Best of Brussels in December 2024.

December has arrived sooner than we expected, casting Brussels in a scene of twinkling lights, bustling markets, and a hum of winter cheer. It’s the season for cozy gatherings, festivities, and those serendipitous moments that make these colder months unforgettable.

The city is alive with possibilities—winter markets, cultural gems?and gastronomic treasures that invite you to indulge. Whether you’re chasing a spark of wonder or a warm retreat from the cold, we’ve curated the very best of Brussels to help you embrace the magic of the season. So, grab a cup of something warm, wrap yourself in your cosiest scarf, and enjoy the read.

The magic of?Winter Wonders festival is back in town! Internationally renowned Brussels Christmas market runs until 5 January and it sprawls across Place Sainte-Catherine, the Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, and beyond, creating a magical atmosphere all around the city centre. Think of charming wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts and delectable treats, a Christmas tree on the Grand-Place with its?sound-and-light spectacle, the dazzling ferris wheel, ice rink, choirs, exhibitions, and so much more. Winter Wonders brings a whirlwind of joy and wonder for all ages.

This year, don’t miss some exciting new additions:?Le Var from the Provence-Alpes-C?te d’Azur region takes the spotlight as the guest of honour, bringing its flavours, crafts, and traditions to Place de la Bourse. Be sure to visit their immersive programme. Other highlights include the mesmerising Echinodermus art installation at Mont des Arts, an extended Christmas market along Rue de la Madeleine, and a fresh offering in the charming Bortier Gallery.

Whether you’re a local or have visitors coming to town, this event is an unmissable celebration that captures the spirit of the season.?Check our Full guide to Winter Wonders!

Now that we have you covered with the Winter Wonders, 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.?

For all those who like immersive experiences and special exhibitions,?we’ve gathered some festive ideas to brighten your holidays:

Experience Brussels City Hall?in a whole new way with Heritage in Motion. Acrobatic company Back Pocket brings the story of this iconic landmark to life through an exhilarating mix of circus and dance performances—perfect for an unforgettable guided tour.

A Magical Christmas Adventure at WOM - This holiday season, the World of Mind (WOM) museum at Tour & Taxis invites you to explore a world of festive enchantment with the special show L’Enchanteur de No?l. Running from 21 December to 5 January, this captivating show stars the charismatic Maxime Mandrake, blending dazzling illusions with the poetic charm of Christmas. On 21 & 22 December, Santa Claus himself will make a surprise appearance to delight visitors of all ages. More info.

WIN: We're giving 4 tickets?for a family visit to?the Magic Show on 21 or 22 December?at WOM!?Reply to this?e-mail and we'll notify?the lucky winner?on 14?December.

Coudenberg Sound Box Fest, a music festival under the Place Royale in the remains of and old medieval palace is a meeting point for music and history. Until 15 December, artists from Belgium and beyond will enchant this unique archaeological site with different styles of music. Discover more

Lanterna Magica?is back with a new immersive Winter Lights?trail that will plunge you into a dreamlike fairytale in the heart of an enchanted forest. The walk will?take you through the woods and let you?admire the castle in a symphony tinged with the magic of Christmas.?Info here

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 a family 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

Brussels and the World

If you are into rankings, The World’s Best Cities 2025 report is out, ranking 270 major cities according to their quality of life, attractiveness and prosperity. London unsurprisingly ranks first, followed by Paris and New York. The top 10 also includes Tokyo, Singapore, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin and Sydney. Brussels is ranked 56th, described as a melting pot of?European politics and culture. More here

If tasting & ranking?beers is more your thing, then check the story about 'Primitive beer' that attracts visitors from all over the world to Brussels. It's a story about?a century-old beer institution that produces its beverages using a traditional recipe. Thanks to this?limited production of "Gueuze" beer, the Cantillon Brewery has established itself in the "lambic" market, which is known for its unique sour beers. AFP brings?this interesting video report.

Art lovers will appreciate the?Financial Times feature with?Jean Boghossian’s insider guide to Brussels.?The renowned artist takes readers on a journey through the city’s hidden creative gems, offering a personal look into the places that inspire his work.

To continue exploring, visit Maison du Roi on the Grand Place, where unique tapestry from 1530 has been brought back from London.?The Brussels City Museum is showcasing this extraordinary tapestry depicting King Solomon inviting his mother Bathsheba to share the throne. The tapestry previously graced the walls of the House of Lords in London, but the piece has now been brought back to the city where it was made.

Finally, the big news of this month - the fabulous architectural heritage of Brussels is coming back to life on 9 December?with the opening of Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels . Nestled on Rue Royale, this Belle époque gem by Henri van Dievoet, combines classical elegance with an artistic brand of hospitality and will include?two restaurants from renowned Belgian Michelin starred chefs, world-class spa,?a concept store showcasing visionary Belgian brands and much more.

