With the large fireworks display and a big crowd, New Year's celebrations will be a busy moment for the capital's emergency services – especially given the October terror attack and recent (attempted) attacks in other European cities, which have put authorities on high alert.
Brussels' iconic fireworks show will again take place at Place des Palais – traditionally drawing thousands of people to the city centre. Brussels police are taking a number of precautions this weekend to ensure the evening goes as smoothly as possible.
For private individuals, fireworks are banned across the Brussels-Capital Region until 3 January 2024. The possession, transport, display, and attempt to use pyrotechnic material is prohibited in public spaces. "Any fireworks found will be confiscated," the police stated.
On New Year's Eve itself, glass will be prohibited on the Grand Place, the Brussels Park and the Place des Palais. Police will confiscate any bottles they find.
Leave dogs, bags and cars at home
Those wanting to enjoy New Year's Eve in the city centre are asked not to bring backpacks or bags. They should also leave their dogs at home – "no matter how small. "Due to the large crowd and loud bangs, your dog might get scared or stressed and run away," police warned.
Partygoers at these sites are asked to follow the guidelines of the emergency services and official staff, for example by respecting and facilitating any checks, "which are only meant to ensure everyone's safety and the smooth running of the festivities."
Authorities reiterated the the strong policy against drink driving. Revellers should instead make use of alternatives such as public transport. Those making a trip to the centre should be mindful of the expected crowds and build in extra time.
While the city centre will be closed to traffic, the entire STIB network will be free for passengers from midnight until the start of the regular service on 1 January. Metro, tram and some bus lines will run until 02:30, and Noctis buses and tram 81 will run from midnight to 05:30.
Credit: STIB
The traditional fireworks show will take place at Place des Palais at midnight. The site will be opened to the public from 23:00, with organisers inviting spectators to come as early as possible to one of the four areas provided:
- Zone A: Place des Palais, with access via Rue Royale (junction with Place des Palais)
- Zone B: Place du Trône, with access via Porte de Namur/Boulevard du Régent
- Zone C: Brussels Park, with two entrances: via Rue Royale and via Rue de la Loi (intersection with Rue Ducale)
- Zone D: Rue Ducale, between Rue Zinner and Rue Lambermont, with access via Rue de la Loi.
"Controls will be carried out at the entrances. To make access to the site as smooth as possible, we strongly advise you to leave backpacks at home," the police said. "Dangerous items will be confiscated immediately."
The latest travel and visitor information can be found on the websites of the public transport companies, as well as on the police's social media.
Closed streets
On 31 December, several streets will be closed to traffic over the course of the afternoon and evening. The first area to close is the Place des Palais from 14:00.
From 20:00, the part of Rue Ducale between Rue de la Loi and Boulevard du Régent will be closed. An hour later, the part of the Rue Royale between Rue de la Loi and Place Royale will follow, as will the Rue de la Régence (between Lambermont and Ducale) and the Rue de la Pépinière.
From 23:00, Avenue des Arts between Rue de Luxembourg and Rue Belliard will also be closed to traffic, as will the part of the Rue Montoyer until the Rue du Commerce.
Related News
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Extra bicycle racks will be installed on Place Royale and in Rue de la Régence, between Porte de Namur and Place du Trône. For people with reduced mobility, an area will be provided at the Cour d'Arbitrage (at the corner of Rue Ducale/Place des Plalais, on the side of the Royal Palace).
No additional parking areas will be created for those who do decide to come by car.
