For many of us, the days are getting shorter and darker. However, light festivals across the globe are making it their mission to brighten up those endless winter nights. We made a selection of five light festivals to attend in Belgium before the end of the year.
1. De Grote Schijn, Deurne (23 October – 16 November 2025)
Provincial Domain Rivierenhof is a well-known location to those who are acquainted with Antwerp and its surroundings. With their 130 hectares, the vast grounds offer the perfect backdrop for an autumnal walk or a concert. Yet from 23 October 2025 onwards, a light festival called De Grote Schijn is adding an extra spark to the park. During a magical parcours, visites are greeted with a multi-sensory spectacle. Special dog-friendly evenings are a new addition to the schedule, allowing those who want to enjoy the experience with the whole family to do so.
Address: Provinciaal Groendomein Rivierenhof, Turnhoutsebaan 246, 2100 Deurne
Opening times: every evening from 23 October until 16 November 2025
Standard fee: €19.50 per person, tickets can be bought online.
2. Luminate Lichtfestival, Hasselt (7 November – 23 November 2025)
Hasselt’s Japanese Garden is a stunning sight in itself and the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Once a year, the location magnificently lights up at night during the Luminate light festival. As one would expect, decorations are all about Japan and a special dinner experience organised by Living Plates adds a special touch, perfect for those who want to get a taste of the Japanese cuisine.
Address: Japanse Tuin, Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 15, 3500 Hasselt
Opening times: every evening from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm from 7 until 23 November 2025
Standard fee: €14.80, tickets can be bought online.
3. Winter Glow, Bruges (21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026)
For the seventh year in a row, Bruges’ world-famous city center is transforming itself into a true winter wonderland this end of the year. An ice rink, Christmas markets, a special winter bar… the offer is almost endless. A 3.5-kilometer long light experience trail connects all the dots and allows visitors to see the historical masterpiece that is the city center in a whole different light.
Address: Bruges’ city center
Opening times: every evening from 21 November 2025 until 4 January 2026
Standard fee: free
4. Mons en Lumières, Mons (30 January – 2 February and 6 February – 9 February 2026)
Spread over 3 kilometers, 16 different art installations will light up Mons’ city center for eight nights this winter. Local, national, and international artists are literally put in the spotlights, allowing everyone to enjoy the spectacle for free. The general theme of this year’s edition is ‘Between Earth and Sky’, with Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata present as a central guest.
Address: Mons’ city center, starting from Place Léopold
Opening times: from 30 January until 2 February and from 6 February to 9 February 2026, between 7:00 pm and midnight
Standard fee: free
5. Bright Festival, Brussels (13 February – 16 February 2026)
Brussels’ Bright Festival has become a fixed value over the years. For a couple of nights a year, the Belgian capital becomes even more lit up than usual, with national and international artists getting the attention they so deserve. This time, 22 installations as well as a special Bright Kids edition and a Bright Market will lighten up the city.
Address: Brussels’ European and Royal quarter
Opening times: from 13 February until 16 February 2026, between 6:30 pm and 11:00 pm
Standard fee: free
