Christmas Events for Kids in Eindhoven (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

9 min read · Lees in het Nederlands

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven. The season opens on November 14 with Sinterklaas Arrival in Veldhoven (Sinterklaas intocht Veldhoven) and runs until December 24 with Santa's Village Helmond (Huis van de Kerstman). Of these, 7 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Eindhoven, Helmond and Veldhoven: 13
  • First: Sinterklaas Arrival in Veldhoven (Sinterklaas intocht Veldhoven), Veldhoven, November 14
  • Free events: Sinterklaas Arrival in Veldhoven (Sinterklaas intocht Veldhoven), Sinterklaas Comes to Eindhoven! (Sinterklaas komt naar Eindhoven!), The Arrival (De Intocht), Grandma Trees Reads Aloud (Voorleesoma Trees), Sinterklaas Party in the Church (Sinterklaasfeest in de kerk), Sinterklaas Reads Aloud (Sinterklaas leest voor) and more

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Eindhoven, Helmond and Veldhoven
Season
November 14 to December 24
Free events
7
Last checked

Free 7Ticketed and paid 6

Free Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Comes to Eindhoven! (Sinterklaas komt naar Eindhoven!)

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On Saturday, Nov 14 the Markt in Eindhoven turns into one big Sinterklaas party. Sinterklaas and his Pieten are coming to the city again, and families are welcome to enjoy music, cheerful Pieten and the arrival of the Sint himself. Everyone is warmly welcome.

The arrival is organized by volunteers, organizations and local partners. The exact program with times will be shared on the website and social media of Sint Eindhoven; the organizers ask you to keep an eye on those. Practice the songs at home and put on your Piet hat. Because the 18 Septemberplein is not yet available, the party takes place this year on the Markt, in the middle of the center and easy to reach by bus and bike.

Parent tip: The site does not list times yet: check sinteindhoven.nl or the social media shortly before the day for the program.

Host
Sint Eindhoven (opens in a new tab)
Where
Markt Eindhoven, 5611 Eindhoven (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Sint Eindhoven (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 12 more Eindhoven events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

  • 11 Santa
  • 5 Shows
  • 4 Crafts
  • 3 Story time
  • 7 Free

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Christmas events for kids in Helmond

Saint Nicholas visitFree

The Arrival (De Intocht) (Helmond)

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From 12:30 pm the duo Bart & Theo set the mood at the harbor near the Burgemeester Geukerspark with Sinterklaas songs and dances. Once ashore, the Sint receives the key to the castle from the mayor. Then the parade begins, across the forecourt of Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas, past the Oude Aa and Smalle Haven to the Veestraat.

The route ends at the Markt, where Sinterklaas is present from 2 pm and children can meet him in person; every child gets a surprise. There are performances by local youth groups all afternoon. The program lasts until 4 pm, after which the Sint moves into the castle. The whole party is free. Come early for a spot at the harbor or along the route through the city center.

Parent tip: On the castle forecourt the cafe is open and there are activities, handy for warming up along the way.

Host
Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Harbor by the Burgemeester Geukerspark and Markt, 5701 Helmond (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Grandma Trees Reads Aloud (Voorleesoma Trees) (Helmond)

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Come sit with Grandma Trees (oma Trees) and listen to the best Sinterklaas stories in Het Theater van Sinterklaas, the mirror tent on the front square of Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (Sinterklaas's Castle) in Helmond. She reads in the theater on Sunday, Nov 22 and Sunday, Nov 29 at 11 am.

The story times are completely free and drop in: you don't need a ticket. On various days Grandma Trees also reads in De Knutselclub (the craft club) during the afternoon craft workshops. It's a nice quiet spot away from the bustle of the front square. It combines well with a workshop in De Knutselclub or a small show in the same theater, for which you do buy a separate ticket of €2.50.

Parent tip: No tickets needed. Come early for a spot around the big chair. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Het Theater van Sinterklaas (mirror tent on the front square), Kasteelplein 1, 5701 PP Helmond (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Party in the Church (Sinterklaasfeest in de kerk) (Helmond)

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The Sinterklaas party in the church is always packed. This year it takes place on Sunday evening, Nov 22 in the Sint Trudokerk in Stiphout, Helmond. Sinterklaas enters the church with all his Pieten and the Gilde (Guild) and is welcomed by Pastor Pieter Scheepers. It will be an evening with plenty of entertainment and music, including from the children's choir Pabo-Junior.