EU Quarter news: If you’ve passed through Rue de la Loi recently, you might have noticed a striking absence. One of the most photographed murals in Brussels, painted by Belgian-Congolese artist Julien Crevaels has been torn down to make way for a new conference center on this busy street. This is a reminder of the city’s ever-evolving landscape. More details.

On a brighter note, the neighbourhood remains a hub of cultural activity. 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.

The new?Changemakers exhibition?is on at the Parlamentarium exploring a very timely topic:?how young artists and activists engage in the defence of democracy through artivism and social networks. Finally, all those wishing to visit the European Parliament can join?Guided tours of the Hemicycle?which take place from Monday – Friday at 11am and 3pm. Tours are in English and French, pre-registration is necessary.

Looking for culture tips around Brussels?

Art Antwerp is a contemporary art fair, organised by Art Brussels from 12 to 15 December 2024 at Antwerp Expo. The regional fair will gather more than?65 participating galleries from 11 different countries. More info

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

Look at this wonderful greeting card made for WeLoveBrussels 10th anniversary by our illustrator friend Facundo Aguirre. Check his amazing works on Instagram @el.fasu

Also happening this month:

• Expo “Echoes of Art Deco” at Villa Empain.?In the frame of the centenary commemoration of Art Deco in 2025, the Boghossian Foundation is presenting a thematic exhibition on this key movement in Brussels. More here
• Exhibition Drafts: From Rubens to Khnopff, runs until 16 February at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. 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
• 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
• Curated Bazaar #3 in Sablon. New edition at Jonathan F. Kugel - Cabinet de Curiosités Contemporain, blending contemporary art with unique, artisanal creations. 13 Dec, 17-22h. More info??
• If you prefer a less busy Christmas Market, Woluwé-Saint-Pierre hosts its own market from 10 to 15 December in Stockel.?Info here
• 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 details
• 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. More info
• 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
• 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. More here
• Hans/Jean Arp & Sophie Taeuber-Arp: Friends, Lovers, Partners.?Bozar hosts a major exhibition celebrating one of the most iconic artist couples of the 20th century: Hans/Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, key figures in abstract art. Open until?19 January?2025, this exhibition invites you to explore the intertwined romantic and artistic lives of the duo.?More info
• Hatred is noisy but Love Is Louder!?From the Summer of Love of 1967 to today, the?show in Bozar explores how in the last 50 years we have moved beyond the image of the traditional couple or the nuclear family, how friendships are shaping to be and what it means to use actions of love within society. Discover the work of 80 national and international artists in a wide range of media.?More info
• "Fashion Art & Demure" by Natan?celebrates fashion as a powerful art form. Held at the brand-new Louisa Tower in Brussels,?the exhibition blurs the lines between fashion and art with?an inspirational journey through the exquisite couture creations of Edouard Vermeulen.?Showcasing the artistry that defines contemporary fashion,?this expo is a celebration of refined style, offering a fresh perspective on the essence of elegance and fashion. Until 30 December. More details
• Looking for great art?paired with unique views of Brussels? Check the new Art Pops?expo at the Belfius Art Centre on Place Rogier. These annual exhibitions on the top floor of Belfius building?have become an unmissable?addition to the art scene in the Belgian capital. Get inspired.
• This year,?the Hors Pistes festival is rebranded as HP. Until 15 December, the festival will expand across various locations in Brussels. Unlike previous editions focused solely on circus arts, HP now embraces a wide range of disciplines, including dance, performances, music, and interdisciplinary projects. More info
• 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
• 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 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
• Continue the journey with?Here We Are! Women in Design, 1900 -Today exhibition?in Design Museum Brussels, which pays tribute to women designers past and present, through a large collection of furniture, ceramics, glass, textiles, fashion and graphic design. Until March 2025.?Discover more
• 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?
• Expo:?Multitude - VHILS. MIMA museum presents a solo exhibition by Alexandre Farto aka Vhils. Visitors can encounter wall carvings, billboards, cityscapes, videos and installations offering a compelling insight into the Portuguese artist approach to the relationship between people and cities. Until 5 January 2025.?Info

Need more inspiration? Check the dedicated?music agenda where our collaborator David Vidal Sans brings a unique selection of festivals, concerts and parties all around Brussels, Belgium &?nearby European cities. Discover more in the?December music agenda!

#Brussels #bruxelles #brussel Bozar Design Museum Brussels HORTA MUSEUM Villa Empain - Fondation Boghossian House of European History Natan Comic Art Museum - Brussels Train World Art Brussels Cardo Brussels Brussels Major Events #belgium