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 December 25, 2025, 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 December 25, 2025 : 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entry and closing of the ticket office at 5:30 p.m.).
- 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.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm).
- 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.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- 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.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (early closing at 6 p.m. only on December 24 and 31, plus on January 4).
- 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.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm (from 28/11 to 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.
- Opening hours on 25 December 2025 : In practice 12:00 to 22:00, based on the Plaisirs d’Hiver schedule.
- 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.
- Opening hours on 25 December 2025 : Autoworld is announced to be open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends); As December 25, 2025 is a Thursday, allow 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., subject to exceptional closure.
- 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.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Christmas 2025 special).
- 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.
- Opening hours on December 25, 2025 : 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- 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.
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.