The Amsterdam Light Festival in short
Our capital is of course known for its rich history, picturesque canals and diverse art scene. Tourists from all over the world come from home and abroad to marvel at historic canal houses, striking buildings and all the water features that the city has to offer. You would say that it is best to do that during the day. But especially in the dark winter months, you have an extra way to experience the city during your adventures. Once the Light Festival starts, the city is transformed into a magical world of light and color. This annual event, which takes place from early December to late January, brings together artists and lighting designers from all over the world to illuminate the city with mesmerizing installations. Not without success, because it has been organized for more than 20 years.
This is how the Amsterdam Light Festival was born
The Amsterdam Light Festival was first organized in 2012. The organization was looking for a way to brighten up the city during the winter months. At the same time, they wanted to make art and culture more accessible to a wide audience. This initiative is therefore suitable for everyone: from young to old and for city residents to tourists from all over the world. Since the first edition of the festival, it has become one of the most popular events in Amsterdam, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The theme of the festival varies every year, and artists are challenged to devise and realize creative interpretations of the theme. . This ensures a constant flow of fresh, innovative works of art that illuminate the city in a unique way.
The most beautiful works of art in a sustainable setting of light and color
One of the highlights of the Amsterdam Light Festival is of course the art itself. At every edition of the festival you can count on a combination of impressive light installations and light artworks spread throughout the city. From the famous canals to historic buildings and public squares, the entire city is transformed into an open-air museum of light and color.
In addition to providing visual splendor and meaning, the Amsterdam Light Festival also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and environmental awareness. At a time when environmental issues are high on the agenda, the festival is committed to reducing the ecological footprint of its works of art. Artists are encouraged to use sustainable materials and implement energy-efficient lighting technologies. This ensures that the festival's impact on the environment is minimized while spreading the message of sustainability.
Enjoy surprising themes
One of the most important features of the iconic lights festival in Amsterdam, is the fact that a specific theme is chosen every year. This is the guiding principle for the artists involved in the event, and they use it as a starting point when creating their installations. These themes add depth and meaning to the artworks and ensure that the installations form a coherent whole. One of the most memorable themes was “A Bright City” in 2016. This theme underlined the role of light in the urban environment and invited artists to think about the impact of light on our cities. The result was a series of stunning works that explored the relationship between light, architecture and the city as a whole.
The theme “Disrupt!” in 2019 challenged artists to challenge the status quo and break traditional thinking patterns. This created installations that encouraged visitors to think about social issues and their own beliefs. Every year there is a surprising theme for the artists, so that you can enjoy every edition
Opening hours and ticket information
The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from early December to late January and offers different ways to experience the works of art. As a visitor you can enjoy yourself in a number of ways every day between 17:00 PM and 22:00 PM. There are boat tours on the canals that offer you a panoramic view of the installations. But there are also various walking routes that allow you to view the art up close. The festival starts on Thursday, November 30 and lasts until Sunday, January 21.
Tickets for the cruises and walking routes are available online and can be purchased in advance. It is advisable to reserve your tickets in time, as the festival is popular and availability may be limited in the long run.
