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
Andy Burnham Set to Become UK Labour Leader — Live Updates
During a special conference in London, the Makerfield MP — who returned to parliament last month after serving as Greater Manchester mayor for nine years — will be elected as Labour’s next leader without opposition.
No other Labour MPs secured t
Writing on Watermarked Paper: The Delicate Framework of Syria’s New Chapter
The deputies were bused to the chamber without being told the hour they would sit. That is how tight security was around Sunday’s session in Damascus. Inside, the 210 members of Syria’s first parliament since Bashar al-Assad’s fall took the constitutional oath and chose as their speaker Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a judge who once served Assad’s justice ministry, defected early, and waited out the war
Multicultural Pageant in Dublin Merges Cultural Celebration with Drug-Education Initiative
KINGNEWSWIRE // Press Release // The inaugural Miss & Mrs Cross Continent event unites 24 contestants from seven countries and a crowd of 450 at the Church of Scientology & Community Centre in Ireland
DUBLIN, Ireland, 16 July 2026 — The first Miss & Mrs Cross Continent pageant on 5 July at the Church of Scientology & Community Centre of Dublin showcased 24 contestants from se
Merz und Macrons letzter Anlauf für Europas Nuklearschirm
At the Franco-German Ministerial Council, European defense takes center stage. Following the collapse of FCAS, time is running out for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron. With Hans vo…
UK Lawmakers Endorse Haskel as Chair of Budget Forecasting Office
London, July 16 Eurotoday Newspaper — Britain budget forecast remains in focus after UK lawmakers backed economist Jonathan Haskel as the next chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Parliament’s approval supports Haskel’s nomination to lead the independent fiscal watchdog that evaluates government spending plans, tax measures and long-term economic forecasts. The move comes as Brit
EU Court Limits YouTube’s Liability Protection
The judgment, issued on July 16, 2026, in Luxembourg, addresses an Italian case involving gambling-related YouTube vid
With Le Pen looming, Macron and Merz strive to demonstrate the Franco-German engine’s ongoing influence
Both governments are portraying the meeting as an effort to further agreements made at last year’s meeting in Toulo
Rising Shipping Insurance Costs Deepen Downturn for Most Gulf Economies
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 16 Eurotoday Newspaper — Shipping insurance costs are climbing as continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz creates new challenges for Gulf economies. Higher maritime risk premiums are increasing the cost of transporting crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and commercial cargo through one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
The increase in shipping expenses
AI Avatar for Sign Language Demonstrated at EU Parliament
Poland Charges Teen Accused of Sabotage for Russia
Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for Poland’s minister for special services, announced on Thursday that a young Ukrainian, working on behalf of Russian services, vandalized buildings and memorial sites with inscriptions praising t
Leave a Reply