Sinterklaas takes the time to shake every child's hand and fill that hand with a little gift. Tickets are free and are issued through the webshop from Nov 2. If you are allotted tickets, you receive them by email. The party is also livestreamed. The church is in Stiphout, a village that is part of Helmond.

Parent tip: Be quick with tickets, because when it's full, it's full. If you can't get any, you can follow the party at home on the livestream.

Host
Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sint Trudokerk, Helmond (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)

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Visit with SantaFree

Santa's Village Helmond (Huis van de Kerstman)

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In the Elzas Passage in the center of Helmond, volunteers are building Santa's Village for the sixth time. Free to visit are Santa's Home, with the post office, Mrs Claus's kitchen and Santa's living room, bedroom and bathroom, and Rudolph's Home with the reindeer stables and a photo spot. Christmas treats are made in Santa's Bakery.

Kids can craft for a small fee: decorating Christmas cookies is available every day for €2, Christmas crafts on Dec 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20 for €1, and on some days they can make Christmas cards. Opening hours differ by day, and on Christmas Eve Santa's Village closes at 2:30 pm. Santa's Village is made by more than a hundred volunteers, students and interns, together with local businesses.

Parent tip: Come by bike (free guarded bike parking at the Speelhuisplein) or park under the Elzas Passage. The garage is busy on weekends.

Host
Stichting Kerststad Events (opens in a new tab)
Where
Elzas Passage, Elzaspassage, 5701 Helmond (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Stichting Kerststad Events (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Veldhoven

Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Arrival in Veldhoven (Sinterklaas intocht Veldhoven)

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At Winkelcentrum Heikant the activities start at 12 pm with a games square and performances. Around 1:15 pm Sinterklaas arrives in a carriage, after which children can shake his hand around 2 pm. At City Centrum Meiveld there are Pieten (his helpers) from 12 pm, a games square by the HEMA and performances by DéDé Dance, Samba Band XambaH and the Pietenkapel, among others.

Around 3:05 pm Sinterklaas arrives at Meiveld, where the mayor welcomes him and everyone sings songs together. At 4:10 pm the Sint sits in the foyer to shake hands; at 5 pm the arrival ends. The arrival is free and is made possible by the municipality, shopkeepers and many volunteers. Choose for yourself whether to go to Heikant or to Meiveld, or both.

Parent tip: If you want to shake the Sint's hand in a calmer setting, go to the foyer in Meiveld around 4:10 pm or to Heikant around 2 pm.

Host
Sinterklaas Intocht Veldhoven (opens in a new tab)
Where
City Centrum Meiveld, 5501 Veldhoven (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Sinterklaas Intocht Veldhoven (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visitFree

Sinterklaas Reads Aloud (Sinterklaas leest voor) (Veldhoven)

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On Wednesday afternoon, Nov 25, Sinterklaas and his Pieten visit the Bibliotheek Veldhoven. The Sint reads from the best books in which he plays the lead role himself. Children can sing along with the best Sinterklaas songs and ask Sinterklaas all their questions.

Afterward you can have your photo taken with Sint and his Pieten. The story time lasts half an hour. Admission is free, but registration is required: order a general admission ticket for children and a chaperone ticket for adults on the library's page. It's a cozy, personal moment with the Sint in your own library, short enough for the littlest ones and just before pakjesavond (the evening Sinterklaas brings gifts). The library asks everyone, including chaperones, to order a ticket.

Parent tip: Order an admission ticket for children and a chaperone ticket for adults. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Bibliotheek Veldhoven (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliotheek Veldhoven (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliotheek Veldhoven (opens in a new tab)

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas lights

Workshop: Make Your Own Fairy-Tale Lantern (Maak je eigen sprookjeslantaarn)

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During the Bieb Warme Winter Weken (the library's Warm Winter Weeks), the Bibliotheek Eindhoven is holding a craft workshop for children ages 8 to 12. They learn how to make a magical lantern in a jar, with colorful flowers, greenery and pretty decorations.

The workshop is led by florist and stylist Sandra Luz, who trained at the Groenschool in Eindhoven after moving from Mexico to the Netherlands. The workshop lasts an hour and a half and costs €5. Spaces are limited, so registering through the page is required. The lantern goes home with your child, as a little light for the dark Christmas days. It is one of the activities of the Bieb Warme Winter Weken during the Christmas break. The workshop takes place in the central library on the Emmasingel, close to Eindhoven station.

