Winter evenings at ZOO Planckendael have an extra touch of magic this year. For the fourth year in a row, a light festival shines with this year’s theme “Dragons of the North“ (Dragons of the North), a spectacular show from the creators of the famous China Light Festival. From dragons to elves and mysterious trolls – you will be immersed in a breathtaking world full of Norse magic that takes you to the High North right in the heart of Mechelen . Even when temperatures drop, the wonder in the park is at its highest point!
with‘Dragons of the North‘
@Verschueren Eddy
Magical Beings in Planckendael
The walk begins as soon as the sun sets and the park is enveloped in a fairy-tale atmosphere. My guide, Amanda Wielemans, an enthusiastic employee of Planckendael, leads me past some of the most beautiful compositions. “This is truly spectacular,” she whispers as we encounter a four-meter-high phoenix illuminating the night with its fiery feathers. We walk past sleeping animals and atmospherically lit trees, giving everything an enchanting touch.
@Verschueren Eddy
For the first time, I felt the magic of the Northern Lights close by, without having to travel far. With an eye for detail, the artists of China Light masterfully created this illusion. Every light composition, from the impressive reindeer to the magnificent flying horses, seems to come to life. Here and there you will see visitors posing for a photo, shrouded in colorful lights that make the winter scenery enchantingly beautiful.
A Mythical Experience
The tour of the park takes one past more than 60 unique compositions and 1,000 light objects scattered along a vast trail. Mythical figures from the High North can be seen everywhere. A werewolf and his pack howl in the distance, while a few steps away you encounter a friendly rock man holding out his huge hand to you. Children run around laughing, impressed by the giant light objects and dragons that line up to a breathtaking finale. Two fire-breathing dragons, surrounded by smoke and an artificial moon, create a climax that amazes every visitor. Read more below the photos
@Verschueren Eddy
@Verschueren Eddy
“Last year we received a lot of positive feedback around the light festival” Amanda tells “This year too it’s dragons but from the far north. We have therefore poured a Scandinavian sauce over it. This is also unique because we have a very wooded area in Planckendael. This makes it extra dark to do justice to the light effects“
@Verschueren Eddy
The charm of the festival is not only in the figures, but also in the details. At the grand finale, you come face to face with dragons that come to life with a simple push of a button. Visitors – especially younger adventurers – can use their feet on the buttons to make the dragons move, as if they themselves control the spectacle.
More Than One Light Festival
Behind the festival is a special collaboration. The China Light Festival, known for its elaborate shows, is once again bringing magic to Mechelen this winter in collaboration with ZOO Planckendael. Since their first events, such as the Dinolights, this team knows how to surprise every time. The stories and characters are carefully chosen, and with more than 23,000 LED lights, 8,000 meters of LED cables and 15,000 meters of silk they give the Norse legends a special look.
Continue reading below the photos
they give the Norwegian legends a special look
@Verschueren Eddy
@Verschueren Eddy
An Enchanting Winter Experience for Everyone
With hot chocolate, churros, and mulled wine in hand, the winter setting of Dragons of the North makes for a delightful experience for families, friends, and couples. The fire pits scattered throughout the grounds add extra coziness, perfect for those looking to warm up amidst the enchanting light. And with each selfie and photo, full of colors and magic, you’ll get a memory that will linger longer than winter itself.
@Verschueren Eddy
Planckendael will remain under the spell of Dragons of the North until the end of the Christmas vacations, with daily admission during the vacation season. The appeal of this festival is evident not only in the many visitors from all over Flanders and the Netherlands, but also in the praise they leave behind. “Truly a unique experience,” says a couple who drove specially to Mechelen for this light spectacle. For some, it has become the perfect winter tradition.
Visit Dragons of the North in ZOO Planckendael
Get ready to light up the dark days from November to January with a visit to “Dragons of the North“. This light festival proves that the winter months don’t have to be all cold and dark, but can actually become enchantingly beautiful. Tickets are available on ZOO Planckendael’s official website, which also offers discount options for subscribers. Before the festival begins, you can enjoy a snack at the restaurant Toepaja.
Amanda concludes with the following tips “Be sure to take time to enjoy it together with friends and family, and enjoy the moment to cherish“
Come to ZOO Planckendael and experience the winter light adventure that lasts until January 5, 2025. Be embraced by the magic of light, nature, and stories – a unique winter experience for young and old!
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