The first public holiday of the year, 1 January will see many shops and businesses remain closed for a long weekend. But for those looking for a fun New Year's Day activity, Brussels still has a number of options.
As with other public holidays in the country, public and administration services will not operate on 1 January; neither will banks. Postal services will also be shut for the day, meaning that there will be no delivery of letters, packages or newspapers.
Belgium's national railway service SNCB, bus services De Lijn and TEC and Brussels public transport company STIB will continue to operate during the bank holiday, but at a reduced Sunday service schedule.
As for groceries, most large Carrefour and Delhaize supermarkets will be opened on New Year's Day, albeit with adjusted hours in some cases. Many Carrefour Express shops and Delhaize's smaller Shop'n'Go markets will also remain open. Aldi, Lidl and Colruyt will remain mostly closed.
Credit: Thierry Roge/Belga
Many shopping malls and retail shops across the country, such as City 2 and Docks Bruxsel, will remain closed today. Most other stores, such as those on the Rue Neuve in Brussels, will also close their doors on Monday. Smaller convenience stores, however, may remain open.
Most pharmacies will remain closed, but for urgent needs and medication, people can contact the pharmacist-on-duty in their municipality.
While the biggest parts of the Winter Wonders market in the centre of Brussels are only up until 31 December, the city authorities announced last week that some parts – including the après-ski village at Place Monnaie and the ice-skating and curling rink at Place De Brouckère – are being extended until 7 January.
For those looking for a cultural start to 2024, the Atomium and the Mini-Europe theme park are both open on the first day of the new year.
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While the majority of museums in the city will also close down for the day, the privately-owned Van Buuren museum near Uccle will welcome art-deco lovers, who will be able to enjoy a visit to the property's gardens – if the weather permits.
Lastly, several movie theatres in Brussels will also hold showings on the 1st, such as the Cinéma Aventure, Cinéma Galéries and UGC movie theatres.
Police services remain accessible at all times, even on public holidays, though district offices are closed, meaning they are not available for administrative matters. Those needing urgent police assistance should call the emergency number 112.
