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We visited Lightopia in Brussels with our kids. We loved the light show at the Groot Bijgaarden castle! Read on to see what it’s like and for lots of practical tips
Video
Here’s a short video to see what it’s like
Overview
The entrance to the castle is stunning!
It feels like you are walking straight into a fairytale!
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All light installations are handmade. Our kids loved the light tunnel and the light wings!
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But the real fun for kids is at the interactive parts of the light show. There are light swings, light installations that change color when you walk on them and my son’s favorite, a drum that changes the light colors
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The atmosphere is Christmassy and jolly. The illuminated Christmas tree in front of the castle is next to reindeers and presents. Additionally there are snowmen and Merry Christmas signs
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There are lots of gnomes and mushrooms…
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…and also flowers and butterflies
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Furthermore, some mysterious doors invite you to explore further
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Moreover, there is a section with animals that move slightly. Our kids found it fun!
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There is a restaurant and an indoor covered area where you can enjoy your meal or your drink. Even this is beautifully illuminated
Practical stuff
*Open: 18.11.2022-08.01.2023, 17.00-22.00 (last entry 20.30)
*Cost: free for kids under 4, EUR 60 (not peak time) or EUR 70 (peak time) for family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids), see exact cost here
*You can buy your tickets here
*Stroller friendly, wheelchair friendly. However, there are cobblestones and also about 10 steps. You can avoid the steps if you go in a different way, ask at the entrance for details
*Restaurant: Twinkling Café, they offer warm food, mulled wine, hot chocolate
*Picnic is not allowed
*Dogs are not allowed
*Bicycles for kids or adults are not allowed
*Parking: you can buy online a parking ticket or you can buy there
How long does it take to visit Lightopia?
The walking route is 2km, so it should not take too long even with younger kids. It took us about 2 hours with lots of stops for photos. Probably 1.5 hour would be enough to enjoy it
How to dress for Lightopia?
This is an outdoor activity. Wear appropriate clothes, otherwise you will not enjoy it as much. A good tip for outdoor activities is to wear several thinner layers rather than one thick layer
Tip!
Highly recommend wellies, it can get very muddy!! The organizers have done a good job in this regard and a big part of the route is paved, but at some points it can be muddy and slippery, if it has rained before
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Address
Just 20 minutes drive from Schuman, Brussels (about 50 minutes by public transport)
Groot-Bijgaarden Castle
Isidoor van Beverenstraat 5, 1702 Dilbeek
https://goo.gl/maps/YNsKqrSjvCoAHJJ98
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Christmas with kids in Belgium:
All you need to know
If you are wondering what to do in Belgium with the kids during Christmas holidays, then read on this guide with family friendly Christmas events! St Nicholas events, meet Santa, Christmas markets, tractor parades, light shows, Christmas brunches with kids, theater shows and concerts and more!
Tip
This post will be updated every year with current events
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Christmas with kids in Belgium – All you need to know
If you are wondering what to do in Belgium with the kids during Christmas holidays, then read on this guide with family friendly events!
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Light shows in Belgium
There is no better way to beat the winter blues than a light festival in Belgium!
Below you will find a list with light shows in Belgium. Most of these are recurring, so this list will be getting updated with new dates
Light shows in Belgium
There is no better way to beat the winter blues than a light festival in Belgium! Below you will find a list with light shows in Belgium. Most of these are recurring, so this list will be getting updated with new dates
Nearby
Châlet du Laerbeek
Châlet du Laerbeek is 14 minutes away by car and the playground there is fantastic. There is also a brasserie with a smaller playground right next to it, so you can enjoy a meal while watching the kids playing
Laerbeek woods and Châlet du Laerbeek
Great playground in a forest, very close to Brussels
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Past events at Groot Bijgaarden
We have been to Floralia, which is organized at the same castle in spring and it is all about the beautiful flowers
Floralia Brussels 2023
Experience the beauty of Groot-Bijgaarden castle during the springtime Floralia exhibit. Here are practical tips for your family visit
And also to Nature Illuminated, which was again a light show at the same premises
Nature Illuminated
Walk around the Groot-Bijgaarden castle and enjoy the light show
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Map
All places mentioned above are also gathered on the map!
Indoor and outdoor activities, kids friendly cafés/ restaurants, hotels and more all under separate layers
Communities
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