Kanal-Centre Pompidou Opening and Plaisirs d'Hiver 25th Edition Anchor Brussels Holiday Weekend
As the holiday season approaches, Brussels undergoes a festive transformation with the launch of Kanal-Centre Pompidou, situated in a repurposed Citroën garage, alongside the 25th installment of Plaisirs d'Hiver, running from November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027. This winter festival boasts over 200 chalets, an ice rink, curling lanes, a Ferris wheel, and a captivating sound-and-light show, drawing more than four million visitors last year. Admission is free, though some attractions require a fee. Special guests from the Basque Country and Béarn will have a dedicated village in Place de la Bourse. The KBR (Royal Library of Belgium) has unveiled its rooftop for stunning views and dining, while the ATOMA Art Center in Forest features exhibition spaces and artist studios. WIELS marks its 20th anniversary, and Antwerp is just under an hour away by train.
Key facts
- Kanal-Centre Pompidou opens in a former Citroën garage on the Brussels canal.
- Plaisirs d'Hiver runs from November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027, with free entry.
- The 25th edition of Plaisirs d'Hiver features over 200 chalets from Grand-Place to Place De Brouckère.
- Last year's Plaisirs d'Hiver recorded more than four million visits.
- The KBR Royal Library of Belgium opened its rooftop to the public in spring, with a panoramic elevator from Mont des Arts.
- The KBR museum exhibits illuminated manuscripts from the Dukes of Burgundy's library.
- ATOMA Art Center in Forest occupies a 5,000-square-meter former Atoma factory, with 15 artist studios and a library.
- WIELS in Forest celebrates its 20th anniversary; Antwerp is less than an hour by train and highlights fashion designers and Lee Bul's architectures.
Entities
Artists
- Constantin Chariot
- Lee Bul
Institutions
- Kanal-Centre Pompidou
- Plaisirs d'Hiver
- KBR (Royal Library of Belgium)
- ATOMA Art Center
- Le Botanique
- WIELS
- Galerie Constantin Chariot
Locations
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Paris
- France
- Antwerp
- Forest
- Grand-Place
- Place De Brouckère
- Place de la Bourse
- Mont des Arts
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Basque Country
- Béarn
- Dilbeek
- Rue Pierre Decoster