Amsterdam Light Festival is a famous winter festival of art, light and water in Amsterdam. Historical buildings, bridges and sculptures in the center of Amsterdam will be illuminated with colour in the dark. This year Amsterdam will host the 13th edition of the Light Festival from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025.
Key facts about the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024/2025
What: An exhibition of light art in the shape of sculptures, projections and installations presented by international modern artists.
When: from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025. Order tickets with discount online >>
During the winter festival the lights are on:
- from Sunday to Tuesday – from 17:00 to 22:00
- from Wednesday to Saturday – from 17:00 to 23:00.
Please note: there are two exceptions. During the Christmas Break (23 December until 7 January 2025) the lights are on from 17:00 to 23:00. On 31 December 2024 the lights will be off.
Tip! You can still take a day canal cruise in Amsterdam both on 31 December 2024 (last departure at 15:15) and on 1 January 2025 (first departure on 10:00). Book tickets online in advance.
Where: in the center of Amsterdam. The walking festival route will be available in the official festival app.
Amsterdam Light Festival official website: https://www.amsterdamlightfestival.com/en/
What to do:
The festival artworks are located alongside two different routes – a canal route and a walking route. Each of them has an own theme and exposition of artworks.
1. Take an Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise (from € 26,50)
From the waters of Amsterdam you will have the best views of the light artworks. In a heated canal boat you’ll listen to the audio guide and from an open boat you can experience the artworks form up-close. Book your festival cruise tickets in advance.
A light festival canal cruise takes approximately 75 minutes. Most cruises depart every 30 minutes, between 16:45 and 21:30.
You can also buy the Amsterdam Winter Card which includes:
- the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
- the Winter Paradijs (a yearly winter festival at Amsterdam RAI)
- an audioguide to get to know the city.
2. Take the Light Festival 7,5 km walking route
It is not mandatory to purchase tickets to see the artworks. But you can also download an app with a digital map, containing all the locations and descriptions of the light artworks. The Amsterdam Light festival route map can purchased in-app for €7,99.
Enjoy the winter light festival! in Amsterdam!
Related articles:
- Amsterdam with kids: things to do
- SAIL Amsterdam 2025: August 20–24
- Amsterdam itinerary: best of the city in 2 days