• Category Archive: news

    1. Winter Wonders 2025: discover Brussels’ Christmas market from The Urban Yard, near Gare du Midi

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      From 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, Brussels’ city centre lights up for Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver / Winterpret), a 2 km winter trail connecting Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine, the Vismet, De Brouckère, Bourse and Place de la Monnaie. With around 238 chalets, food stalls, bars, rides and free animations, the event welcomes millions of visitors and creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout the festive season.

      This edition focuses strongly on solidarity. The Grand-Place “solidarity tree” will see its decorations auctioned after the holidays to support food banks, while a new Christmas village on Place Poelaert invites visitors to enjoy gourmet treats with a panoramic view of Brussels and to donate toys for sick or disadvantaged children. An official interactive map helps you navigate easily between chalets, attractions and artistic installations.

      For hotel guests, the heart of Winter Wonders is compact and easy to explore. Around Sainte-Catherine and the Vismet, you will find craft stalls, street food and the Ferris wheel. At Place De Brouckère, the popular ice rink and curling lanes return, with some attractions operating until 4 January 2026 so you can still enjoy the festive mood after New Year’s Eve.

      Staying at The Urban Yard, you benefit from an excellent location near Gare du Midi, just a short walk from Lemonnier metro and an easy stroll or tram ride into the historic centre. After arriving in Brussels by train, you can drop your bags in your room, cross the urban garden in our inner courtyard, and head straight for the Christmas market without worrying about traffic or parking.

      Brussels authorities strongly encourage visitors to come by public transport or bicycle during Winter Wonders, both for convenience and to minimise the city’s environmental impact. From The Urban Yard, metro and tram lines take you quickly to Bourse, De Brouckère or Sainte-Catherine, while the historic Grand-Place is less than 20 minutes away on foot.

      After a night under the Christmas lights, our bar and lounge offer a relaxed, green oasis to end the evening. The Urban Yard combines the energy of Brussels’ winter streets with the calm of a hidden garden, making it a perfect base for Winter Wonders 2025.

    2. Winter Wonders Brussels 2025–2026: Discover the City’s Festive Soul from The Urban Yard Hotel

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      Every winter, Brussels turns into a captivating celebration of light, music, and warmth. The Winter Wonders festival — one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets — returns from 28 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 for its 25th edition, filling the Grand-Place and surrounding squares with more than 200 charming wooden chalets.

      Enjoy the enchanting sound-and-light show, the Ferris wheel, and the skating rink under the winter sky. Stroll through the market’s stalls to taste Belgian delights, discover handmade gifts, and experience the festive rhythm of the capital.

      After exploring the glowing city, The Urban Yard Hotel welcomes you in its artistic and eclectic atmosphere. Located near Brussels South Station, the hotel reflects the vibrant spirit of the city — a blend of creativity, warmth, and authenticity. It’s the perfect place to relax, connect, and make the most of your winter escape.

      Celebrate the magic of Winter Wonders Brussels and find your urban sanctuary at The Urban Yard Hotel.

      Official Website – Winter Wonders Brussels

    3. Explore Belgian Comics Culture from The Urban Yard Hotel

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      Belgian comics have captivated generations worldwide. At Brussels’ Comics Art Museum, a lively, hands‑on exhibition traces the evolution of the ninth art from newspapers to the silver screen and video games. It’s a must‑see stop during any cultural weekend in Brussels.

      Address: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels. Open Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00; closed Mon. T +32 2 219 19 80 • visit@stripmuseum.be • www.stripmuseum.be.

      Based steps from Brussels‑South (Gare du Midi), The Urban Yard Hotel is perfectly placed to reach the museum by tram or metro and then explore the Marolles: flea markets, antique shops, cafés and street art. Searching for a hotel in Brussels close to the Comics Art Museum and Brussels‑South? The Urban Yard Hotel offers convenience, character and access to the city’s most authentic neighborhoods.

