Eindhoven transforms into a spectacular canvas of light art, attracting visitors from around the globe. GLOW Eindhoven is a free-to-attend festival held annually since 2006, showcasing the work of national and international artists along a curated route through the city. Hundreds of thousands of visitors explore installations that literally cast buildings and streets in a new light, making it one of the most inspiring things to do in the Netherlands during November.

Beyond the city, GLOW in the Region brings light art to nearby towns like Best, Oirschot, Geldrop-Mierlo, Helmond, and Waalre, creating unique routes that blend local talent, iconic locations, and accessible experiences. The festival shows how light connects people, sparks creativity, and enhances quality of life, while also inspiring innovation, sustainability, and social impact — from climate action to art and education. As a testing ground for light and collaboration, GLOW Eindhoven 2025 offers visitors shared, inclusive experiences in one of the world’s leading light art festivals.

Twenty years of GLOW celebrates: The light. Gerard Philips said it best: “Light is life, light is joy, light is festivity.” Light activates our senses, sharpens perceptions, and reveals nuances we might otherwise miss, it brings people together, creating moments of warmth, hope, and connection that transcend culture and background. Place a light in the dark, and people gather around it— sharing experiences and stories.

Glow Festival 2024

At GLOW, art and culture meet, and the city itself tells stories through light. Buildings, squares, rooftops, and streets come alive with interactive artworks and mappings, celebrating memories from past editions while introducing new creations. Students, local and international artists, and the community all contribute, making GLOW 2025 a platform for everyone to be part of the story. This anniversary edition also concludes a thematic triptych, following The Beat in 2023 and The Stream in 2024, bringing together past and present into a radiant celebration of two decades of innovation, connection, and wonder.

Glow Festival 2023

GLOW Eindhoven’s main route stretches approximately 5 kilometers through the city center, featuring around 35 installations designed to engage visitors of all ages. You can start at Stadhuisplein or join the route anywhere along the way. This year, the festival also extends to nearby towns — including Helmond, Oirschot, Best, Veldhoven, and Lieshout — under the banner GLOW in the Region, offering unique local experiences. Navigate the route easily with the interactive digital map on your phone or pick up a physical map for €2 at Stadhuisplein, DOMUSDELA, or This is Eindhoven in de Heuvel.

• Dates & Hours: Eindhoven & Helmond: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Oirschot, Best, Veldhoven, Lieshout: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Tickets: Free for all visitors!
• Accessibility: The entire route is wheelchair accessible. Public toilets and rest areas are available along the way.
• Transport: The festival recommends public transport or bicycle for an easy, eco-friendly visit.

Safety & Rules: Streets along the route will close daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (check the accessibility map). No unauthorized food sales or music performances are allowed.

GLOW Eindhoven 2025 is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and immersive experiences. The festival brings together light artists from the region, across the Netherlands, and internationally, showcasing a wide range of installations.

Visitors can expect to engage all their senses, discovering pieces that invite participation, reflection, and wonder. Whether it’s a large-scale installation in a public square, an intimate artwork tucked in a side street, or a collaborative piece developed with students and local communities, GLOW turns the city into a vibrant canvas where light connects people and sparks imagination.

Among the many installations illuminating Eindhoven this year, these are some standout highlights you won’t want to miss.

The festival is filled with other breathtaking works, from Bijvangst and Light over Matter by Har Hollands to Flor de Almas by the Trafficlight of Mexico Art Collective, Chandelier of Connection by VanPetnaarPret & Signify, and Sunflowers for Van Gogh by Hugo Vrijdag. Each installation tells its own story, combining artistic vision with the magic of light.

For those who want to experience the energy of the festival in real-time, GLOW on Air broadcasts live from De Heuvel every evening, sharing stories, interviews with artists, and the reactions of the crowd.

The GLOW Talent Awards open a window into the future of light art. Each year, student teams from regional schools and universities — including SintLucas, Fontys, Summa College, HKU, and TU Eindhoven — unveil their creations developed through the GLOW Academy. Guided by teachers, mentors, and professional light artists, these students spend nearly a year transforming ideas into large-scale, interactive light works.

Starting November 8, 2025, visitors can cast their vote for their favorite project. The team with the most votes will receive the Audience Award to further refine their work. At the same time, a Professional Jury evaluates all nominated projects based on GLOW’s core values — innovation, accessibility, connection, and that unmistakable wow factor.

Here’s a highlight of some of the artists and schools participating in this year’s GLOW Talent Awards, showcasing innovative approaches to light, design, and technology.

GLOW Eindhoven, for twenty years, it’s been a festival where art meets technology and people come together to experience something extraordinary.

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