January in Brussels is the right time to resume the gentle outings: last days of the winter festivities, major indoor events, immersive exhibitions and some free (or very accessible) good deals. Here is a simple and practical selection to keep the children busy throughout the month.
🛍️ January 3 to 31: Winter sales
A simple (and effective) idea with children and especially teenagers: a trip to the city + snack + sales. In Belgium, the winter sales take place from 3 to 31 January.
🚗 9 to 18 January: Brussels Motor Show 2026 (Brussels Expo)
A great classic at the beginning of the year: a giant indoor show, often a hit with children who are car fans and teenagers.
📅 When : January 9 → 18, 2026.
📍 Where : Brussels Expo (Heysel).
💶 Price : €18 (from 16 years old); €10 (10–15 years old); free under 10 years old.
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom : families, tweens/teens, car/motorcycle enthusiasts.
🏛️ January 11: Happy Sunday! Kids & Family (Royal Museums of Fine Arts)
A “culture + creative activity” Sunday designed for families: visit and moment of discovery at the museum, in kids & parents format.
📅 When : Sunday, January 11, 2026 (3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.).
📍 Where : RMFAB, rue de la Régence 3, Brussels.
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom : from 6 years old (family activity).
🎷 15 to 24 January: Brussels Jazz Festival 2026 (Flagey)
To vary “classic” outings: concerts, Belgian jazz, and also junior / family formats depending on the program.
📅 When : January 15 → 24, 2026.
📍 Where : Flagey (Ixelles).
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom : rather families with pre-teens/teens (and “junior” concerts depending on the dates).
🏺 21 to 25 January: ceramic brussels (Tour & Taxis)
A large fair dedicated to contemporary ceramics: very visual, perfect if you are looking for a “different” outing with curious teenagers.
📅 When : January 21 → 25, 2026.
📍 Where : Tour & Taxis.
💶 Price : €20 (1 day); free under 12 years old ; Discounted rates available.
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom : teenagers + adults (very nice in parent/teen duo).
✨ 23–24 & 30–31 January: LUMINISCENCE (‘exceptional’ dates)
An immersive sound and light show in the Cathedral of Saints-Michel-et-Gudule, with exceptional eveningsannounced in January (choir + live orchestra depending on the dates).
📅 When : “exceptional” dates 23–24 January and 30–31 January (calendar according to sessions).
📍 Where : Cathedral of Saints-Michel-et-Gudule, Brussels.
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom : superb with family with tweens/teens (and on a “wow” outing in general).
🎧 January 26 to February 1: The Week of Sound.Oor (free festival)
A good plan to note: workshops, listening, sound walks, meetings… and all events are free.
📅 When : 26 January → 1 February 2026 (Brussels).
📍 Where : various locations in Brussels (depending on the programme).
💶 Price : free.
🏛️ All month:
The Last Days of Pompeii (Brussels Expo)
An immersive exhibition “safe bet” in January: multisensory tour, projections, sound, interactive modules, and a staging of the eruption of Vesuvius.
📅 When : until March 8, 2026.
📍 Where : Terminal 1 – Brussels Expo.
⏱️ Duration : about 90 minutes.
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom : families, tweens/teens, history lovers.