Parent tip: If you can't make it, cancel your child's spot at info@bibliotheekeindhoven.nl so someone else can take part. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
de Bibliotheek Eindhoven (opens in a new tab)
Where
de Bibliotheek Eindhoven, Emmasingel 22, 5611 AZ Eindhoven (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with de Bibliotheek Eindhoven (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Helmond

Saint Nicholas visit

The Castle of Sinterklaas (Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas) (Helmond)

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From Tuesday, Nov 17 through Friday, Dec 4, Sinterklaas opens the doors of his castle in Helmond. The castle is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Monday is a day of rest. Tickets are in high demand and are sold through lottery rounds in the weeks of Nov 2 and 9.

Even without a castle ticket there is plenty to do: the forecourt and De Smulwinkel (the Treat Shop) are freely accessible from 9 am to 6:30 pm. There you will find Het Theater van Sinterklaas in a mirror tent, De Knutselclub (the Craft Club) and various attractions. For some activities on the forecourt you do need a separate ticket, online or on site. Children ages 12 and under pay €4, ages 13 and up €7.50, excluding service fees.

Parent tip: Enter the lottery round for castle tickets; if that does not work out, the forecourt with theater and craft club is also a great outing.

Host
Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Kasteel Helmond, Kasteelplein 1, 5701 PP Helmond (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

Sinterfeestshow! Clown Frenky or Clown Magico (Helmond)

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In this cheerful, interactive show, Clown Frenky or Clown Magico takes children on a Sinterklaas adventure full of humor, surprises, magic tricks and Sinterklaas songs. Kids can sing along, help the clown and be surprised by tricks where nothing is what it seems. Clown Frenky has been in the theater for ten years now.

Clown Magico performs on Wednesday, Nov 18, Friday, Nov 27 and Wednesday, Dec 2 at 2, 3 and 4 pm. Clown Frenky performs on the weekends of Nov 21 and 22 and Nov 28 and 29, several times a day. A ticket costs €2.50. You don't need a castle ticket for the theater, and the front square is freely accessible. The shows take place in the mirror tent on the castle's front square.

Parent tip: Tickets go on sale online from Nov 2 and are also sold at the information desk on the front square on opening days. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Het Theater van Sinterklaas (mirror tent on the front square), Kasteelplein 1, 5701 PP Helmond (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

The Craft Club of Sinterklaas (De Knutselclub van Sinterklaas) (Helmond)

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At De Knutselclub van Sinterklaas on the forecourt, children ages 4 to 12 make something different each time around the Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) theme, with guidance. What you make is a surprise every time. A workshop lasts about 45 minutes and there is room for twenty children.

The workshops run Wednesday through Sunday at various times. Tickets cost €2.50 per child and are on sale in the webshop and, from Nov 17, also at the Guest Information desk on the forecourt. Parents do not need to buy a ticket and may help. Sometimes reading grandma Trees (voorleesoma Trees) also reads Sinterklaas stories here for free. An affordable 45-minute activity. On the forecourt you will also find the free Smulwinkel (Treat Shop) and the Theater van Sinterklaas.

Parent tip: It helps if your child can cut with scissors on their own. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Forecourt of Kasteel Helmond, Kasteelplein 1, 5701 PP Helmond (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

The Luc & Lily Sinterklaas Show (De Luc & Lily Sinterklaasshow) (Helmond)

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Luc and Lily are preparing a big party with Dikke Das (Fat Scarf), because Sinterklaas is coming to visit. But it turns out the Sint is too busy, so Lily takes matters into her own hands: she dresses up as a stand-in Sinterklaas and fools Luc and the audience.

With cheerful songs, jokes and surprises, it becomes an exciting, festive show full of music and audience fun. The show runs on Friday, Nov 20 and Wednesday, Nov 25 at 2, 3 and 4 pm, and on Friday, Dec 4, the last castle day, five times between 12 and 4 pm. A ticket costs €2.50. No castle ticket needed. The show takes place in the mirror tent on the castle's front square, where De Smulwinkel (the candy shop) and De Knutselclub (the craft club) are too.

