New Year's Eve in Antwerp
Antwerp does the last night of the year outdoors. The fireworks go up over the Scheldt at midnight, the winter market is still standing, and the whole city walks down to the water. Here is how the evening works, and where to eat before it starts.
The fireworks over the Scheldt
At midnight the sky over the river fills up. It is a city event, free, and you do not need a ticket for anything.
Where to stand. The Scheldekaaien on the right bank, roughly between the Sint-Michielskaai and the De Gerlachekaai, is the stretch the city points people to, with live music along it. On the left bank the view from around the Galgenweel is wider and quieter, as it has been in recent years.
The soundtrack runs on the radio. Radio Minerva broadcasts the music that goes with the show, on 98.0 FM, so bring something to play it on.
You cannot set off your own. Fireworks are banned across Antwerp, including firecrackers, open fires and sky lanterns. That is enforced, and it is also why the city show is worth walking to.
What else is open that night
Winter in Antwerpen runs into early January, so the market on the Grote Markt and down to the Steenplein is still there on the 31st, though it closes at 18.00 that day. The ice rink, the carousel on the Operaplein and the big wheel at the Steenplein all run through the holidays.
If you want the market that day, go in the afternoon, before the chalets close. After that, the city heads for the water.
Where to eat and start the evening
MEA is the restaurant at VIA Antwerp, in Zurenborg. Chef Omri McNabb, who cooked at The Palomar in London, serves modern Eastern Mediterranean food, and the cocktails are by Jonathan Scheerlinck.
You can see the year out with us. What the evening looks like is announced closer to the date, usually at the end of December, so keep an eye on this page or ask the team.
Whatever you decide, book early. The last week of December is the one week of the year where Antwerp restaurants are full before the middle of the month.
Getting there and getting home
MEA is in Zurenborg, a six minute walk from Antwerp Central Station, through the Art Nouveau streets. From there it is one tram or a twenty-five minute walk down to the Scheldt.
The awkward part is after midnight. Trams are full and taxis are scarce between half past twelve and two. Two ways around it: walk back, which is pleasant if you are dressed for it, or stay within walking distance.
Staying over
VIA Antwerp is a four-star boutique hotel in the same building as MEA. Seven room types, an interior by Merav Bustan Design Studio, and a reception that is open all night, which on this particular night is the point.
New Year's Eve is the single busiest night of the Antwerp hotel year. If you know your dates, the availability check is the fastest way to see what is left.
City tax. Antwerp charges 3.58 euro per person per night in 2026, paid at the hotel on arrival and not in your online booking.
