New Year in Belgium in 2025: festive traditions and events not to be missed

Celebrating the New Year in Belgium is a unique combination of cultural traditions, large-scale street celebrations and cozy family holidays. New Year’s Eve in Belgium in 2025 promises to be as bright as ever, with a multitude of events taking place across the country. From the grand fireworks displays in Brussels to the festive markets on the coast, every corner of Belgium has prepared something special for winter holiday lovers. This year will be no exception, and in our review you will find out which events are worth visiting and how you can celebrate the coming year in one of the most charming countries in Europe.

What’s special about New Year’s Eve in Belgium in 2025

New Year in Belgium in 2025 promises to be a real holiday for those who decide to celebrate it in this fabulous country. Belgium has prepared both traditional and new events that will allow everyone to enjoy the atmosphere of the winter holidays. There will be large-scale street festivities, colorful New Year’s markets and, of course, unforgettable fireworks. New opportunities for celebration will open up for tourists and locals, creating a unique atmosphere that can only be felt in Belgium.

Planned activities:

• Fireworks on the Grand Place in Brussels. On the night of December 31 to January 1, the Grand Place in Brussels will host a grand fireworks display that attracts tourists from all over the world. This is one of the largest New Year’s events in the capital, accompanied by music and bright light effects that create a magical atmosphere.
• New Year’s Markets in Bruges. Bruges is always especially beautiful at New Year’s. In 2025, the city will be decorated for the holiday like never before. Guests will be offered unique New Year’s markets with traditional Belgian treats, hot chocolate and souvenirs that are ideal for gifts.
• Festive events in Antwerp. Antwerp will also not be without colorful street events. Local squares will be decorated with illuminations, and the main square will host a New Year’s concert, which will end with a beautiful fireworks show.
• Gala dinners and balls. For those who prefer to celebrate the New Year in a more secluded and solemn atmosphere, gala dinners and balls are planned in Belgium. They will be organized in the best restaurants and hotels of the country, offering guests exquisite cuisine and live music.
• New Year’s Eve in Brussels Park. Brussels will also host a series of festive events in one of the city’s most famous parks. A variety of animation shows and open-air concerts will create the relaxed atmosphere that locals love.

New Year in Belgium in 2025 is not only an opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere, but also a chance to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this country. Street parties, fairy-tale markets and bright fireworks will create unforgettable impressions for tourists and will also be a great way to celebrate the new year in one of the most beautiful corners of Europe.

Advice:

If you want to really feel the festive atmosphere, don’t forget to visit the Belgian Christmas markets – they are not only an excuse to shop, but also a unique opportunity to try local delicacies and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

Festivities in the cities of Belgium

Celebrating New Year in Belgium is always a grand event, which takes place not only in Brussels, but also in other major cities of the country. Every corner of Belgium feels the atmosphere of winter holidays, from colorful New Year’s markets to large-scale street festivals. Bruges, Antwerp, Liege and other cities turn into real winter fairy tales, where every corner is decorated with lights and illuminations. In 2025, Belgium will once again offer a unique program of events to immerse tourists and locals in the festive atmosphere with fireworks, concerts and traditional treats.

Brussels

Celebrating the New Year in Belgium in 2025 in the capital means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of bright lights, live music and festive spirit. Brussels is preparing a special program for residents and visitors of the city, where key events will take place in the heart of the capital – on the Grand Place. Festive events include traditional concerts, street shows and, of course, impressive fireworks display that will light up the night sky. All this creates a unique feeling of celebration and joy.

