents a solo exhibition devoted to a major European artist of the 20th century, in the welcoming and unique setting of the Villa Empain. The expo is an ode to travel, freedom and friendship, featuring an exceptional collection of approximately one hundred pieces alongside numerous archival documents amassed over the last seventy years. More here
- Femmes d’Europe organise their traditional Charity Christmas Bazaar, a unique opportunity to do your Christmas shopping under one roof while supporting humanitarian projects. You will find a wide range of gift items: European gastronomic specialties, scarves and hats, blankets, leather goods, artisanal soaps, handmade knitwear, jewellery, books, Christmas decoration, flea market, makeup for children, etc. On 14 December in the European Commission’s site in Rue Joseph II. More info
- If you prefer a less busy Christmas Market that the one in the city centre, Woluwé-Saint-Pierre hosts its own market from 10 to 15 December in Stockel.
- The Nine Winter Market. Celebrate the festive season at The Nine Winter Market! Discover a curated selection of talented women artists and creators offering unique, handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere of Belgium’s first female-focused members’ club, and savor drinks and bites from the bar’s special seasonal menu. Perfect for finding thoughtful presents or simply soaking up winter vibes with friends and family. Free entry. Friday, 6 December 2024 (12.00-22.00), The Nine, Rue Archimède 69, Brussels 1000.
- The Chromatic Dreams: Mapping the Inner Landscape exhibition is currently on display at the Sofitel Brussels Europe until January 2025. Organised by Flowspace, this exhibition explores emotional and spiritual transformation through the lens of color and materiality, showcasing the works of three different artists. More info
- What about having some laughs on a Friday after work? Funny Women hosts their monthly comedy show in English at Kamilou on 6 December, starring of course female comedians from Belgium and beyond. More info
- Into digital illustrations and the art of graffiti? Raquel Dama is a 25-year-old Brazilian visual artist, architect and urban planner based in Brussels. Her exhibition Window-Expo: Raquel Dama shows her creative output including painting on canvas, digital illustration, graffiti, and recently also work in design and fashion. Visit for free until 22 December in GC Maalbeek.
- Step back 2,200 years and explore ancient China with the Terracotta Army exhibition in Brussels. Discover the grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors and the legacy of China’s First Emperor. Embark on this extraordinary journey at Tour & Taxis. More info
- The digital culture art centre presents an exhibition focused on raising awareness around the concept of “care.” Inspired by Wislawa Szymborska’s poem End and Beginning, the exhibition Fin et Début / Einde en Begin explores the relationship between humans and technology, delving into the various possibilities for the future of humanity. Until 16 February. More info
- Until 6 December, the Cinemamed festival will present a selection of around 60 films, blending fiction and documentary to offer a comprehensive view of cinematic reality. The festival aims not only to introduce audiences to new films but also to encourage reflection through discussions and debates organized throughout the event. More
- The Horta Museum presents Smooth as Velvet, featuring five artists who will transform the house’s walls until 30 May, 2025. This fabric choice highlights Horta’s love for textiles, especially silk, and underscores the architectural importance of textiles as a source of ornamentation. Discover more
- The exhibition Echoes of Art Deco opened in November in the Project Space of the Villa Empain, in the frame of the centenary commemoration of Art Deco in 2025. Visit until May. More info
For the music aficionados and concert goers, our collaborator David Vidal brings us a selection of festivals, concerts and parties all around Brussels and nearby cities. Discover more in our dedicated December music agenda!
