In winter, the Laxenburg Palace Park near Vienna becomes the stage for an impressive spectacle: “Illumina – Garden of Lights” invites visitors to an evening tour in which art, light and sound form a symbiotic connection.
The event, which takes place from November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025, is a highlight of the cold season and attracts guests from near and far. With its unique mix of technological innovation and artistic creativity, "Illumina" has taken on a special place in the Austrian cultural calendar.
The highlights of Illumina 2024
The circular path of around three kilometers leads through the historic park and offers numerous installations that impress with both their size and thematic diversity. A centerpiece of this year's edition is the video mapping at the Franzensburg, which transforms the time-honored architecture of the castle into a living screen using luminous projections. The illumination of the trees and bodies of water creates a dreamlike atmosphere, accompanied by orchestral sounds.
New this year is the "talking tree", which is brought to life by light and audio elements. This installation, which was developed especially for children, tells interactive stories and gives the garden of lights a playful element. Equally remarkable is the laser show, which, in combination with fog effects, creates a futuristic scene in the park.
Laxenburg Light Garden (Photo: Robert Spohr). Laxenburg Light Garden (Photo: Robert Spohr). Laxenburg Light Garden (Photo: Robert Spohr). Laxenburg Light Garden (Photo: Robert Spohr). Laxenburg Light Garden (Photo: Robert Spohr). Laxenburg Light Garden (Photo: Robert Spohr). Laxenburg Light Garden (Photo: Robert Spohr).
Admission prices and organizational details
Admission prices vary depending on the time of day and the age of the visitors. A regular ticket costs between 21 and 29 euros, depending on the day of the week, with reduced prices available for children, young people and seniors. There are also so-called time slot tickets available, which are offered at a slightly lower price. Children under five years of age receive free admission.
A shuttle bus service is organized for visitors arriving from Vienna. The round trip costs 33 euros and ensures that guests without their own vehicle can also reach the event without any problems. The price mentioned already includes a so-called flex ticket for the garden of lights. Tickets are available both online and on site, although the limited capacity means that early booking is recommended.
An artistic and technical masterpiece
The artistic design of the garden of lights is in the hands of internationally renowned light artists. Their works create a harmonious connection between the nature of the castle park and modern technology. Each installation tells its own story and allows visitors to immerse themselves in another world. The use of the latest lighting technology enables dynamic effects that are synchronized with the music and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Despite these impressive achievements, there are also critical voices. Some regular visitors complain about the repetition of certain elements, such as the laser show and the video mapping. This criticism may be justified, but is partially refuted by the addition of new installations such as the "talking tree". Nevertheless, the question remains whether "Illumina" can offer enough innovation in the coming years to maintain its appeal in the long term.
An experience for all senses
The gastronomic offerings along the way offer typical regional dishes and drinks that round off the experience. Mulled wine, hot chestnuts and other warm delicacies are particularly tempting at Christmas time. The combination of culinary delights, visual impressions and musical accompaniment makes the Garden of Lights an event that appeals to all the senses.
The atmosphere of the Garden of Lights is not only ideal for a family outing, but is also suitable for romantic walks or cultural inspiration. However, visitors should be prepared for the winter temperatures and bring warm clothing.
"Illumina - Garden of Lights" in the Laxenburg Palace Park is an event that stands out for its creative design and the integration of modern lighting technologies. It offers a unique experience that impresses both first-time visitors and returning visitors. While the entrance fees are on the higher end, the quality of the installations and the organization of the event largely justify this price. Nevertheless, there is room for further innovations to keep the experience fresh and exciting in the years to come.