Fancy brightening up those upcoming dark winter nights?
It is not so easy but one annual tradition promises to bring a bit of much needed cheer to the lives of Belgians.
It is called “China Light ZOO”, a festival in which ZOO Planckendael at Mechelen is illuminated with a colourful light show.
This year the festival is on the theme of “mythical figures of the Far North” and, for the fourth year in a row the event is again being held at the outdoor animal park until January 5.
An organiser said a
“multitude of mythical characters from the snowy Great North”
will shine in the park during the winter months as part of the “Dragons of the North” festival of lights.
She said,
“You will get to experience the epic encounter between ice and fire, meet friendly trolls and elves, a howling werewolf accompanied by his pack and splendid winged horses.
“They will all come to life alongside stylish dragons and a four-metre-high phoenix.”
Thanks to more than 60 compositions and 1,000 luminous objects scattered throughout the park, the festival of lights aims to create a mystical atmosphere.
Once again, the luminous objects are the work of the creators of China Light Festival.
The spokesman said,
“A Chinese light festival is the perfect way to wish each other happiness and prosperity in the new year. It is a message that we want to convey every year at ZOO Planckendael.”
The festival is open Thursday to Sunday, after the park closes and every day during the autumn and Christmas holidays, except December 24 and 31.It closes at 10pm.
Tickets are available at www.zooplanckendael.be. Subscribers to Antwerp ZOO and ZOO Planckendael benefit from a reduction.
It is possible to combine the visit to the park with the festival of lights. Please note, however, that the park closes its doors at 4pm.
