HAPPENING 7–9 NOV 2025 | From Friday 7 to Sunday 9 November, Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum opens its gates after dark for Trompenburg by Night, a three-evening event where nature and light art meet. The gardens will be open until 21:00, inviting visitors to wander through illuminated pathways, discover glowing installations and experience the peaceful beauty of the arboretum in a completely new light.
A magical evening walk
As twilight falls, Trompenburg transforms into an atmospheric landscape of glowing trees and softly lit paths. Visitors can warm up by open fires, sip hot chocolate or mulled wine, roast marshmallows, or relax in Restaurant Flora, which serves autumn treats such as pumpkin soup, quince tart and flatbreads with seasonal ingredients from the garden.
Featured light art installations
Be the Tree – Jasper Toeli
In this poetic interactive work, artist Jasper Toeli invites visitors to become the tree. Using light, projection and movement, participants merge with nature in a shared rhythm of breath and growth. The piece emphasises our connection to the living ecosystem.
📅 Only on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 November from 18:00.
Tree Becomes Light Art – Bart Ensing
Returning after last year’s success, Bart Ensing transforms the weeping beech near the Ankerplein into an intimate light installation. With natural materials, coloured threads and warm light, the artist highlights the graceful structure of the branches and creates a serene space for reflection.
Activities for families and children
Lampion-making workshop
Children can craft their own illuminated lanterns using natural materials from the garden. After the workshop, families walk through the glowing garden while their creations light the way.
🕔 Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November from 17:00
💶 €9.95 per child (excl. entrance); adults pay regular admission
🎟️ Pre-booking required
👉 Find your date and book here
Creative evenings for adults and kids
Glow in the Dark Sip & Paint
Paint a botanical artwork under blacklight using fluorescent, non-toxic mineral paints. Enjoy two drinks (mulled wine or hot chocolate) while creating your own glowing masterpiece.
🗓️ Friday 7 & Saturday 8 November, 19:00–20:30
💶 €22.50 per person (excl. entrance)
Kids Glow Edition
A special version for young artists (8+) on Sunday 9 November, 18:30–19:30.
🎟️ Includes 1 child + 1 guardian, regular entrance applies.
👉 Reserve your Sip & Paint session
Guided and mindful experiences
Themed evening walk
Join a guided tour through the illuminated garden and learn about the trees highlighted for the occasion, as well as evergreens that will be available as Christmas greenery later in the season.
🗓️ Friday 7 Nov (18:00 & 19:00) and Saturday 8 Nov (18:00)
💶 €6.50 per person (excl. entrance)
Forest bathing in the dark
Experience the tranquillity of Trompenburg without artificial light. This mindful night walk includes a tea ceremony beneath the stars and moments of deep stillness.
🗓️ Friday 7 November, 19:00 – approx. 1.5 hours
💶 €32 per person (excl. entrance)
Emerging talent lights up the night
Along the walking route, visitors can also admire light installations by second-year students from the Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam. Their creative projects range from playful and experimental to poetic and serene, showing how young talent is shaping the future of light art.
Practical information
Dates: Friday 7 – Sunday 9 November 2025
Opening hours: until 21:00
Location: Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum, Honingerdijk 86, Rotterdam
More info and tickets: trompenburg.nl/trompenburgbynight
