Lighting the Way: A Guide to the Amsterdam Light Festival

November, with its shorter, rainy and grey days is here, but fear not, because there are things planned that will bring light and joy to these days! One of them is the Amsterdam Light Festival, a spectacular event that illuminates the city’s canals, streets and skies with magical light installations, from November till January. Held annually during winter, the festival adds to the beauty of Amsterdam, embracing the city in a radiant glow.

For its 13th edition in 2024, the festival chose the theme ”Rituals”. This is coming as the festival coincides with the big celebration of 750 years of Amsterdam and rituals are the best ways we, as people, like to mark a special celebration. Also, as light plays an important role in many rituals (think about bonfires, candles and fireworks), this theme is even more appropriate for the special edition of the festival.

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Artists from all over the world will create 27 unique light artworks that can be admired from water and land. Each work of art stands as a beacon of human creativity, resonating with the city’s historic charm. The city will be transformed by the magic emanating from these light sculptures, the colours highlighting its architectural elegance, and helping us see Amsterdam from new perspectives.

This year, a special cruise will be offered to 35 amazing people from Amsterdam that are nominated by their peers, through the ”Nominate your ray of light” programme. These should be Amsterdammers that are committed to their city – the ones that volunteer for their community, the ones who keep the street clean, etc.

The history of the Amsterdam Light Festival

Nowadays considered already a winter tradition, the first edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival took place in 2012 – 2013. It originated from the Christmas Canal Parade, held for the first time in 2009. This first edition was smaller than what it is nowadays, and it had a Christmas Canal Parade too. I was there to witness it: Amsterdam Light Festival 2012.

The 2013 -2014 edition brought an extension of the route to more canals than just the Amstel, and, from then on, each year brought new light art illuminating the city, and the festival became more and more popular.

In 2015 – 2016, Princess Beatrix opened the festival, marking its increasing importance, and the festival started its first international collaboration to present light artworks from its own collection at events in other cities.

The 2016 – 2017 edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival reached almost a million visitors, and major architects took part in the festival, together with international artists.

In 2017 – 2018, the routes were separated in ”Water” and ”Land”, and visitors could take the water route by boat or walking route on foot. I think this was my favourite edition, with the most beautiful light artworks adorning the canals and streets.

The festival didn’t pause during the pandemic, and between 2020 – 2022 it continued to exhibit, although at a smaller scale. It was well received, as people were eager to participate in any kinds of cultural events, and, being in open air, this could be something to do without worrying about getting sick.

Last year, in the 2023 – 2024 edition, the festival got an app launched, in addition to the walking route and it returned to the original route in the city centre, after a few years of being diverted to centre and east.

How to see the Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival can be experienced in a variety of ways. You may choose to walk or cycle along the festival’s route, with or without a guide. However, for a truly enchanting perspective, you must explore this giant exhibition from the water. There are several boat cruises available, so you have plenty to choose from. However, if you book though the festival’s website, your money go towards helping the organising foundation continue its activity.

A canal cruise offers an unforgettable experience. I still fondly remember the one from a few years back, in 2018, when we sailed after a stormy day on some unexpectedly calm waters. Imagine gliding under arches of glowing lights, witnessing radiant reflections dance on the gentle ripples, and looking up to see artistry hanging over you. The beauty of the light installations from this vantage point is truly remarkable – their luminescence is intensified by their reflections on the water, playing out an otherworldly ballet of light and shadow.

How to make the most of your Light Festival visit

The lights go on every day at 5 PM, and stay on until 10 pm in the more quiet days (Sunday to Wednesday). From Thursday to Saturday and during the Christmas break (21 December until 5 January) the lights are on until 11 PM. Please note that the festival is closed on 31 December.

If you’re walking, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes. Appropriate clothing is important also in the uncovered boats. The winter air will be chilly, especially on the water, so dressing warmly and comfortably is advised.

Book your cruise in advance, to make sure you have a spot.

And don’t forget to leave your phone in your pocket from time to time, to truly enjoy the festival and be in the moment!

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