Okay parents, first weekend of 2026 is here! The big Christmas madness is winding down, which means a few great things are last chance this weekend, like the massive Kids Winter Wonderland at Tour & Taxis. Don't miss that one before it vanishes! We've also spotted an interesting photography exhibit by young talents at Espace Vanderborght that might grab older kids, and of course, the illusion fun at WOM continues.
Quick Picks
Exposition École Agnès Varda
Espace Vanderborght
Free photography exhibition showcasing new artistic voices, great for teens.
Kids Winter Wonderland
Maison de la Poste de Tour&Taxis
A huge, completely indoor festival with 30+ attractions, perfect for guaranteed fun regardless of the weather.
Vacances de Noël au Musée
Musée Des Enfants
Themed Christmas activities like crafting and storytelling by the fire, ideal for the under-5s.
Kids Winter Wonderland
This is the absolute last chance for this massive indoor fun fest! Think 30+ attractions, bouncy castles, an arcade, and ongoing shows like the circus and character meet & greets. It's all undercover, so rain or shine, the kids will be sorted. Get there early as it’s the final weekend of the season.
Why we picked it: It's the final day/weekend for Brussels' largest indoor family festival, making it a must-do before it closes.
The Christmas Magic Show at WOM
The illusion temple at Tour & Taxis is wrapping up its festive magic shows this weekend! Brave the interactive course then catch one of the special family magic shows by Bruno Vairone or Yann Lejeune. It’s a great way to finish the holiday season with a sensory puzzle.
Why we picked it: Last chance to see the special interactive magic shows tied into the festive program.
Exposition École Agnès Varda
This is a free photography exhibit showcasing the final projects of 10 emerging artists from the Agnès Varda School. It’s housed in a massive, cool space near the Galeries Royales. Perfect for teens interested in photography or art who need a culture hit that isn't a huge museum commitment.
Why we picked it: It's genuinely free entry and showcases cutting-edge local talent, unlike many paid tourist spots.
Jeu de piste souterrain au Palais de Coudenberg
Send the kids on an underground treasure hunt in the ruins of Charles V's palace! They get a backpack with missions—map, disguise, puzzle, flashlight—to find a password to open a treasure chest. Way better than a standard history tour, but you'll need to check the exact running hours for Saturday.
Why we picked it: A highly interactive, hands-on historical activity specifically designed for kids during the school break.
Art Deco Guided Tours
The BELvue is running guided tours focusing on their 'ART DECO: The style of a society in full mutation' exhibition. This is a great, structured look at design history for older kids or teens who appreciate architecture and style. It’s an indoor culture hit if the weather turns sour.
Why we picked it: The specialized guided tour is on this weekend only for the Art Deco exhibition, offering deep dive history.
Le Code du Capitaine Calypso
If your older kid loves puzzles, the Musée des Enfants has an 'escape game' style activity based on Captain Calypso's code. It’s a team-based riddle challenge that gets them moving and thinking critically. Book in advance as slots are tight.
Why we picked it: A specific, themed interactive challenge that appeals to the upper end of the primary school age range.
Atelier Peinture - Dessin du Samedi Matin
Artscade in Etterbeek runs regular creative workshops, and Saturday mornings often have their 'Atelier Kids' on, depending on whether it’s a school break. Give them a call or check their site to see if their painting/drawing session is running this weekend for a hands-on creative burst.
Why we picked it: A local, ongoing creative spot that often runs sessions during school holidays, offering a genuine local creative outlet.
Vacances de Noël au Musée
The Musée des Enfants is running its special 'Tisser des liens au coin du feu' (Weaving ties by the fire) program for the very last time this Sunday. Expect cozy crafting, storytelling in the 'Forêt des Contes,' and fun around the theme of fire. A perfect, contained activity for younger kids who still have post-holiday energy.
Why we picked it: It’s the final day of their seasonal, cozy programming specifically designed for the youngest age group.
Hansel et Gretel (Théâtre de Marionnettes)
Catch the very last performance of Hansel and Gretel at the Puppet Theatre this Sunday! It’s a classic fairy tale told with traditional marionettes—a charming, low-tech option that feels very Brussels. Make sure to check the exact showtimes as this run is over for good after today.
Why we picked it: This is the final performance of the run for this classic puppet show.
Union Européenne in Mini-Europe
It’s the very last day for Mini-Europe before its long hiatus or closure (check latest!), so if you’ve been meaning to go or want one last look at the tiny EU landmarks, this is it. It’s mostly outdoors, so dress warm, but it’s great for older kids who recognize the monuments.
Why we picked it: This is noted as one of the last dates before potential closure/end of season, making it a limited-time chance.
Grand-Place Winter Attractions (Last Day)
The very last chance to hit the attractions around Place De Brouckère—the ice rink, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-rounds from Winter Wonders. Note that everything shuts down early at 6 PM today, so plan your last hot chocolate and ride trip accordingly!
Why we picked it: The general Winter Wonders area, including attractions at Place De Brouckère, officially closes today.
Plaisirs d'Hiver - Children's Village (Last Day)
The dedicated Children's Village near Place Sainte-Catherine, with Santa's Chalet and free performances, is also packing up today. If you missed the free artist performances or Santa meet & greets, try to swing by before 6 PM. It’s part of the general Winter Wonders closing today.
Why we picked it: The specific children's activities and chalets connected to the main Christmas market close today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Brussels this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) the best genuinely free option is the Exposition École Agnès Varda at Espace Vanderborght, running Saturday and Sunday. Many other events have paid entry, even if they include free workshops.
Which activities are ending this weekend (last chance)?
It’s the final weekend for the massive Kids Winter Wonderland at Tour & Taxis (closes Sunday) and the attractions/chalets of Plaisirs d'Hiver around Place De Brouckère (closes Sunday at 6 PM). Also, the Vacances de Noël au Musée programming at Musée des Enfants ends Sunday.
What's on for younger kids (under 5) on Sunday?
The Vacances de Noël au Musée at Musée Des Enfants (Ixelles) offers cozy, themed activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers on Sunday afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM). The Kids Winter Wonderland is also good for this age group, but book well ahead.