Get ready to see Amsterdam in a whole new light – literally! The 13th Amsterdam Light Festival is here, and it's extra special this time. Why? The city's turning 750, and what better way to celebrate than with a dazzling 6-week light extravaganza?
Vver 27 unique light artworks will be scattered across the city, from canals to squares to buildings. You've got big-name artists and fresh faces alike, all lighting up for this yearly tradition.
And if you're lucky enough to visit in December, you're in for a double treat. The festival's glow meets the cozy Christmas vibes! So, pack your bags, plan your trip, and prepare to be wowed. Amsterdam's about to show you its brightest side!
Amsterdam Light Festival: Know before you go
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Dates: November 28, 2024 - January 19, 2025
[Closed on December 31, 2024]
Timings: Sunday to Tuesday 5pm - 10pm, Wednesday to Saturday 5pm to 11pm
Theme: Rituals
Exploring the festival
Ready to light up your night? Explore the festival on foot or cruise the canals - either way, you're in for a treat. This year, 27 dazzling artworks from global artists will transform the city into a twinkling wonderland.
Don't miss the Light Garden in Hoftuin - it's the festival's beating heart! Grab a snack, sip a drink, and soak in the artsy vibes. Oh, and if you're around on Fridays in December, you can attend lectures and live music.
Hop on a canal cruise for a front-row seat to the festival's aquatic wonders. Choose from open boats, unlimited drink options, or private boat for a more intimate experience. As you glide through the water, you'll get unobstructed views of the artworks reflecting on the canal surfaces. The gentle sway of the boat adds a tranquil touch, perfect for those wanting a fully immersive art encounter.
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Audio guide: Dutch and English
Wandering on foot is a magical experience too. The walking route winds through Amsterdam's charming historic center, showcasing the city's iconic landmarks. Download the festival app for a seamless experience with real-time updates and info. For foodies, the Foodwalk offers a culinary twist - sample five takeaway bites (sometimes with drinks) from participating restaurants as you stroll past the illuminated artworks.
Duration: 90 minutes
Distace: 6.5 km
Audio guide: Dutch and English
For a more immersive and active way to explore the Amsterdam Light Festival, consider hopping on a bike. With a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, cycling gives a unique perspective on the festival's radiant artistry.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Audio guide: Dutch and English
Timings: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Start-end point: A-Bike Nieuwe Nieuwstraat 19d, Amsterdam
Amsterdam's turning 750 in 2025, and they're kicking off the party early! Starting October 2024, the city's going all out for a year-long celebration. The coolest part? Five new permanent light installations are coming to different neighborhoods. From Sloterdijk to Zuid-Oost, each area's getting its own custom artwork. It's all part of a project called "De Stad Verlicht, De Mens Verbonden" - they're unveiling the designs this November. How exciting is that?
Recommended Tickets To Amsterdam Light Festival
Food and entertainment
As you wander through the festival, you'll find plenty of opportunities to warm up and indulge in delicious Dutch treats. Street vendors offer everything from piping hot stroopwafels to hearty pea soup, perfect for keeping the winter chill at bay. Additionally, many local restaurants and cafes along the festival route provide cozy spots to enjoy a meal while soaking in the atmosphere.
Local musicians and street performers often add a touch of magic to the festivities, serenading passersby and further enhancing the overall experience.
Permanent installations at the Amsterdam Light Festival
As you wander through the festival, you'll find plenty of opportunities to warm up and indulge in delicious Dutch treats. Street vendors offer everything from piping hot stroopwafels to hearty pea soup, perfect for keeping the winter chill at bay. Additionally, many local restaurants and cafes along the festival route provide cozy spots to enjoy a meal while soaking in the atmosphere.
Local musicians and street performers often add a touch of magic to the festivities, serenading passersby and further enhancing the overall experience.
1. 178 Bottles, 1 Message
Amsterdam is a city that is populated by people from 178 different nationalities. Together, they are the beating heart of the city. In celebration of this, the installation 178 Bottles, 1 Message is inspired by the words of former alderman Floor Wibaut [1859-1936], who said “There is only one country: the earth. There is only one kind of people: humanity. There is only one faith: love.”
2. Campfire
A campfire has always been a place of coming together of people, to share stories and escape the bustle of life, if only for a bit. The installation Campfire symbolizes the city of Amsterdam to be like a campfire - a source of warmth and light.
3. The Light Kite
A universal symbol of friendship and freedom, The Light Kite brings back summertime memories (in the winter) of flying kites and making the most of vacation time.
4. Today I Love You
In the hope that people utter these magical words everyday, Today I Love You is written in light on the facade of the policlinic of the Amsterdam UMC.
Additional Information
- Boats are wheelchair-accessible, but make sure to communicate with the canal cruise company beforehand. That way, mobility assistance is arranged for.
- If you’re traveling to Amsterdam for the light festival by car, make sure you look into parking options because the charged parking fees will be high.
- The best and easiest way to navigate the city of Amsterdam during the light festival is on a bike. Parking is available throughout the city and there are also designated parking garages available.
