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
Miliband Seeks Key Role in Team Burnham; North Sea Talk Avoided.
Badenoch claims Miliband’s policies are worsening the situation, making
Canadian Retail Sales Increase 0.5% in April; Strong May Growth Indicates Consumer Resilience
OTTAWA, Canada, June 19 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Canada retail sales increased by 0.5% in April, according to newly released official data, providing another indication that consumer spending continues to support the country’s economy despite elevated borrowing costs and ongoing global uncertainty. Preliminary estimates also suggest Canada retail sales could climb 1.0% in May, pointing to stronge
Europe Selects Its Own Frontier AI Developer
EUROPA Consortium to Develop Open-Source AI Model for All 24 EU Languages
The European Commission has chosen a consortium led by Italy’s Domyn to create an advanced AI model for Europe’s multilingual landscape, turning the focus on technological sovereignty into a real public-interest initiative.
The decision, revealed on Friday, appoints the EUROPA consortium as central to the EU’s Fronti
Portugal Parliament Rejects Labor Reform, Intensifying 2026 Political Challenge
Lisbon, Portugal, June 19 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Employment legislation Europe remains in focus after Portugal’s parliament voted against the government’s proposed labour reform package, delivering a major setback to the country’s minority administration. The decision comes after weeks of political debate over employment protections, business flexibility, and economic competitiveness. The faile
Britain’s Keir Starmer Considers a Bleak Future
A fifth person, an MP, stated they were informed ahead of the Downing Street meeting that Reynolds was planning to have an
Gaza: UNICEF Issues Alert on Child Killings, Citing Grave Risks
Killed while playing
Briefing journalists in Geneva via video from Amman, the UNICEF aid veteran noted that the children “were not killed in a warzo
Canada’s Financial Markets Strengthen with Expanded Bank Lending Capacity
Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment
Meloni and Sánchez Clash Over EU Migration Crackdown
An Italian representative mentioned the interaction was “not a clash” bu
EU Leaders Prioritize Competitiveness Again
Brussels urges swifter measures on energy costs, industry, and the single market ahead of carbon-market review in July
EU leaders are urging swift advancement on Europe’s competitiveness agenda, calling on Brussels and national governments to expedite simpler regulations, lower energy costs, industrial renewal, and investment. The conclusions from Friday’s Brussels meeting underscore the “
Report: Manus Investors Pursue $2 Billion Buyback of AI Firm from Meta
San Francisco, California, United States, June 18 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Manus AI buyback discussions are drawing significant attention after a report indicated that the artificial intelligence company’s original investors are exploring a plan to repurchase the business from Meta in a deal valued at approximately $2 billion. If completed, the transaction could become one of the most closely wat
Leave a Reply