Kortenaken (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Children in Kortenaken sang door to door on December 31, 2025, collecting candy and coins, accompanied by parents, then enjoyed pancakes at KU Waanrode, KU Kersbeek, and KSA Kortenaken.
As VRT News reported, children in Kortenaken, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, took part in a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration by going door to door to sing. The children carried baskets to collect candy and small coins from neighbours.
“We’ve already rung quite a few doorbells,”
one child said.
“Sometimes people open, sometimes they don’t, but it’s always exciting. It’s fun to earn candy and a little money.”
“New Year’s carolling is a real tradition in this community; we do it every year with the children,”
says one father.
“People here are also generous. We’ll keep singing until about 4 p.m. this afternoon, and then we’ll join the festive table.”
How do children in Kortenaken celebrate New Year’s Eve singing tradition?
After completing their rounds, the children gathered at local youth groups KU Waanrode, KU Kersbeek, and KSA Kortenaken. There, they were served freshly made pancakes.
“New Year’s Eve singing is a tradition that belongs to the end of the year,”
says Alderman for Youth Katrien Devos (KORTbi).
“First sing, then enjoy a pancake with sugar or chocolate.”
Many years ago in Belgium (dating back to the 1600s), children would go door-to-door during the winter months asking for food or coins. In the late 1700s, adults would often perform similar door-to-door performances, but used them as an opportunity to receive food/coins and other items for themselves.
Children began to be involved in this custom during the 1800s. They transformed the singing activity into a fun and exciting way to celebrate the upcoming New Year. By the end of the 20th Century, this custom mainly belonged to children who would perform songs, such as “New Year’s Sweet,” in exchange for small treats and coins.
