How to Spend a Magical New Year’s Eve in Brussels, Belgium

Ring in the new year in Brussels and experience the magic!

Are you looking for the perfect European city to spend New Year’s Eve? Look no further! I spent my last New Year’s Eve in Brussels, and it was amazing! With so many activities for everyone, you will definitely have a good time. But what are these activities in Brussels on New Year’s Eve? And how to plan the night? And where do I stay?

You will find all this information and more in this post. Get ready for a night filled with magic.

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Table of Contents

Is Brussels a good city to spend New Year’s Eve?

Absolutely. I’m not sure if I liked it better than spending New Year’s Eve in Antwerp, because it was so different! Both cities have their NYE charms, I simply loved them both!

But overall, in Brussels, there are so many options for things to do during this festive night. With lots of parties, festivals, and other liveliness, it’s the perfect place for young people to ring in the new year. However, there are also some incredible firework shows and cozy pubs, which is inviting for people who want a more relaxed night.

There is something for everyone to do. Stick around to find out what you are going to fill your night with.

What do people do in Brussels on New Year’s Eve?

I would say that many locals choose to have or attend a typical house party. Sometimes these parties get so big, they become street parties, where you can meet all sorts of people and simply have a lot of fun.

As a tourist, you can’t exactly plan your night around house or street parties, because you will run into them or you won’t. I would recommend being a little bit flexible and just seeing what the night brings you, beyond your own planning.

Important information for spending New Year’s Eve in Brussels

Here are some things to keep in mind when ringing in the new year in Brussels:

Public transport is free – The public transport in Brussels is very good and efficient, and on New Year’s Eve, it’s even free to use for everyone!

Personal fireworks are prohibited – To ensure a safe night for everyone, the Brussels Capital Region has prohibited own use of fireworks. There will be public firework shows all around town.

Plan your night – With so many activities in Brussels on New Year’s Eve, it’s good to be clear on the things that you want to do. The night is limited, so choose just one or two activities and plan ahead!

The best activities on New Year’s Eve in Brussels

Now, are you ready to find your perfect NYE activity in Brussels? Let’s not waste any more time then…

Christmas Festivities

Firstly, I want to tell you about the Christmas festivities. Because even when Christmas has ended, the Christmas Markets in Brussels usually remain until the beginning of January. This means that not only the night of the 31^st is great, but there is also a lot to do during the day!

With more than 200 chalets, a ferris wheel, kids activities, an ice skating rink, and several events, the Brussels Christmas market is a must-visit!

So make sure to warm your hands on a Glühwein or hot chocolate and simply enjoy the city in all its glory!

P.S. From December 24^th til the 31^st, the Christmas Market closes at 6 pm.

Fireworks

New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Atomium

One of the most incredible fireworks shows in the city is definitely the one at the Atomium. This iconic location is the perfect spot to ring in the new year. This show is easily accessible and free!

The firework show starts at midnight, but make sure to arrive there at least 30 minutes beforehand! Read more information here.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Grand Place

But if you don’t want to leave the heart of the city around midnight, another spectacular option for watching fireworks is the Grand Place. This is the single most famous square in the old town of Brussels, which is filled with pubs, terraces, and of course, the best vibes!

At midnight, you will be able to watch the fireworks beautifully from this square. Most people will arrive at 11:30 pm, but I highly recommend arriving around 10 pm and sitting down in a pub, before heading out to the square at 11:30 pm.

Houseparties & streetparties

As mentioned before, most people, especially locals, will spend the night partying in houses or on the streets. And while it might be harder to get into a house party, there are tons of public street parties that you can enjoy as well!

New Year’s Street Party Between Bourse and De Brouckère

belgium city guide — This place will transform into the city’s biggest street party on NYE!

On New Year’s Eve, the pedestrian area between Bourse and De Brouckère transforms into the most festive New Year’s celebration in the city! With an intimate, yet anonymous setting, you’ll be able to make new friends or simply spend the night partying with your own friends!

There is a mandatory checkpoint before entering the area, because entering with fireworks or glass is prohibited. So make sure to follow the rules and enjoy the party!

Festivals, food, and parties

Plein Public: 5 Star Menu and All Night Long Open Bar

If your New Year’s Eve is best spent eating good food, accompanied by tasty drinks, then this activity is for you! Because on this special night, Plein Public is offering a special 5-star menu and an open bar all night long!

If this sounds good to you (it sounds heavenly to me!), you can buy your tickets here!

FCKNYE Festival

Are you a party animal?

Yes?

Then you’d better make sure to get tickets for the FCKNYE Festival, which is THE most spectacular dance festival on New Year’s Eve!

This party is an annual event, but you have to buy your tickets in advance!

Masked ball at Brasserie Surréaliste

If it’s a mysterious, luxurious experience you’re looking for, look no further. Because what is better than a traditional masked ball during New Year’s Eve?

At Brasserie Surréaliste, you will start the evening with a special 5-course dinner, featuring champagne and special beers, set to a musical backdrop with a live dance performance. But when the clock strikes midnight, the party is only just getting started. The underground rave begins, featuring hypnotic techno beats, led by 3 Belgian DJ’s.

To reserve your tickets, make sure to follow the instructions on this Facebook page.

Spirito: A wild party in a former church

One of the most impressive clubs in Brussels is based in a former Anglican church in Ixelles. And on New Year’s Eve, Spirito offers an incredible dance party, with no less than 3 DJ sets! From Latino to House to Hip-Hop, Spirito offers it all!

Spending your New Year’s Eve at Spirito will definitely be a great way to ring in the new year!

Réveillon de l’Improviste in Forest: An Intimate and Festive Party

But if you’re not looking for something loud, but rather a party that is more intimate and warm, Réveillon de l’Improviste is THE place for you. With incredible artistic performances, lively music, and beautiful decorations, this will be a night you’ll never forget!

Viva Las Vegas, New Year’s Eve at the Viage: Entertainment and Animated Evenings

If it’s not necessarily a party you’re looking for, but you still want to dress up pretty and do something extraordinary, Viva Las Vegas might be the thing for you!

On December 31^st, the Viage Casino is transformed into Brussels’ version of the Las Vegas Strip, offering an evening of games and shows to celebrate the arrival of the New Year in an unforgettable way. From live shows, to Casino games, the Viage offers a wife variety of entertainment to treat you to a special night.

Get your tickets for Viva Las Vegas here!

Where to stay in Brussels during New Year’s Eve?

Before I start recommending accommodations in Brussels, I just want you to know that it’s a smart idea to book in advance. This way, you’ll be sure to have a good accommodation on New Year’s Eve, and you still get competitive prices. I highly recommend booking your stay in Brussels before the end of October.

Now let’s dive into the best accommodations in Brussels on New Year’s Eve:

Luxurious: Faubourg 21

Best price/quality: Maison Flagey Brussels

Where I stayed: Hotel Fleur de Ville

Budget: nhow Brussels Bloom

Apartment: Les Appartements du Sablon

Final thought on how to spend New Year’s Eve in Brussels

Now that you have read about all the options for spending your New Year’s Eve in Brussels, it’s time to plan your trip!

What are you up to this NYE?

How to Spend a Magical New Year’s Eve in Brussels, Belgium

Ring in the new year in Brussels and experience the magic!

Is Brussels a good city to spend New Year’s Eve?

What do people do in Brussels on New Year’s Eve?

Important information for spending New Year’s Eve in Brussels