As the cold season settles over the Netherlands and the days grow shorter, cities across the country start planning to come alive with light. Starting November (and even October in some cases), canals are shimmering with illuminated art installations, historic streets glow under creative projections and people set out for long walks after dark with much pleasure than before. Light festivals have become very popular in recent years, and are seen as one of the most enchanting traditions of the season. They turn the darkness into a canvas for imagination, inviting people to explore, wander, and see familiar places in a new light.
Here are nine light festivals to see this winter in the Netherlands
1. Amsterdam Light Festival
The most famous of all, and probably the one that started this fashion, Amsterdam Light Festival brings art to the city centre, illuminating the canals and historic houses. This year marks the 14th edition of the festival, with the theme Legacy. The route goes through the heart of Amsterdam, with artworks positioned along the canals and occasionally even in the water.
You can see the festival on foot, by boat, or by bike, and there is an app that you can install to make it easier to move around and not miss anything. Visiting the festival is free, but if you want to book a boat, you have to buy a ticket.
When: from 27 November 2025 to 18 January 2026.
More info about it: Amsterdam Light Festival.
2. GLOW Festival in Eindhoven
This one has a nostalgic touch for me because I first went there in 2018, and it was such a wonderful experience! Back then, the festival was still at its beginnings, and not many people were visiting. Even on a rainy night, we had so much fun and discovered the city in a completely different light.
This year, GLOW celebrates its 20th edition. The theme of this anniversary edition is The Light, which is a fitting choice, since Eindhoven is known as The City of Light. It earned that name as the home of the first Dutch match factory and the original Philips light bulb factory. But that light also symbolises the city’s ongoing spirit of innovation in technology and design.
The route takes you through the city centre and can be found on the festival’s website. This year, GLOW expands beyond Eindhoven, with artworks in Best, Helmond, Oirschot, Veldhoven, and Lieshout.
Access to the festival is free.
When: from 8 to 15 November 2025.
More info about it: GLOW Eindhoven
3. Alkmaar Light Festival
A recent addition to the city’s cultural calendar, the Alkmaar Light Festival brings sparkle and joy to the historic city centre, the waterfront, and the modern area of Oudorp, following a six-kilometre route. In 2025, it took place on 31 October, 1 and 2 November — only its third edition so far. Visitors could admire video and light art by national and international artists, (musical) theatre performances, and both professional and local acts.
Access to the festival is by ticket.
More info about it: Alkmaar Light Festival
4. Enschede Lights Up
This festival takes place in the city centre from 11 to 14 December. This year’s theme is City in Motion. You can expect a variety of light art, from mappings and projections to immersive installations, all showcasing a city that never stands still. Entrance is free.
More info about it: Enschede Lights Up
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5. I Light U in Utrecht
This exhibition showcases the work of national and international light artists throughout the station area in Utrecht, along a route of about 2 kilometres. The next edition takes place from 9 January to 1 February 2026 and will mark the festival’s third year.
There’s no fixed route and no entry fee.
More info about it: I Light U
6. Zuiderzeelicht in Zuiderzeemuseum Enkhuizen
The open-air museum in Enkhuizen hosts a magical light experience each December: Zuiderzeelicht (Zuiderzee Light). From 12 December to 4 January, the museum opens its gates for a few special evenings filled with light and storytelling, bringing life to the old streets that are usually quiet after dark.
The Zuiderzeemuseum is dedicated to preserving the history of life around the Zuiderzee (Southern Sea), before it was closed off from the North Sea by the impressive Afsluitdijk. The open-air section of the museum recreates historic villages, with houses transported from across the region and rebuilt here in full, including churches, schools, shops, and workshops. What makes Zuiderzeelicht truly special is the chance to see these old buildings illuminated, the streets coming alive, and the stories of people from long ago brought back to life.
In 2025, visitors will follow the story of an orphan girl from Hoorn. Host Anna Drijver takes you back to the year 1725, to the Burgerweeshuis (orphanage) in Hoorn. Through light, sound, and imagery, the story of Liefje and her search for her father unfolds in The Heroine of Hoorn.
Access: tickets are required for this event.
When: From 12 December to 4 January
More info about it: Zuiderzeelicht
Gouda bij Kaarslicht – Gouda by Candlelight
This is not a festival, but a beautiful tradition in Gouda, a moment you can share with the locals. Since 1956, the city has gathered in the main square to light up the Christmas tree, which is donated each year by its sister city, Kongsberg in Norway. Cutting down the tree that will be sent to Gouda is an important ceremony in Kongsberg, often attended by the mayor and local schoolchildren, who sing songs and toast marshmallows around a campfire.
Over the years, a few other Christmas events have been added to this tradition in Gouda, but the most beloved moment remains when the electric lights in the market square are turned off and 1,500 candles glow behind the windows of the town hall. Fire guards are stationed in every room of the old building to keep it safe, so don’t worry, just enjoy the magic. The ceremony continues with the lighting of the Christmas tree.
In 2025, Gouda by Candlelight takes place on 12 December, starting at 7:00 PM.
More info about it: Gouda bij Kaarslicht
De Lumineuze Nachten (The Luminous Nights) at Kasteel De Haar
De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands, looking straight out of a fairy tale, with its gorgeous gates, drawing bridges, moats and towers and its location in the middle of a large park, with lakes, rose gardens and forests. De Lumineuze Nachten offers a unique experience: the castle grounds are illuminated and come alive with stories told through colourful projections. They call it ”the largest open-air cinema in the Netherlands”.
The walking route is about 2.2 kilometres and takes roughly 60–90 minutes. In 2025, the event runs from 6 December to 4 January. Entrance is by ticket.
More info about it: De Lumineuze Nachten
Dwaalspoor in Dordrecht
During the Dordrecht December days, there will be a route of around 1,5 km in the city centre, where you can walk along light art installations. From 12 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
More info about it: Dwaalspoor
These are some of the biggest light festivals you can see in the Netherlands. You can visit just one or make a whole tour out of it, as they are a wonderful way to brighten the dark months. They remind us that winter doesn’t have to be gloomy, that it can also be full of colour, creativity, and warmth. So dress warmly, charge your phone for all those glowing photos, and let the lights guide you through the season!
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