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!
Plaisirs d’Hiver Christmas Market
It’s official: the festivities have begun, and with them “Plaisirs d’Hiver” – Brussels’ Christmas market – to be discovered until January 1, 2026. The capital’s traditional Christmas market, “Plaisirs d’Hiver”, cherished by many a Brussels resident, is waiting to offer you a foretaste of the festive season, with its chalets and a wide variety of attractions. Here’s to liters of mulled wine, cones of French fries galore and crunchy chocolates in foil!
The Christmas Magic Show at WOM (World of Mind)
The magic happens at WOM (World of Mind) ! The magic trail at Tour & Taxis has a whole host of surprises in store for you this festive season. Brussels’ temple of illusion and visual mischief is pulling out all the stops to prepare you for a Christmas like no other. For three weekends, the course plays with your senses and turns your perceptions upside down with interactive shows. The bravest of you will even be invited to take to the stage for a moment of live magic on the weekends of December 20, 27 2025 and January 3 2026. At the helm: Yann Lejeune and Bruno Vairone, two magicians from the Magic Minds troupe (the accomplices of Maxime Mandrake, gold and silver medallist at the World Performance Arts Championships in Los Angeles in 2023), ready to put stars in the eyes of spectators.
📅 Dates: December 20-21, 27-29, 2025, January 3-4, 2026
📍Address: WOM, Tour & Taxis Shed 4 bis, 1000 Brussels
In Strasbourg, Europe’s largest and oldest Christmas market, just a short train ride from Brussels.
Just 3 h 30 by train from Brussels, the ” Christmas Capital ” awaits you. Strasbourg’s Christmas market features over 300 wooden chalets, a monumental fir tree and magnificent illuminations. It’s one of the biggest and oldest Christmas markets in Europe, and a must-see at least once in your life.
Raclettes and fondues
When the cold sets in over Brussels, there’s nothing like a fondue or raclette evening to warm hearts and melt taste buds. Urban chalets like Les Fondus de la Raclette transform the capital into a veritable alpine resort, with white wines, melting cheeses and a woodsy ambience. Gourmets can head to Chalet de l’Amusoir for an all-you-can-eat raclette worthy of a Savoyard refuge. But the best thing to do is to discover our ranking of the best raclette and fondue restaurants in Brussels.
The LUMINISCENCE sound and light show at Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral
It’s one of the most brilliant events of the winter: LUMINISCENCE illuminates the Cathedral of Saints-Michel-et-Gudule, a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic, with an immersive show on a monumental scale. After a dazzling success with over a million spectators worldwide, a new chapter has opened in Brussels. Combining narration, music and 360-degree video-mapping, this absolutely unprecedented experience is a must-see this season.
Dates: multiple dates
Location: Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral, Place Sainte-Gudule, Brussels, 1000
Le Cabaret Secret – Tour & Taxi district
If you’re looking for an original night out in Brussels, don’t miss this immersive cabaret nestled in the Magic Mirror big top in Tour & Taxis. Featuring aerial acrobatics, dance, illusions and music, the show plunges you into a magical, hypnotic universe, where every detail – lighting, décor, atmosphere – contributes to the sense of wonder. Arrive a little early to enjoy the cosy bar and aperitif platters, and let yourself be swept away by this unique experience, a must this winter.
📍 Location: Magic Mirror Big Top, Tour & Taxis, Brussels
📅 Dates : December 12, 2025 to January 25, 2026
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 Christmas market in a neo-Gothic abbey 1h30 from Brussels
Just 1h30 from Brussels, the Christmas market at Maredsous Abbey is an ideal December getaway. Set at the foot of a superb neo-Gothic building, it features over 60 chalets selling local craftsmen, designers and producers. The atmosphere is always friendly, and there’s even a skating rink.
Dates: until January 4, 2026
Address: Abbaye de Maredsous. Rue de Maredsous 11 – 5537 Denée
The last days of Pompeii in RV
Finally, a plan that’s off the beaten track! At Brussels Expo – Terminal 1, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the immersive experience of The Last Days of Pompeii, a spectacular journey back to Roman Antiquity, where you stroll through the streets of Pompeii, wander through the majestic Villa of Mysteries and witness the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as if you were there. With 360° projections, virtual reality and authentic artifacts, it’s the ideal plan for an original, ultra-visual outing to try out as a couple, with friends or with the family!
📅 Dates: multiple dates
📍Address: Terminal 1 – Brussels Expo
The world’s biggest New Year’s Eve 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, 2025 and January 1, 2026, 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 2026 in style!
Potted Potter, the ultimate parody of the Harry Potter universe
Dan & Jeff set themselves the crazy challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books into 70 minutes. The result: Potted Potter, an unofficial parody presented on the Brussels stage. Featuring two talented actors, over-the-top energy and unbridled humor, this original piece caricatures all the cult characters from the saga. On the program: a fire-breathing dragon, a Quidditch match at the height of its powers, and a host of potteresque surprises, each more irreverent than the last. A must-see!
📅 Dates: multiple dates
📍Address: The VIAGE, Boulevard Anspach 30, 1000
The Bubble Planet immersive 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. You’ll find out for yourself, this experience is full of magic!
📅 Dates: multiple dates
📍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. Pssssst: have you thought about the gift card?
📅 Dates: multiple dates
📍Address: Le Concert Noble, Rue d’Arlon 82, 1040 Brussels
The perfect Yule log
With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the Yule log, the iconic 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.
The Jury Experience: the immersive courtroom
Raise your right hand and say “I swear!” In this public hearing, you’ll be called upon to vote according to your personal convictions in an immersive courtroom. Actors involved in a complex moral dilemma (and totally up to date) will take you to task to decide the fate of the accused. Arm yourself with your grey matter and your ethics to do justice at The Jury Experience, a totally unusual experience to be had in Brussels.
📅 Dates: December 18 and 20, 2025
📍 Address: Espace Lumen