The Amsterdam Light Festival is back! This magical festival lights up the darkest days of the year with stunning works of light art. No less than 27 works by Dutch and international artists can be admired throughout the city on foot, by bike or even by boat. This 13th edition, which also coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, makes the city even more festive and sparkling during the holidays.
The theme of this year’s Amsterdam Light Festival is Rituals. Rituals play an important role in commemorations and celebrations and, of course, so does light! Light adds something mystical to these special moments.
Special artwork by Javier Riera
To celebrate 750 years of Amsterdam, Spanish artist Javier Riera has created three unique works of art on the Oosterdok. Riera, known for his geometric light installations that he projects directly onto nature and the landscape, presents Geometries to Inhabit Time, Meditation On The Threshold and A Community Of Resonance. These works bring together historic and modern architecture and create a dialogue with the surrounding space
The Light Garden
This year, the Courtyard of the Evangelical Diaconate will be transformed into the Light Garden. In addition to an information point and two beautiful works of light art, you will be able to enjoy a delicious snack and drink at the Dignita restaurant. Every Friday there is live music in the tent and lectures on rituals by experts and scientists in the greenhouse.
Permanent light art in Amsterdam
In 2025, The Amsterdam Light Festival will leave a lasting impression: the neighbourhoods of Sloterdijk, Noord, Weesp, Nieuw-West and Zuidoost will get a unique, permanent work of light art. The project, entitled The City Illuminated, People Connected, was presented last November. The designs will be displayed under overpasses and along streets, bringing the city to life in a whole new way.
The perfect trip for the Christmas holidays
The Amsterdam Light Festival is the perfect trip for the Christmas holidays! The special festival app gives you access to the walking and cycling routes, as well as extensive information about the artworks and participating artists. The app also offers an audio tour and a food walk, where you can use your stamp card to pick up tasty snacks at participating restaurants and cafés along the way. Complete your experience with a canal boat ride, which will take you along the canals and past the beautiful light artworks.
For more information about Amsterdam Light Festival, visit the website.
Edition 13 takes place from Thursday 28 November 2024 until Sunday 19 January 2025. On 31 December the festival is closed.
From Sunday to Tuesday, the lights are on from 5.00 to 10.00 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday from 5.00 to 11.00 p.m.
There are two exceptions: during the Christmas break (21 December till 5 January) the lights are on daily from 5.00 to 11.00 p.m. On Tuesday 31 December the lights are off.
Photo from Amsterdam Light Festival: In Bloom, Wilhelmusvlug