Febelfin, the federation for the Belgian financial sector, announces on its website that the banks are closed on December 25 and 26. But December 24 is not ‘bank holidays’, says Febelfin. In principle, the bank branches are therefore open. The sector federation does point out that banks can choose to use adjusted opening hours for these days. “So it’s best to check with your office beforehand.”
In any case, customers can use electronic banking during the Christmas weekend and use the self-banking facilities at the payment terminals and the ticket dispensers.
Also for the city and municipal services Friday is not a special day, says the VVSG. But here too exceptional (early) closures are possible. “Many town halls are always closed on Friday afternoons, so little may change there,” said spokesperson Nathalie Debast. “We still advise people to check the website of their municipality, especially if they want to go to the recycling center in the afternoon these days. In any case, there are often adapted services due to corona.”
For department stores Friday 24 December is a great day. Saturday (Christmas) and Sunday most shops remain closed. Some independent operators will remain open, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Some even all day. Also keep in mind that most shops close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. Depending on store to store, they close at 5pm or 6pm.
Most bakers in butchers are open in the morning on Christmas and Boxing Day. Often only to pick up orders. Friday will be busy as most customers come to collect their orders before Christmas.
From post offices are also open on Friday 24 December, let bpost know. The delivery of letters, parcels, newspapers and magazines also proceeds normally.
From police officersn can always be reached, even on public holidays, even though the district offices are closed. You cannot go there for administrative matters. If you need urgent police help, you can call 112.
DIY-companies will be closed next weekend. That is also the case for furniture and decoration stores. Ikea closes at 3 p.m. on Friday. Everything will be open again on Monday.
Clothing and shoe stores are close to Christmas. Wijnegem Shopping Center closes at 5 p.m. on Friday.
Cafés in restaurants are usually open. Restaurants mainly work by reservation.
Zoos such as the Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael are open. The interior spaces will be closed from Sunday due to corona.
It public transport runs according to an adjusted timetable during the Christmas weekend. Thus announced the NMBS already an adapted train offer for the Christmas holidays, with additional changes for 24 and 31 December. For example, the S61 Charleroi – Namur – Jambes runs once an hour instead of twice. The section of the S9 Braine-l’Alleud – Landen is limited to Brussels-Luxembourg – Landen. The IC train Antwerp-Luchtbal – Brussels – Charleroi-South and the S8 Zottegem – Brussels – Louvain-la-Neuve do not run after 6 pm. On Christmas Eve, the L-trains Athus – Rodange (Luxembourg) – Luxembourg no longer run from 8 pm.
Also The line and the MIVB drive under a special arrangement. It is best to check the website.
Museums stay close on Christmas.
Christmas markets are open but close earlier on Friday evenings. The largest in Belgium, in Brussels, closes at 6 pm. On other days it stays open until 10pm.
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