NUTS weekend at Bastogne Barracks!
13 - 14 December 2025
Bastogne Barracks (and the rest of the city of Bastogne) will once again celebrate the past this year! The 2025 Nuts Days highlight a specific theme: artillery.
Artillery has always played a decisive part on the battlefield... From the Second World War guns to modern weapon systems such as the Caesar: discover how artillery has shaped battles, both yesterday and today!
Special focus: Artillery!
• Recently renovated exhibition halls,
• Display of vehicles and equipment never shown before,
• Parade and demonstration of armoured vehicles and artillery,
• Controlled crushing of cars by our armoured vehicles,
• Access to the vehicle restoration workshops,
• Stands and activities for all ages,
• 1940s concert, quiz and food corner,
• All this in a vibrant atmosphere!
But why "NUTS"? Bastogne is a watershed in the Battle of the Bulge, and the Bastogne Barracks site in particular is a historic landmark not to be missed.
When Hitler launches his last major offensive of the Second World War — the Battle of the Bulge —, Bastogne is a major objective that the Americans must defend whatever the cost. And when an ultimatum is sent to the American headquarters in December 1944, it was Brigadier General McAuliffe, Commander ad interim of the 101st Airborne Division, who made history with his famous and brief reply:
“To the attention of the German commander. NUTS! The American commander”
This both negative and concise response to the German demand for surrender profoundly influences the course of the Battle of the Bulge. The next few days indeed see fierce fighting, but General McAuliffe and his men hold out, before being liberated on 26 December. The Sherman Jumbo Cobra King, known as the First in Bastogne is the first to bring salvation.
NUTS 2025 PROGRAM
The schedule will also be announced over the loudspeakers during the weekend! ⬇️
Exhibition halls and vehicle restoration workshops
Immerse yourself in history by visiting our exhibition halls. After the huge success of our Battle of the Bulge and Mechanised Warfare halls, two completely new galleries will be inaugurated over the NUTS Weekend! In the Field Artillery Tractors and Anti-Aircraft Artillery Tractors halls, both young and old can get close and personal with numerous impressive artillery pieces and their tractors, as well as with some other surprises…
As every year, our Vehicle Restoration Centre (VRC) experts and mechanics stand by to introduce you into their world and answer all your questions.
Dynamic demos: historical vehicles and artillery!
Experience history in action! All through the Nuts weekend a number of emblematic Bastogne Barracks vehicles, such as the Sherman Jumbo ‘First in Bastogne’ and the ISU 152, will tour a special itinerary.
Some of our partners will also be driving iconic vehicles. John Cockerill Defense will for instance present the agile Sherpa equipped with a TTO Hornet turret and a Piranha 3 with a Cockerill 3030 turret. The Finnish Patria AMV with a Cockerill 3105 turret will be on static display.
Our partner KNDS shows the incredible Caesar, also a maiden appearance in Bastogne Barracks!
The 2025 Nuts Days for the first time organise artillery demos (with blanks, of course): historical pieces, modern equipment and anti-aircraft guns will establish they’ve got what it takes!
Practical information:
- Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December;
- Demonstrations approximately every hour, at regular intervals;
- Tours on board of vehicles (information available on site).
Stands, activities and Kids Zone!
The War Heritage Institute teams will set up a photo booth enabling all visitors to take home a beautiful souvenir. Through the display Portable WWII Weapons our collection managers will reveal the secrets of a number of gems in our collections: a German STG44, an American M2 carbine, an American M1 Garand and its German counterpart the G4, …
New in 2025: an exceptional 1940s themed concert by the SHAPE International Band and our exciting quiz with lots of prizes to be won!
Just like last year, families take centre stage: discovery booklets, a play trail and a dedicated kids zone will provide an unforgettable experience for all ages! The most curious visitors will be able to create, craft and fish; ball, ring and fighting games are provided as well.
Our visitors will also be able to enjoy numerous partner stands and re-enactment groups throughout the weekend...
Practical information:
- Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December;
- Activities for children 3 and older, accompanied by a parent;
- Permanent activities.
Souvenirs & Refreshments
For enthusiasts, several photo booths and a merchandising stand will allow everyone to take home a special keepsake from these remarkable commemorations. A bar and a food area will also be available for you to extend this friendly and enjoyable moment!
Practical information
Adapted schedules
- Saturday 13 December, from 9 am to 7 pm ;
- And Sunday 14 December, from 9 am to 6 pm ;
Please note: last entry 30 minutes before closing!
Admission
- €12 for adults
- €9 children under 18
- Weekend ticket at €16 for adults and €13 for under 18
- More information on special rates and discounts here
Tickets can be purchased directly on site or booked online.
Please note: payment by credit card only!
Access and car park
- Access through the old barracks’ guard post, rue de La-Roche 40, 6600 Bastogne
- Car park: on the parade ground of the old barracks or in front of the Bastogne cemetery
Dogs
With the exception of assistance dogs, which are always allowed on site, animals will not be allowed on site.
Press / Media
Are you a journalist or communications officer who'd like more information about the weekend? Would you like to receive our press release? Do you have any questions or need to contact us?
Send an email to com@warheritage.be! We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