    4. A Green Oasis Steps from the Exhibition

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      Launching 11 June, “Jules Verne 200” turns Brussels’ Horta Gallery into a 1,500 m² wonderland that fuses metaverse environments, VR pods and 360-degree visuals. Wander through Twenty Thousand Leagues, race around the globe in Eighty Days, or blast off From the Earth to the Moon, before dipping into a multimedia chronicle of Verne’s life. Produced by Exhibition Hub and Layers of Reality, the show builds on the success of blockbuster experiences like “Van Gogh Immersive.”

      Make your base at The Urban Yard Hotel, where an indoor botanical courtyard, upcycled furnishings and rooftop beehives create a lush sanctuary amid the city bustle. Just two tram stops from Horta Gallery, the hotel’s locally sourced breakfast bowls and leafy coworking corners are the perfect complement to a day of literary exploration.

    5. Belgian Chocolate Earns Heritage Badge – Explore It from The Urban Yard Hotel in Brussels

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      Belgian chocolate has just been granted intangible-heritage status by the Brussels-Capital Region, a move that secures cultural recognition for an industry already famed worldwide. While two-thirds of chocolatiers operate in Flanders, tourists inevitably flock to the capital for its grand arcades, small-batch factories and chocolate museums. Hip yet welcoming, The Urban Yard Hotel—set around a lush courtyard near Brussels-South station—positions guests within easy reach of these attractions. The newly minted heritage label only heightens the city’s allure, making the hotel an on-trend headquarters for sweet-toothed explorers.

    6. Floralia Brussels 2025: A Vibrant Spring Escape Close to The Urban Yard Hotel

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      From April 4 to May 2, Floralia Brussels transforms the Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden into a floral wonderland featuring over one million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Now celebrating its 22nd edition, the event showcases 400 different flower varieties across the castle’s 14-hectare grounds, complete with a two-kilometre walkway offering breathtaking views. Don’t miss the Venetian Parade, where guests don elegant Venetian outfits, or the “Maya Days,” offering child-friendly activities and a mini parade. With so many colorful and artistic sights, it’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

      After soaking up the spring festivities, unwind at The Urban Yard Hotel in Brussels. Boasting a modern vibe and comfortable rooms, this hotel sets you in the heart of the city, perfect for further exploration or leisurely downtime. Floralia Brussels is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, and tickets cost €17 per person (discounts may apply). To avoid queues, be sure to book your visit in advance on the official Floralia website.

    7. Explore Magritte’s Brussels Legacy from The Urban Yard Hotel

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      René Magritte (1898-1967) is hailed as one of the foremost figures of surrealist art, and Brussels served as a cornerstone of his creativity. The city’s dynamic streets and cultural depth provided ample inspiration for his iconic works. At the Musée Magritte Museum—located on Koningsplein—you can fully appreciate the breadth of his art, with over 230 pieces and archives on display, from paintings and gouaches to vintage advertising posters and film snippets.

      As part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the museum continually evolves, thanks to collaborations with institutions and private collectors worldwide. This means visitors regularly encounter artworks that have rarely, if ever, been exhibited. With eight distinguished nominations and awards, plus 300,000 annual visitors, the Musée Magritte Museum is an essential stop in Brussels. Don’t miss Magritte’s quirky “vache” period, a testament to his humor and willingness to defy expectations.

      Staying at The Urban Yard Hotel puts you just a short walk or ride away from this must-see attraction. Head to Koningsplein 2, 1000 Brussels, or email info@fine-arts-museum.be for more information. You can also explore www.fine-arts-museum.be for details. Discover the vibrant heart of Brussels and delve into the surreal world that Magritte called home.

    8. Horst Arts & Music Festival 2025 in Vilvoorde

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      Discover the groundbreaking 2025 edition of the Horst Arts & Music Festival from May 1st to 3rd in Vilvoorde, just outside Brussels. Under the theme “Upside down, inside out,” Horst challenges us to redefine our surroundings. What if the answers we seek are within us or right before our eyes? For three days, revel in avant-garde installations, architectural showpieces, and a wide range of musical acts that will make you dance and reflect.

