Amsterdam Light Festival will be held 27 Nov 2025 to 18 Jan 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam Light Festival is a waterside exhibition of fabulous light-based sculpture. A relatively new event - Amsterdam Light Festival with ‘The Illuminade' - a walking path along the light sculptures installed at the Old Town canals for the time of the festival and the ‘Water Colours’ boat route along the light installations reflected in water, will make your stay in winter Amsterdam more attractive. While the winter time days are shorter, evening hours begin already at 4 P.M., the festival under the theme ‘A Bright City’ strives to bring more light into the cold season. It offers visitors 40 light installations created by international artists, as well as special events, performances and workshops. Amsterdam is transformed every year into a true city of lights with the help of contemporary (inter)national light artists. During this annual festival for young and old, both the residents of Amsterdam and the city’s many visitors are treated to a spectacle of light. At the same time, the festival offers talented (young) light artists a platform to present their latest work. Amsterdam Light Festival is an event and I like events...
The walking route Illuminade takes you past 20 light artworks through the culturally rich neighborhoods Weesper and Plantage. The outdoor exhibition showcases artworks that have been created specifically for Amsterdam Light Festival by (inter)national talent. From bright projections on historical buildings to dynamic lighting systems in city parks to works that you can actually walk through, the artworks add an extra dimension to the public space. Illuminade offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy contemporary culture and the beauty of light, for free.
Get to know Amsterdam in the most unique way possible with the boat route, Water Colors. The latest light innovations add a whole new dimension to the historical city. From the Herengracht to the Oosterdok to Amstel, experience Amsterdam like never before!
For both visitors and Amsterdam residents, the boat route is a unique way to experience the city. Boats will depart daily (except New Year's Eve) from 17.00 to 22.00. The 75-minute boat tour takes you along, under and through spectacular light artworks.
The Water Colors boat route, can best be experienced from the water. A boat tour is paid. The Water Color ticket sale starts mid-October. Prices vary by boat tour company.
The Illuminade, the walking route of Amsterdam Light Festival, is free of charge.