In Brussels, on 25 December, not everything is closed : several emblematic places remain accessible, even on Christmas Day.
Here is a selection of activities that are really open on 25 December 2026, with opening hours, addresses and useful information for families.
🎡 Atomium
The symbol of Brussels, with a 360° panoramic view and exhibitions in the spheres.
- Opening hours on 25 December 2026: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (last entry and closing of the ticket office at 5:30 pm).
- Address : Place de l’Atomium 1, 1020 Brussels (Laeken).
- For whom? : Families with children from ~5 years old and teenagers; Practical with stroller (lifts), but plan a little waiting during the holidays.
🏙️ Mini-Europe
A tour of Europe in miniature, with animated models and small sound effects that really amuse the children.
- Horaires le 25 décembre 2026 : 10h00 à 18h00 (dernière entrée 17h00).
- Address : Avenue du Football 1 (Bruparck), 1020 Brussels, right at the foot of the Atomium.
- For whom? : Ideal from 4–5 years old to teenagers; perfect to combine with the Atomium on the same day (think of warm clothes, everything is outdoors).
🪑 Design Museum Brussels
A museum dedicated to design and everyday objects, with a large collection of plastic designs.
- Horaires le 25 décembre 2026 : 13h00 à 19h00.
- Address : Place de Belgique, 1020 Brussels (a few minutes’ walk from the Atomium).
- For whom? : Rather for children from 7–8 years old and teenagers curious about art/design; good deal “in the warmth” after Mini-Europe or the Atomium.
🎄 Winter Fun – Brussels Christmas Market
The great Christmas market in Brussels: chalets, entertainment, sound and light and festive atmosphere throughout the city centre.
- Horaires le 25 décembre 2026 : 12h00 à 22h00 (fermeture anticipée à 18h seulement les 24 et 31 décembre, plus le 4 janvier).
- Address : Grand-Place, Bourse, Place Sainte-Catherine, Vismet, Place de la Monnaie, Place De Brouckère… (the whole center is animated).
- For whom? : All ages; In a stroller, prefer the early afternoon to avoid the compact crowd of the evening.
⛸ Ice rink & curling rink – Place De Brouckère
A large Christmas ice rink in the heart of the city, with ice curling rinks.
- Horaires le 25 décembre 2026 : 12h00 à 22h00 (du 28/11 au 04/01).
- Address : Place de Brouckère, 1000 Brussels.
- For whom? : Ice rink rather for +6 years old; fun curling with tweens/teens; easily combined with a stroll through the Christmas market.
🎡 Ferris wheel & merry-go-rounds – Sainte-Catherine / Vismet district
Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds set up in the heart of the Christmas market, to see the whole city illuminated from above.
- Horaires le 25 décembre 2026 : En pratique 12h00 à 22h00, calés sur les horaires de Plaisirs d’Hiver.
- Address : Place Sainte-Catherine et Vismet (fish market), 1000 Brussels.
- For whom? : Children + teenagers who like soft sensations; Very nice at the end of the day, when all the lights are on.
A large automotive museum that traces the history of the car with more than 200–300 vehicles on display.
- Horaires le 25 décembre 2026 : Autoworld est annoncé ouvert 7j/7 de 10h00 à 17h00 (10h00–18h00 le week-end) ; le 25 décembre 2025 étant un jeudi, compter 10h00–17h00, sous réserve de fermeture exceptionnelle.
- Address : Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels.
- For whom? : Children who love cars, teenagers, nostalgic parents; Wide route, easy with stroller, good plan if the weather is bad.
📚 Watermarks Library
A huge independent bookstore with a large children’s section, comics and games, open even on public holidays.
- Horaires le 25 décembre 2026 : 10h30 à 18h30 (spécial Noël 2025).
- Address : Boulevard de Waterloo 25, 1000 Brussels.
- For whom? : Families who want a cocooning Christmas: choose books, sit in the café, stroll in the warmth after a walk in the city.
🍫 Pierre Marcolini chocolate – Sablon shop
A Christmas chocolate stop at one of Brussels’ emblematic chocolate shops.
- Hours on December 25, 2026: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Address : Place du Grand Sablon 39 / Rue des Minimes 1, 1000 Brussels (entire Marcolini corner at the Sablon).
- For whom? : All those who want a real gourmet Christmas break; practical to combine with a walk between Grand-Place, Sablon and Christmas market.
Open on December 25th!
Christmas Holidays 2026
What to do during the 2026 Christmas holidays in Brussels with your children. Our ideas for family outings in an illuminated, sparkling and joyful city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most major museums are closed on December 25 (Royal Museums, Comics, Natural Sciences, etc.).
But there are a few exceptions: for example, Autoworld or the Design Museum Brussels announce that they will be open even on public holidays.
Yes, but with a “public holiday” schedule.
Metros, trams and buses are running, but a little less frequently than on weekdays.
STIB publishes its “public holidays” timetable a few weeks before Christmas.
This is usually easier than working days, but you have to be careful:
the centre (around the Stock Exchange, Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine) remains very busy because of the Christmas market;
Some underground car parks are open, but can be filled in the early evening.
Don’t panic:
on the outside, you can limit yourself to a quick visit to the Christmas market, the Ferris wheel or the illuminations;
On the inside side, you have open museums, cinemas, bookstores and cafes that keep you warm.