Parent tip: Combine the show with a stroll around the free front square or a workshop in De Knutselclub. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Het Theater van Sinterklaas (mirror tent on the front square), Kasteelplein 1, 5701 PP Helmond (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)

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Saint Nicholas visit

Pietje Has to Go to Bed (Pietje moet naar bed) (Helmond)

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Toneelgroep St. Genesius is back in Het Theater van Sinterklaas this year with a new show, Pietje moet naar bed. Pietje keeps refusing to go to bed, but why? Could Sinterklaas have something to do with it? It's a funny little play that asks when Pietje will finally go to sleep.

The show runs on Saturday, Nov 21 and Saturday, Nov 28, each day at 11 am and 12 pm, in the cozy mirror tent on the front square of Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas. A ticket costs €2.50 and you don't need a castle ticket for it. It's a nice, short show for young children, and afterward you can still look around the free front square with De Smulwinkel (the candy shop) and the attractions. Tickets are sold online and at the information desk.

Parent tip: A nice morning show for the youngest children, before the front square gets busier in the afternoon. Expect it to be in Dutch.

Host
Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)
Where
Het Theater van Sinterklaas (mirror tent on the front square), Kasteelplein 1, 5701 PP Helmond (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas (opens in a new tab)

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More Christmas events for kids in the Netherlands

A story for the trip home

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Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

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Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven?

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven, each on its host’s own page: Workshop: Make Your Own Fairy-Tale Lantern (Maak je eigen sprookjeslantaarn), The Craft Club of Sinterklaas (De Knutselclub van Sinterklaas) (Helmond), Sinterklaas Reads Aloud (Sinterklaas leest voor) (Veldhoven) and 10 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Eindhoven?

Yes, 7 of the 13 events here are free: Sinterklaas Reads Aloud (Sinterklaas leest voor) (Veldhoven), Santa's Village Helmond (Huis van de Kerstman) (Helmond), Sinterklaas Arrival in Veldhoven (Sinterklaas intocht Veldhoven) (Veldhoven) and 4 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Eindhoven?

Where to see Santa: The Craft Club of Sinterklaas (De Knutselclub van Sinterklaas) (Helmond), Sinterklaas Reads Aloud (Sinterklaas leest voor) (Veldhoven), Santa's Village Helmond (Huis van de Kerstman) (Helmond) and 9 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Eindhoven?

Christmas story times on this page: The Craft Club of Sinterklaas (De Knutselclub van Sinterklaas) (Helmond), Sinterklaas Reads Aloud (Sinterklaas leest voor) (Veldhoven) and Grandma Trees Reads Aloud (Voorleesoma Trees) (Helmond). Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Eindhoven

Eindhoven calls itself the City of Light, because Philips started making light bulbs here in 1891. For a family visiting in the holiday season that means light festivals and lamp-lit walks, plus Sinterklaas arrivals in November and Christmas fun in the region in December.

How Eindhoven celebrates, and what is different for visitors

Eindhoven is known for light more than for one big Christmas market. Philips began making light bulbs here in 1891, and the city became a world center of lamp production. The factories are mostly gone, but the nickname stuck.

That history shows in the season. In November the GLOW light festival fills the center with light art, in 2025 on a free route of about 5 kilometers. The Sinterklaas arrival comes the same month, and around Christmas the Parktheater hosts a winter circus.

For a visiting family, the nearby towns are part of the plan: Veldhoven and Helmond hold their own arrivals, and Helmond has a whole Sinterklaas castle and a Santa's Village.

Traditions your child will meet: Sinterklaas, lights and lanterns

Sinterklaas is the Dutch gift bringer, and his arrival in mid-November opens the season. In 2025 he came to the 18 Septemberplein around 12:45 pm, and in 2026 he comes to the Markt on November 14. Pieten (his helpers) lead games like a Pieten obstacle course, and there is usually a show.

Lights are the local tradition. The Lichtjesroute is a walk of about 22 kilometers marked with signs showing an arrow and a red light bulb, with lamps shaped like animals and objects hanging from lampposts. It is a September tradition that remembers the liberation of 1944, not a Christmas custom, but kids love the glowing animals.

Around Christmas there are lantern events too, such as a lantern walk with the Christmas story and a live nativity scene in Waalre in 2025.

Planning a Christmas visit to Eindhoven with kids

The season on this page opens on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with Sinterklaas's free welcome party on the Markt in Eindhoven and an arrival in Veldhoven. Helmond follows on Sunday, November 15, with a steamboat arrival and a parade.

