The Magic Of Light and Art

The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the Netherlands’ most enchanting winter events, drawing thousands of visitors from across the globe each year. From late November to January, the historic city centre transforms into an open-air museum, showcasing spectacular light installations created by artists from around the world.

The Magic Of Light and Art
The Amsterdam Light Festival combines art and technology in unique light installations that tell stories about today’s society. Each edition revolves around a different theme, which serves as inspiration for the participating artists. Past themes have included “The City of the Future” and “Nature vs Technology.” Artists go above and beyond to shed new literal and figurative light on the city, often using surprising and interactive elements in their installations.

Festival Highlights
One of the most unique aspects of the festival is its setting: the canals of Amsterdam. The light installations are strategically placed on and around the city’s historic canals and bridges, allowing visitors to enjoy the artworks while walking along the streets or from the water. Special canal cruises offer a popular way to experience the festival, providing a breathtaking perspective on the illuminated art pieces as visitors glide through the waterways. With our highly knowledgeable Guest Relations team, rest assured that the canal cruise experience will be arranged.
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There is also a dedicated walking route along the installations, giving visitors the freedom to explore at their own pace and get an up-close look at each piece. The installations are not only visually stunning but often interactive, adding a playful dimension to the festival.

What Makes the Amsterdam Light Festival Special
The Amsterdam Light Festival is much more than just a series of light installations. It brings people together and invites visitors to reflect on timely themes while creating a magical atmosphere in the heart of the city. For locals, it’s a beloved annual tradition, and for tourists, it’s a unique way to see Amsterdam from a fresh perspective.
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Amsterdam Light Festival 2024-2025
The 13th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival will take place from 28th November 2024 to 19th January 2025. This year’s theme, “Rituals,” invites visitors to explore how rituals connect us to history, community, and self-expression through 27 unique light artworks designed by artists from around the world. These installations will illuminate Amsterdam’s iconic canals, creating a magical winter setting for both residents and visitors.

The lights will be on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday to Tuesday, and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. During the Christmas holidays, the lights will stay on until 11 p.m. every night, except on New Year’s Eve, when the festival will be closed. As the festival coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations, it’s a wonderful time to visit, as the entire city will be filled with commemorative activities and displays.