What to do in Brussels in December? Despite the cold, wind and rain, hibernation is out of the question. The editors of Bruxelles Secrète have braved the elements to concoct a list of cultural activities and outings for the more adventurous among you, far more energizing than an evening under the comforter. Exhibitions,sound and light shows… Follow our schedule, you won’t be bored!
A cultural getaway in Liège
December is undoubtedly the perfect month to visit Liège and its old town, which boasts many interesting sites from medieval times, such as the Romanesque collegiate church of Saint-Barthélemy, the Grand Curtius museum and its archaeological treasures, the Royal Opera of Wallonia, or the Church of Saint-Pholien, which is currently hosting an immersive exhibition dedicated to the most famous Impressionist painter of all time: Claude Monet. Water lilies, wisteria… The entire poetic ambience of the Jardin de Giverny has been recreated for the occasion in this 360-degree experience.
📍Address: Église Saint-Pholien, Rue St Pholien 9, 4020 Liège
A TV-style quiz
Desks, buzzers, special lighting… In this interactive game, everything is designed to make you feel like you’re on a TV set. Imitate your favorite TV shows, such as the famous“Question pour un champion”, but without Julien Lepers. With friends, challenge yourselves by answering quizzes on a wide range of themes: music, general knowledge, everyday life, society… Guided by a voice-over, the immersion is total!
📍Address: Rue de l’Écuyer 37 – Brussels 1000
Plaisirs d’Hiver Christmas Market
It’s official: the “Plaisirs d’Hiver” festivities – the Brussels Christmas market – will be making a comeback in the capital from November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025. The capital’s traditional Christmas market, “Plaisirs d’Hiver”, cherished by many a Brussels resident, awaits you for a foretaste of the festive season. Here’s to liters of mulled wine, cones of French fries galore and crunchy chocolates in foil!
Light trails near Brussels
It’s a well-known fact that, in winter, the days are shorter and night falls early. Need to compensate for the lack of sunshine by putting some light in your eyes? We’ve got just the thing for you. Discover 4 magical light festivals not far from Brussels. It’s the perfect family activity to get into the holiday spirit!
A must-see exhibition
This December, until January 19, 2025, Bozar honors one of art history’s most influential couples: Hans/Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp. These major figures of twentieth-century abstract art are celebrated for the diversity of their creative output, ranging from painting and sculpture to textiles, design and literature. Their work, both innovative and timeless, continues to inspire the art world today. It promises to reveal the full richness of their artistic vision and their lasting impact.
📍 Address: Bozar/Palais des Beaux-Arts: Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Brussels
📆 Dates: until January 19, 2025
A truffle fricadelle at Dikkenek
December is also the time to comfort yourself with delicious dishes full of truffles and cheese. And what better way to do that than with DIKKENEK’s truffle fricadelle XXL? Present at Plaisirs d’Hiver again this year, the fricadelle bar offers seven recipes – including one vegan – to be enjoyed without moderation. Bon appétit!
A 100% Christmas experience at MOIR
The best Christmas adventure is coming to Brussels. More precisely, at MOIR, Museum of Infinite Realities, the place of all possibilities. On the program for this new immersive tour: an experience specially designed for families in which you move from room to room (7 in all) and take part in interactive challenges. Embark on a never-before-seen expedition to help the North Pole elves accomplish their annual mission: to save the Christmas party!
📍Address: MOIR, 30 rue du marché aux poulets, Brussels
The world’s biggest New Year’s festival
Have you ever heard of the FCKNYE festival? With this event, there’s no question of being disappointed by New Year’s Eve. On December 30 and 31, 2024, the vast halls of Brussels Expo will be transformed into a party paradise. From electro and hardstyle to techno and rap, an explosive musical program awaits you. The perfect way to welcome 2025 in style!
The immersive Bubble Planet experience
To escape the autumn greyness and winter cold, Bubble Planet warms the hearts of curious Brussels residents and adds color to their daily lives. On the program: a wildly immersive experience in a world of giant bubbles. Balloons, ball pools, lava lamps, LEDs, sets straight out of a Pixar film. As you’ll discover, this experience is full of magic!
📍Address: Tour & Taxis, avenue du Port 86C (SHED 3.2), Brussels
International Christmas Sweater Day
Attention Bridget Jones fans! Whatever its exact origin, International Christmas Sweater Day now takes place on December 21. The idea is simple: don your best Christmas sweater, whether it’s eccentric or downright kitsch. Garlands, tassels, quirky messages… anything goes! It’s time to rummage through your wardrobe and dig out your hidden treasures. It’s up to you!
A Candlelight concert
With Christmas just around the corner, what could be more magical than a candlelit concert ? To fully experience the magic of the festive season, join us for a Candlelight concert at Concert Noble! Experience a truly unique moment in the company of your loved ones, and enjoy Christmas songs revisited by the Audelia string trio in a magnificent, intimate setting. Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney, Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon, Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swift, Snowman by Sia… The greatest Christmas classics await you under the incandescent light of thousands of candles.
📍Address: Le Concert Noble, Rue d’Arlon 82, 1040 Brussels
The perfect Yule log
With the festive season just around the corner, it’s time to think about the Yule log, the emblematic dessert that brings our festive meals to a beautiful close. In Brussels, patissiers and ice-cream makers compete with each other to offer logs that are as elegant as they are delicious. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or looking for more original options, our selection will help you discover the best addresses to choose a log that will make your festive season unforgettably gourmet.