What's on this week: 24 December

Brussels’ Parlamentarium is the citizen’s go-to for all things European Parliament. A font of both historical factoids and the news of the day, the multimedia visitor centre also hosts collaborative cultural projects like Fashion Art EU. This exhibition was conceived by Madrid’s Fashion Art Institute as a way to express the diversity of the European Union and the shared values at its heart. Each of the 28 member states is represented by a unique sartorial ensemble, fusing contemporary design and traditional forms. In keeping with the Parlamentarium’s democratic principles, entry is free.
Until 15 May at Parlamentarium, Brussels
www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union entails certain agenda-setting prerogatives and administrative responsibilities. It’s also a great excuse to build bridges culturally. In the New Year the Italians yield the presidency to Latvia, who kick off their term with a performance by one of the Baltic nation’s most celebrated singers, Elina Garanca. She and conductor Karel Mark Chichon (pictured) lead the National Orchestra of Belgium through an epic programme spanning several centuries and an entire continent. The programme includes canonical works by Berlioz and Tchaikovsky and contemporary pieces by Latvian composers Andris Dzenitis and Eriks Esenvalds.
16 January, 20.00 at Bozar, Brussels
www.bozar.be

Happy Brussels is your chance to discover the capital and ring in the New Year in one – or more – of its trendy night spots. Organisers have put together a network of tourist attractions, shops and dance clubs. One pass gives you free entry to the iconic Atomium and the Galeries Cinema, which is currently showing the photography of American film director David Lynch, as well as discounts at select shops. After the sightseeing and shopping, Happy Brussels is your all-access pass to 10 New Year’s parties at venues as happening as the capital’s legendary rave club Fuse.
30-31 December, 22.00 across Brussels
www.happybrussels.com

Midnight Blue Birds & their Sentimental Gentlemen: Close harmony singing group known to evoke feelings of war-time nostalgia with a diverse repertoire of danceable swing and sensuous ballads and snappy jazz arrangements on bass, drum and guitar.
26 December 20.00-22.00, Herberg Macharius, Voorhoutkaai 43, Ghent
www.burenvandeabdij.be

Van Grimm tot Sinterklaas (From Grimm to St Nicholas): Illustrations by French artist Charlotte Dematons who won awards for her drawings in Nederland, Sinterklaas and a collection of Grimm fairy tales, plus activities for kids.
Until 18 April, Literair Museum, Bampslaan 35, Hasselt
www.literairmuseum.be

Bruges at War: One hundred years after the German invasion of Bruges, the city is commemorating the Great War with three photo exhibitions, one curated by Flemish historian Sophie De Schaepdrijver, who looks at daily life in the occupied city, and two featuring the work of Carl De Keyzer and other Magnum photographers, accompanied by passages by David Van Reybrouck.
Until 22 February, Stadshallen, Markt 7, Bruges
www.brugge1418.be

Tim Burton cycle: On the occasion of the release of the eccentric American director’s latest film, Big Eyes, Cinematek screens Burton’s greatest films, including Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice.
24 December to 30 January, Cinematek, Baron Hortastraat 9, Brussels
www.cinematek.be

New Year’s Drink: Many Flemish cities host a complimentary New Year’s drink (nieuwjaarsreceptie or nieuwjaarsdrink) to their residents to ring in 2015, including Mechelen, Antwerp and Ghent, among others.
Throughout January across Flanders
www.uitinvlaanderen.be

Taste of Stars: Several Leuven restaurants invite Italian Michelin-starred chefs to serve gastronomic menus at affordable prices in pop-up restaurants.
12-17 January, Officina Clandestina, Sint-Antoniusberg 6, Leuven
www.tasteofstars.com