Planned events in Brussels:

• Festive open-air concerts. Concerts are planned in the squares of Brussels, especially the Grand Place and the Cinquantenaire Park, starting in the early evening. The program will feature local and international musicians performing popular hits and festive classics. These events create an atmosphere of joy and anticipation for the coming year.
• Festive markets and fairs. In the heart of the city, there will be a fair where you can buy New Year’s souvenirs, try hot chocolate and traditional Belgian waffles. The stands present products of local artisans, Christmas decorations and treats. Local street performers and musicians add liveliness to these places.
• Drone show and fireworks. The main show on New Year’s Eve is the spectacular fireworks that will light up the Brussels sky at 12 midnight. In 2025, the traditional fireworks will be supplemented by an innovative drone show that will depict light compositions and symbols of the holiday, creating an atmosphere of wonder and modernity.
• Interactive light installations. Light installations will be installed on the central streets and squares, which will decorate the city with bright lights. Some installations will be interactive, allowing visitors to influence their color and shape. For example, on the Grand Place you will be able to see a light show synchronized with music.
• Parade and carnival processions. On New Year’s Eve, a carnival procession is planned, with participants dressed in costumes representing different eras and cultures. This colorful event is a traditional part of the New Year’s celebration in Brussels, which brings joy not only to children but also to adults.

Traveling to Brussels for New Year is an opportunity to feel part of a big celebration in the center of Europe. A rich program, cozy atmosphere and festive traditions make this city an ideal place to celebrate the New Year in Belgium in 2025. Brussels combines European traditions with a unique Belgian charm, so New Year’s Eve here will remain an unforgettable memory.

Interesting fact:

Did you know that the Grand Place in Brussels is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and looks especially impressive on New Year’s Eve when it is decorated with thousands of lights?

Antwerp

Antwerp’s New Year 2025 celebration promises to be one of the most exciting events of the winter. The city is preparing colorful shows, exciting installations and festive events for the whole family. As part of the celebrations, the New Year in Belgium in 2025 will be celebrated not only with traditional fireworks, but also with unique cultural programs that only enhance the winter magic of Antwerp.

Planned events in Antwerp:

• New Year’s Fairs and Christmas Markets. The city centre of Antwerp will host festive markets where you can enjoy hot drinks, traditional treats and unusual gifts from local craftsmen. The main market will be on the Grote Markt, with wooden houses and sparkling lights creating a truly magical atmosphere.
• Ice rink on the central square. A large ice rink will be installed on the main square of Antwerp. This is a great place for family recreation or romantic skating with music. Special play areas will be organized for children, and cozy cafes are located next to the rink, where you can warm up with hot chocolate.
• Fireworks on the banks of the Scheldt River. One of the most anticipated events will be the fireworks over the Scheldt River, which will begin at midnight. Those gathered on the embankment will be able to watch this spectacle and enjoy the musical accompaniment. The fireworks in honor of the New Year in Belgium in 2025 promise to be large-scale and colorful, lighting up the night sky and reflecting in the waters of the river.
• Festival of Lights and Light Installations. Light installations and decorations will be installed throughout the city, transforming the streets of Antwerp into a fairytale space. The lights on the buildings of the historical center look especially impressive, giving the city an enchanting atmosphere. Here you can take beautiful photos and simply enjoy evening walks.
• Concerts and street performances. Musicians and dancers will perform on the central streets, creating a festive mood. Open stages will be set up in different parts of the city, where local bands and DJs will entertain the public until the early hours.

Antwerp is a city where the celebration of the New Year in Belgium in 2025 is filled with magic and warmth. Here everyone will find something to their liking: from quiet walks along decorated streets to fireworks and dancing until the morning. Arriving in Antwerp for the New Year, you will discover a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that will remain in your memory for a long time.

Interesting fact:

Did you know that the New Year’s fireworks in Antwerp can be seen not only from the waterfront, but also from some high points in the city, for example from the observation decks on the roof of the MAS Museum?

Ghent

Ghent, famous for its history and romantic atmosphere, is preparing to celebrate the New Year in Belgium in 2025 with bright and exciting events. Guests can expect street parties, colorful fireworks and Christmas markets that will add a magical touch to the last days of December. This year, Ghent will surprise with new shows, light installations and the traditional cozy atmosphere familiar to everyone who has ever visited Belgium in winter.