      During these days, Asiat Park is transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, filled with interactive art exhibits and creative workshops. Want to learn more about the lineup, ticket details, or the festival’s guiding vision? Head over to
      www.horstartsandmusic.com.

      Accessibility
      Reaching the festival is simple: take a direct train from Brussels to Vilvoorde or hop on bus lines 280 or 282 to the Vilvoorde Kerkhof stop. Thanks to these convenient options, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the festival in no time.

      Stay at The Urban Yard Hotel
      After an intense day of art, music, and new encounters, The Urban Yard Hotel offers the perfect place to relax. Enjoy modern design and a laid-back atmosphere, all while remaining close to Brussels’ energetic city center. Each room is designed with comfort in mind, ensuring a restful retreat after the festival’s excitement.

    9. Bruxelles sur Scènes

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      Brussels sur Scènes

      Get ready to explore Brussels’ urban soul with Brussels sur Scènes this November. As the crisp air sets in and the city’s vibe takes on that cozy fall feel, Brussels sur Scènes offers a perfect way to experience the local scene beyond the usual.

      Brussels sur Scènes turns small, hidden theaters and cabaret venues into hotspots of live music, comedy, dance, and theater—an escape from the November drizzle that’s anything but ordinary. Running all month, the festival brings local talent to intimate stages across the city, each with its own unique character. From underground jazz bars to quirky theaters, every venue lets you see a different side of Brussels.

      This isn’t your typical tour. Brussels sur Scènes lets you get into the neighborhoods, where you’ll find the real heartbeat of the city. Each show is a chance to discover new acts, each street an excuse to explore a cool corner of Brussels. And with performances in French, Dutch, and English, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re into jazz, theater, or just something off the beaten path.

      Brussels sur Scènes is affordable, too, so you can fill your nights with a variety of genres without worrying about your budget. And since these venues are spread across different neighborhoods, every show is a reason to wander, stumble upon local cafés, or relax afterward with a Belgian beer or a hot chocolate.

      At Urban Yard Hotel, we think Brussels sur Scènes brings the city to life in a way that’s perfect for curious travelers. Whether it’s a quick city break or a longer stay, you’ll find unforgettable experiences right around the corner. So, join us this November, grab a ticket, and dive into the unique pulse of Brussels.

      This November, let Brussels sur Scènes be your guide—and let Urban Yard Hotel be your home base for exploring Brussels in a way that’s fresh, local, and totally memorable.

      Image: Brussels sur Scènes

    10. Museum Night Fever 2024

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      On October 19, 2024, it’s that time again: Museum Night Fever in Brussels! This annual event is the perfect opportunity to discover Brussels’ rich and diverse culture in a unique way. Dozens of museums remain open until late at night, allowing visitors to enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with art, music, and creativity.

      What is Museum Night Fever?
      Museum Night Fever is much more than just a regular evening at the museum. It’s a vibrant city festival that combines art and culture with live music, interactive workshops, and spectacular performances. Participating museums organize a wide range of special activities, such as tours, exhibitions, and creative sessions, bringing the night to life for art lovers and the curious.

      How to participate in Museum Night?
      With a single ticket, you gain access to a large number of museums, from contemporary art galleries to historical treasures. Hop from one museum to the next and discover the variety Brussels has to offer. Special shuttles will also be running, making it easy to travel from one location to another. Whether you want to visit the renowned Royal Museum of Fine Arts or discover smaller, hidden gems, Museum Night Fever offers something for everyone.

      Urban Yard Hotel: Your Base for Museum Night Fever 2024
      Urban Yard Hotel, located in the heart of Brussels, is the ideal place to start your cultural adventure. Our stylish hotel provides a relaxing urban oasis where you can unwind after an evening filled with art and discoveries. Enjoy Urban Yard’s comfortable and modern rooms and make your experience complete with a stay in our cozy hotel.

      After a night full of impressions, you can relax and reflect on everything you’ve seen and experienced. Be sure to book in advance to secure your stay in the bustling center of Brussels.

      Book your stay at Urban Yard Hotel today and make Museum Night Fever 2024 an unforgettable experience!