From mid-November to early December Helmond is the Sinterklaas hub. Kasteel Helmond hosts Sinterklaas's castle from November 17 to December 4, with craft workshops for ages 4 to 12 and a tent theater with shows for small children. Many events there cost a few euros, and some, like the story time with Grandma Trees, are free.

In December, Santa's Village in Helmond's Elzas Passage is free to enter and runs from December 9 to 24. Eindhoven's library holds a lantern workshop for ages 8 to 12 on December 22. Most events are in Dutch, so check ahead if you need English.

A tower that was famous for its test lamps

Philips built its factories around the Lichttoren, a white tower with seven corners, between 1909 and 1921. On the top floor, lamps burned to see how long they would last, and in the evening they could be seen from far away. That is how the tower got its name, the Light Tower.

After the liberation on September 18, 1944 the city lit up for a party. Lamps were scarce, so many families put a candle or a small grease pot in the window. That grew into the Lichtjesroute.

Traditions today

  • Sinterklaas on the Markt: Sinterklaas comes to the Markt in Eindhoven on November 14, 2026, with a free welcome party. In 2025 he walked to the 18 Septemberplein instead.
  • GLOW light festival: A free walking route of about 5 kilometers past light art in the center, also in Helmond, Oirschot and Best. In 2025 it ran from November 8 to 15, with viewing from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm in Eindhoven.
  • The Lichtjesroute: A walk of about 22 kilometers with lamps shaped like animals and objects, following signs with a red light bulb. It is a September tradition, not a Christmas one.
  • The Christmas winter circus at the Parktheater: An international circus plays in the main hall around Christmas. In 2025 it was the 53rd edition, from December 20 to 29.
  • A shepherds' lantern walk in Waalre: A lantern walk with the Christmas story and a live nativity scene. In 2025 it left from the Markt in Waalre on December 13 at 5:00 pm.

A fact for kids

Long ago, lamps burned on the top floor of the Light Tower to see how long they would last. You could see the glow from far away in the evening, which is how the tower got its name.

Questions about Christmas in Eindhoven

Is Eindhoven worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes, if your family likes lights. Eindhoven is the City of Light, with light art at GLOW in November and a Christmas winter circus in December. Nearby Helmond has a Sinterklaas castle and a free Santa's Village.

When does Sinterklaas arrive in Eindhoven in 2026?

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, Sinterklaas comes to the Markt for a free welcome party. Times were still to be announced. In 2025 he arrived on the 18 Septemberplein, so expect the location to change from year to year.

What was the Sinterklaas arrival in Eindhoven like in 2025?

The program began at 12:30 pm and Sinterklaas arrived with his Pieten around 12:45 pm at the 18 Septemberplein. There were performances, a Pieten obstacle course and food trucks with warm drinks. A big Sinterklaas bingo with prizes followed from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.

Are there Sinterklaas arrivals near Eindhoven?

Yes. Veldhoven's arrival is on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from noon to 5:00 pm at the City Centrum Meiveld. Helmond's arrival by steamboat is on Sunday, November 15, from 12:30 to 4:00 pm, with a parade to the Markt. Both are free, so you can see Sinterklaas twice in one weekend.

What is the Sinterklaas castle in Helmond?

Het Kasteel van Sinterklaas is a Sinterklaas experience at Kasteel Helmond, open Tuesday to Sunday from November 17 to December 4, 2026, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets are 4 euros for ages 0 to 12 and 7.50 euros for 13 and up, plus service fees. The forecourt is free to enter.

What can kids do at the Helmond castle forecourt?

The Knutselclub van Sinterklaas offers craft workshops for ages 4 to 12 from November 18 to December 4, Wednesday to Sunday, at 2.50 euros per child plus fees. A tent theater on the forecourt hosts shows. They include a clown and magic show, a Luc and Lily musical and a children's play called Pietje moet naar bed.

Are there free Sinterklaas events near Eindhoven?

Yes, several. Eindhoven's welcome party, the arrivals in Veldhoven and Helmond and the forecourt at the Helmond castle are free. So is the story time with Grandma Trees on November 22 and 29, and the Sinterklaas story time at the Veldhoven library on November 25, where you register in advance.

What is Santa's Village in Helmond?

