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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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Friday, December 12, 2025

BELGIUM: Christmas Light Displays

There are lots of Christmas Light Displays out there to help get you feeling all Christmassy…

The Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra are holding a New Year’s concert which is set to be a flamboyant celebration with renowned arias by Rossini, Verdi, Donizetti and Puccini. Dance pieces by Tchaïkovsky, Dvořák and Strauss II will complement the programme. 

The orchestra is conducted by David Navarro-Turres and joined by soprano Elise Gäbele. 

WHEN: Friday 19 December, 20:00
WHERE: Novum Theatre, Rue Eudore Devroy 2, 1040 Etterbeek
MORE INFORMATION: Here


A spectacular sound and light show will illuminate the secrets of the Cathedral of St Michael and St  in celebration of its 800th anniversary. “Luminescence celebrates the heritage of the masterpiece of Brabant Gothic architecture which has overlooked Brussels since the 13th century.
Come and marvel at the video mapping experience where light and music bring eight centuries of history back to life with the heavenly voices of one of the region’s finest choirs elevating the original soundtrack. 
WHEN: Thursday 11 December 2025 onwards
WHERE: Esplanade de la Sainte Gudule
MORE INFORMATION: Here


In Brussels, come and see the annual illuminations adorning the capital’s shopping streets at Brussels by Lights. Some 1,000 festive garlands are festooned around 180 thoroughfares for a fairytale atmosphere during the holiday season.

WHEN: Until Sunday 4 January 2026
WHERE: Brussels City Centre and Laeken
MORE INFORMATION: Here


Up in Antwerp you will find an action packed Winter Experience. Belgium’s most sprawling Christmas market winds through streets and squares and a series of pretty lights will guide you from the Central Station to all the festive action. 

Be sure not to miss Hendrik Conscienceplein with its magical fountain, and check out the carousels, Ferris wheel, chalets and tempting seasonal specialities that stretch from Operaplein to Koningen Astridplein. A new light installation trail also runs from Handschoenmarkt to Operaplein.

The entertainment programme includes winter bars, musical performances and a firework display over the river Scheldt on New Year’s Eve

WHEN: Until Monday 5th January 2026
WHERE: Across Antwerp
MORE INFORMATION: Here


And last but by no means least, the gorgeous town of Dinant lights up with concerts, markets, parades and shows throughout its streets, squares and waterfront at Dinant Lumière.

As night falls, the illuminated trail highlights five iconic landmarks, all adding much-needed colour to the season. 

WHEN: Until Saturday 3 January 2026
WHERE: the Town Centre, Dinant
MORE INFORMATION: Here


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE
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