Planned activities:

• Festive Market on Saint- Bavo Square. Ghent’s main New Year’s market will be held on Saint- Bavo Square, where cozy wooden houses will offer a wide selection of Belgian treats, souvenirs and festive decorations. Here you can try the famous Ghent gin (jenever) and enjoy traditional waffles, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Belgian hospitality.
• Ice rink at Kuorum. The ice rink in the city centre will offer ice skating with views of medieval buildings and illuminated canals. It is a popular spot for families and friends looking to add some activity to their festive evening.
• Fireworks on the Castle Bridge. The midnight fireworks display is a must for New Year’s Eve in Ghent. The Castle Bridge will be the central point from where the show begins with bright explosions of light over the city’s ancient architecture. This spectacle, which attracts both locals and tourists, is considered one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in Belgium.
• New Year’s Eve Dinner in Ghent Restaurants. Many restaurants and cafés offer special New Year’s Eve menus, including dishes with local delicacies such as Flemish meats and Belgian cheeses. Restaurants with a view of the canal are especially popular for a romantic dinner under the chimes of the clock.
• Light installations on the Lys embankment. Annual light shows and installations decorate the Lys embankment, giving it a magical look. These installations create a festive mood, making a walk along the canal especially memorable for all visitors to the city.

Choosing Ghent to celebrate the New Year in Belgium in 2025 promises vivid impressions and unique moments amidst historical decorations and a festive atmosphere. The city comes alive during this period, offering a combination of cozy traditions and modern entertainment that will make the New Year’s Eve truly unforgettable.

Advice:

Plan a walk through the old town early in the morning on January 1st: the streets are deserted and you can enjoy the beauty of the historic center in peace and quiet.

Holidays on the Belgian Coast

For those who want to spend New Year’s Eve in Belgium in 2025 in an atmosphere of seascapes and fresh air, the coast offers unique winter events. In the cities of Ostend, Nijpoort and Koksijde Sint-Idesbald offers special holiday traditions: from nightly fireworks over the ocean to cosy evenings on the quays. As 2025 approaches, each of these coastal towns has its own surprises in store for residents and visitors.

List of New Year’s Eve features by city:

• This coastal city is famous for its spectacular fireworks and light shows that will light up the night sky over the North Sea. The largest seaside venue, Ostend will also offer an outdoor New Year’s Eve party and warm cafes with local cuisine.
• New Year’s Eve is celebrated here in a relaxed and traditional manner. Along the Nijpoort waterfront, a small festive market is organized where you can enjoy Christmas drinks and sweets. In addition, every year there is a parade with lights, creating a fairytale atmosphere.
• Koksiiide Sint-Idesbald. This cozy town is famous for its sand sculptures, which turn into light installations during the New Year. During the holidays, you can see processions with music and dancing against the backdrop of the winter coast.

Spending New Year in Belgium in 2025 on the coast is an opportunity to see the holidays from a new side, enjoying the atmosphere of the sea air and the sound of the waves. Celebrating the New Year here surprises not only with the variety of events, but also with a unique atmosphere of coziness and sea romance. Such a New Year will remain in memory thanks to the colorful shows and the tranquility of the coast.

Advice:

The beaches of Ostend are famous for their unique New Year’s sand sculptures, which are illuminated by fireworks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the backdrop of the ocean.

Tips for New Year’s Eve in Belgium

To spend the New Year in Belgium in 2025 with pleasure and without worries, it is worth thinking about the main organizational issues in advance. Start with booking accommodation, as popular cities such as Brussels attract many tourists during the holidays. Plan your trips and decide on the places you want to visit so that the holiday is held in complete comfort.

List of tips for organizing New Year’s Eve in Belgium:

• Book your accommodation in advance: Hotels in major cities fill up quickly, especially around holidays.
• Consider transport routes: During holidays, changes in public transport schedules are possible.
• Book tickets for popular events: Concerts, tours and light shows are best planned in advance.
• Spend time at the New Year’s fairs: Fairs start in mid-December and you can try traditional treats there.
• Prepare warm and comfortable clothing: The weather in Belgium in winter can be cool and damp.

A trip to Belgium for the New Year is an opportunity not only to enjoy the beauty of ancient cities, but also to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real European holiday. From colorful fairs to noisy parties in the squares – this trip will give you many bright emotions.