Amsterdam Light Festival

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While the winter days are shorter, the dark hours begin already at 4pm. The Amsterdam Light Festival under the theme "A Bright City" strives to bring more light into the cold season. It offers visitors more than 40 light installations created by international artists, as well as special events, performances and workshops.

You can reserve your place for this event on the Light Festival rides webpage.

Amsterdam Light Festival route

The light sculptures, art pieces and projections are installed from the most part along the Amsterdam canals in the old town. They are there only for the duration of the festival.

And you can take a walking route along these art pieces. It is called The Illuminade. A nice walk but sometimes crowded. Another option is to take a boat ride in the canals where the light sculptures are placed. This is called The Water Colours. A very interesting experience with the light reflections on the water surface. This one should not be missed.

Visiting the Amsterdam Light Festival

Last years Amsterdam winters are mild and people talk about the climate change, nevertheless winter evenings are often windy, humid and cold. Still, Amsterdam Light Festival is worth seeing. A walk among the light sculptures reflected in water of canals will leave you with lasting impressions. The city centre is not big, you will be able to walk through the whole installation within an hour or two. Dress warm and do not forget your camera. If the weather is harsh, you may decide to see the light sculptures from the warmth of the inside of a tourist boat cruising along the city canals along the specially arranged Water Colours route.

Technically not the easiest task - electrical installations among water, wind and rain. The organisers of the Amsterdam Light Festival manage it well - do not miss it next winter.

Dates of the Amsterdam Light Festival

Generally mid-November each year to mid January the next year. Enough days to enjoy the designs from artists from all over the world.

The next Amsterdam Light Festival will be held between the dates 28 November and 19 January.

Amsterdam Light Festival places

Different places along the canal ring. The walking route is mainly along the Keizersgracht canal. And there are several special events in the wider area. Like the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam botanical garden and in the Frankendael park. Water Colours boat route starts and ends at the Central Station.

Amsterdam Light Festival opening hours

The instalations are best enjoyed after dark. From 5pm. The walking route is serviced till 10pm.

For the performances and one time events check their website or printed programme.