Santa's Village, the Huis van de Kerstman, is in Helmond's Elzas Passage from December 9 to 24, 2026, mostly in the afternoon and from 10:00 am on weekends. Entry is free, decorating cookies costs 2 euros and Christmas crafts 1 euro. Kids can visit Santa's house and bring their wish list.

Are Christmas events in Eindhoven in English?

Most events are in Dutch, including the Sinterklaas shows, story times and workshops. Light art, circus acts and parades work without the language. If you need English, check with the host before booking.

Why is Eindhoven called the City of Light?

Because Philips made light bulbs here. The company started in 1891 and the city became a world center of lamp production. The factories have mostly gone, but the name stayed, helped by the Lichttoren, the Lichtjesroute and the GLOW festival.

What is the Lichttoren in Eindhoven?

A white tower with seven corners that stands among the old Philips factories, built between 1909 and 1921. Lamps were tested on its top floor and could be seen from far away in the evening, which gave the tower its name. During GLOW in 2025 it served as a screen for a light show about the light bulb.

What is the Lichtjesroute and is it a Christmas tradition?

It is a walking route that keeps the memory of Eindhoven's liberation on September 18, 1944 alive. It is a September tradition, not a Christmas one. After the liberation many families put a candle or grease pot in the window because lamps were scarce.

How long is the Lichtjesroute?

About 22 kilometers, through the center and the districts of Stratum, Strijp and Woensel. You follow signs with an arrow and a red light bulb, and lamps shaped like animals and objects hang from lampposts. In 1969 the route was more than 40 kilometers long.

When is GLOW in Eindhoven?

In 2025, for its 20th edition, GLOW ran from November 8 to 15, with viewing from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm in Eindhoven. The 2026 dates are not listed on this page, so check the official festival site before you book your trip.

Is GLOW doable with small children?

It is busy: about 750,000 people came in 2025. The free route of about 5 kilometers passed 34 light artworks in the center, and the city said it takes about three hours to see everything. With little kids, pick one stretch and head home early.

Is GLOW only in Eindhoven?

No. It is also in Helmond, Oirschot and Best, and in 2025 Veldhoven and Lieshout joined for the first time. In the smaller towns it can be seen until 10:00 pm, in Eindhoven until 11:00 pm.

What is the Christmas winter circus in Eindhoven?

The Kerst Wintercircus plays in the main hall of the Parktheater around Christmas, with international artists. In 2025 it ran from December 20 to 29, and it was the 53rd edition. It is one of the city's regular Christmas outings.

Is there a lantern workshop for kids in Eindhoven?

Yes. On Tuesday, December 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, children aged 8 to 12 can make their own winter lantern at the Eindhoven library. It costs 5 euros per child.

Are there Christmas markets near Eindhoven?

In 2025 there was the FeelGood Market at the Klokgebouw on December 7, with live music and free crafts for kids. Son en Breugel held markets on December 13 and 14, and Waalre and Eersel on December 14. Check this year's dates before you go.

What is the shepherds' lantern walk in Waalre?

It is a lantern walk with the Christmas story and a live nativity scene. In 2025 it left from the Markt in Waalre on December 13 at 5:00 pm. Joining was free, and you only had to sign up if you wanted the meal.

Where can kids meet Sinterklaas or Santa near Eindhoven?

Sinterklaas welcomes children on the Markt in Eindhoven on November 14 and at the Helmond arrival on November 15. He also reads aloud at the Veldhoven library on November 25, with photos. Santa has a house in Helmond's Santa's Village from December 9 to 24.

Can kids visit the Lichttoren?

The Lichttoren stands in the center, so you can walk right past it. During GLOW in 2025 it became a large screen with the show Lempke about the light bulb. Tell your kids that lamps were once tested on the top floor.

Sources

  1. Light town forever, Inventing Europe
  2. Kerstmarkten en kerstactiviteiten in regio Eindhoven 2025, Go-Kids Eindhoven
  3. GLOW: all practical info, This is Eindhoven
  4. GLOW pakt uit in jubileumjaar: dit zijn de publiekstrekkers, Omroep Brabant
  5. Philips: illuminating the world from Eindhoven, Europeana
  6. Sinterklaasintocht Eindhoven 2025, Go-Kids Eindhoven
  7. Lichtjesroute, Wikipedia
  8. Lichttoren (Eindhoven), Wikipedia
Kelsey Cecil
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