What’s on this week: 31 December-7 January

Fireworks may be banned and a 10pm curfew in place but a laser light show replaces Brussels' traditional pyrotechnic display on New Year’s Eve. Designed to create a sense of connection, the artistic installation consists of a network of laser beams linking different neighbourhoods of the city, all filmed via cameras and drones. A midnight countdown will feature many of the capital’s landmark buildings. Catch the live broadcast on the Facebook page of the City of Brussels, or on visit.brussels, agenda.brussels and brussel.be, as well as city broadcaster Bruzz, 31 December, 23.15

From a virtual experience to one that lights up all the senses at Les Halles de Schaerbeek. The Great Black Music exhibition is not only a sound and sight treat, it offers an immersive and extraordinary musical  journey around the world. Hundreds of sound, visual and audiovisual clips present the global and diverse popular culture of black music across the centuries and continents, from Jamaican reggae and Mississippi blues to Afrobeats, Latin samba and more. Don’t forget to bring along your own wired earphones to tune in. Pre-booking required at 02 218 21 07 or reservation@halles.be. Until 17 January, Rue de la Constitution 20

The Autoworld Museum in Cinquantenaire Park traditionally decks its halls with festive decorations over the festive season. And a celebratory atmosphere currently reigns following its re-opening with not one but two exhibitions greeting visitors. In addition to the museum’s fine permanent collection, discover the little-known Czech car Škoda -one of the oldest automobile manufacturers still in production -  with some 40 models on display to mark its 125th anniversary. They include the mythical Superb (1939) and Felicia Cabriolet (1961), as well as a number of racy sports and rally cars. It accompanies an exhibition of Mazda cars that has been extended until the end of January. Until 24 January, open daily, Parc de Cinquantenaire 11

If you have little ones in the household boasting a smattering of French join them in watching at home the animation Ernest et Célestine en Hiver, plus four short films (age three and up). Art house cinema Les Grignoux is currently running Cinépilou, a screening of francophone family favourites every Friday evening, although the first one in 2021 is scheduled on Saturday. Family tickets cost €5 or €7 if you want to support the cinema during the confinement period. Tickets also provide access to additional kids’ activities. 2 January, 18.00-21.00

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

It’s the final weekend of Mons Memorial Museum’s interactive second world war exhibition. Experience Immersive 1944 takes visitors on a journey to the heart of the action as lived by individual US and German soldiers plus a local resistance figure thanks to digital technology. Visitors are recommended to buy tickets in advance, either online at www.visitmons.be or by telephone (065.35.55.80). If you’re visiting Mons city centre, enjoy a mulled wine or alternative refreshment at the Winter garden festive hub in the Grand Place. Until 3 January, Boulevard Dolez 51, Mons

Mechelen is currently hosting a singular exhibition, The Art Hour, which brings together 32 masterpieces of Belgian art, dating from 1887 to 1938. Each work is illuminated in the dimly lit chapel and a story recounted about each one along with a musical accompaniment. These tales are narrated by celebrities – including cyclist Tom Boonen, sexologist Goedele Liekens and film director Stijn Coninx – who are projected onscreen next to the work. It’s best to book ahead for the popular one-hour event via the website. Visitors can choose from Dutch, English and French, though only the Dutch versions contain the original narration; the other versions are dubbed. Until 31 January, Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Minderbroedersgang 1, Mechelen