The long, dark winter nights can seem a bit grim at the best of times, not least with so much even gloomier news currently dominating the airwaves and news print.
What better time of year, then, for something a bit “magical” that seeks to bring a bit of much-needed cheer and goodwill?
If, like so many others, you feel in need of a seasonal pick-me-up, then look no further than a new festive spectacular now taking place on the outskirts of Brussels.
The “magical” event in question is appropriately called “Lanterna Magica” and is a part walk, part show experience that is currently lighting up the picturesque Domaine de La Hulpe estate and will continue to do so over the winter.
This most delightful of settings, a magnet for weekend walkers (and picnickers in summer) is currently festooned with lanterns, forest creatures and no end of fascinating nature scenes.
Set amidst the beautiful natural setting of one of the country’s best preserved estates and the always fantastic Foret de Soignes, Lanterna Magica is a 2.5km walking course animated by “dancers and actors” and all illuminated with more than 1,200 projectors and 20,000 LEDs.
This lovely festive fairy tale all makes for an unforgettable sensory and musical experience.
A spokesman for the organisers told this site, “The walk takes visitors through the woods and lets them admire the castle. It is a brand-new immersive trail that aims to plunge visitors into a dreamlike world where every corner of the park reveals sparkling light effects and enchanting projections.”
“In addition to all these new features, Lanterna Magica RTL offers an exceptional culinary experience in the majestic setting of the Château de La Hulpe on Friday and Saturday evenings.”
One of the most popular features is a brand new 200 m² ice rink, perfect for a fun time with family or friends (young and old). You don’t need a Lanterna Magica ticket for this as people can skate without visiting the rest of the village.
Ice skates are available for rent on-site (in sizes 32 to 46) while, for the little ones, there are children’s skates, skate chairs, and fun sliding figures. The rink is fully covered so you stay dry, no matter the weather.
It is also wheelchair accessible, and glide chairs are available upon request.
The synthetic rink is eco-friendly and described as revolutionary as it gives the sensation of skating on “real” ice while, at the same time, respecting the environment.
The rink costs €8 for one hour of skating (both children and adults).
The whole Lanterna Magica event is designed for all ages and lasts between 1h and 1h30. Online reservation is required, and pets must be kept on a leash.
Be warned: rush hour traffic can be heavy around the park and many areas are closed for parking nearby.
Several options are available, including paid car parks along with parking at La Hulpe station (2km from the entrance) at Ernest Solvay Street, La Hulpe. The parking fee must be paid on the spot, and a shuttle service will take you to the entrance of Lanterna Magica.
There are also some free parking spaces on these public roads:
- Brussels Road (between the Ernest roundabout and the Adèle roundabout)
- Ernest Solvay Avenue (between the Ernest roundabout and the Sport Center Swift)
- Gris Moulin Street
- Center of La Hulpe
- Gates open at 5.30pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The event continues until Sunday, 26 January 2025
Comments
5 responses to “Winter Wonders in the Enchanting Setting of La Hulpe”
-
Oh, a “magical” stroll through the woods with more lights than a Brussels Christmas market? Brilliant! Just what we need to distract us from the endless drudgery of winter and the delightful chaos of traffic jams. 🤦♂️✨
-
Only in La Hulpe would a 2.5km walk become a fairy-tale trek with 20,000 LEDs just to distract us from our gloomy winter woes. €8 for an eco-friendly ice rink? Might as well charge me for the “fresh air” while you’re at it! 😂
-
Oh joy, nothing says “European winter wonderland” like dodging traffic for a walk illuminated by 20,000 LEDs while navigating a synthetic ice rink – because who wouldn’t want to skate on eco-friendly plastic while wearing their best winter coat and a look of utter bewilderment? 😅✨
-
Looks like La Hulpe’s trying to turn winter blues into a fairy tale — because nothing says “enchanting” like dodging traffic and paying for parking just to see some LEDs in the woods. 🦌✨ Who knew magic came with a side of bureaucracy? 😂
-
“Ah, nothing screams ‘let’s celebrate winter’ quite like a 2.5km stroll through the woods with 20,000 LEDs to remind you of your electric bill—cheers to a magical evening! 🎉 Just remember to pack your patience for the traffic, or else you might miss the enchantment altogether! 😅”
Last News
Ukrainian Missiles Hit Russian Defense Plant, Zelenskyy Reports
Andrey Bocharov, governor of Volgograd region, verified the attack on Tele
CPMR Embraces "Committed European Vision for Islands"
The first-ever EU Strategy for Islands has been greeted as an “important political milestone for Europe’s maritime territories.”
The initiatives, which also include an EU Strategy for Resilient, Prosperous and Liveable Coastal Communities, have been advocated by the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions, CPMR, and its Islands Commission.
They establish, for the first time, dedicated European
EU Message Scanning Initiative Rekindles Privacy Debate
Member states seek to revive a temporary child-safety tool after Parliament rejected the measure in March
EU governments are working to revive a temporary legal framework that allows messaging providers to detect child sexual abuse material, revisiting the sensitive issue of balancing child protection, private communications, and power between the Council and the European Parliament.
EU ambassad
Ein Spaziergang durch Kiew mit Botschafter Thoms
Thoms reflects on the toughest winter in decades. Weeks of sub-zero temperatures, systematic attacks on energy infrastructure, and constant generator noise were meant to wear
Europe on Alert as Extreme Heat Threatens Public Health
Southern Europe, June 26 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Public Health Europe remains the primary focus as authorities across southern Europe respond to an intensifying heatwave that has pushed temperatures to dangerous levels. Millions of people are under weather alerts as health agencies urge residents and tourists to avoid prolonged sun exposure, stay hydrated, and check on elderly and vulnerable ind
Bosnia Begins WU19 EURO With Broader Ambitions
Women’s Youth Championship Kicks Off in Sarajevo and Zenica, spotlighting legacy, access, and Spain’s supremacy
By Daniel Mercer, Sports Correspondent, The European Times
The UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship starts this weekend in Bosnia and Herzegovina, showcasing eight of Europe’s top youth teams in Sarajevo and Zenica. The competition is significant, particularly with Spain defending
Erdoğan launches crackdown ahead of NATO summit
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated Thursday that the alliance “relies on the host nation to provide assessments on journalists from their country.” NATO is communicating with Turkish authorities on accreditation, emphasizing the importance of media attendance at major events.
Campaigners accuse th
Why Thousands of UK Entrepreneurs Are Opting for Company Formation Packages in 2026
London, June 26 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Company formation packages are seeing record demand as thousands of UK entrepreneurs turn to online incorporation services to launch new businesses quickly and efficiently. Industry professionals report that founders are increasingly selecting digital registration solutions that combine company incorporation with compliance support, helping reduce paperwor
Brussels Strengthens Controls on Strategic Investment
EU Implements Mandatory Foreign Investment Screening Across Member States, Retaining National Decision-Making Power
The European Union has issued new guidelines for foreign investment screening, signifying a notable change in overseeing strategic areas like digital infrastructure, energy, transport, critical raw materials, and advanced technologies. This framework aims to bridge gaps between nat
Leave a Reply