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
Fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad Claims 14 Infants’ Lives
Islamabad, Pakistan, 26 August (Eurotoday Newspaper) – Fourteen infants have died after a PIMS hospital fire swept through a nursery in the Mother and Child Health facility at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, prompting an investigation and demands for accountability.
Fire spreads rapidly through hospital nursery
The blaze broke out early on Wednesday on the third floor of
Salvation in Orthodox Theology: Embracing New Life in Christ
Hungary Declares Russia a ‘Threat’, Breaking With Orbán Policy
Since replacing Orbán this spring, Magyar has realigned Budapest’s foreign policy. He has repaired
Short-Handed Al Nassr Rallies to Defeat Al Ettifaq 3-2 in Dammam
Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 26 August (Eurotoday Newspaper) – A remarkable Al Nassr comeback saw the Saudi Pro League champions recover from two goals down to beat Al Ettifaq 3-2 despite playing most of the match with 10 men. Sadio Mané scored twice, including the late winner.
Early red card changes the contest
Al Nassr suffered a major setback after just 12 minutes when goalkeeper Bento was shown a s
Dogmatic Debate with Donatism (Part 2)
Carney of Canada to Attend EU State of the Union
An official from the European Commission, close to von der Leyen, confirmed to POLITICO that Carney has accepted the invitation to this significant event in the EU’s calendar, where the presiden
Japan to Extend Weather Forecasts to Two Weeks by 2030
Tokyo, Japan, 26 August (Eurotoday Newspaper) – Japan plans to extend detailed daily weather forecasts from seven days to two weeks by 2030, as authorities seek to improve preparations for extreme heat, heavy rain and snow linked to a changing climate.
Longer forecasts widen the warning window
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) plans to provide daily forecasts covering up to two weeks. These
Dogmatic Debate with Donatism (3)
France and Germany Clash Over Europe’s Industrial Future
EU Climate Risks Require Accelerated Response as Extreme Heat Intensifies
Brussels, Belgium, 25 August (Eurotoday Newspaper) – European governments face growing pressure to act earlier and more proactively against EU climate risks, as extreme heat, drought, wildfires and flooding increasingly threaten public health, infrastructure and economic activity across the continent.
The challenge has become particularly visible during successive hot summers. European authoriti
Leave a Reply