Amsterdam Light Festival: art reflected in the canals
Amsterdam · 📅 26.11 – 17.01 · dates approximate
Every winter the Amsterdam Light Festival brings light installations by international artists to the city's canals and streets. You can follow the artworks on foot or from a canal boat, turning long dark evenings into a creative city walk.
Fun facts
- The festival was first held in 2012 and has returned every winter since.
- Artists respond to a different theme each edition, and the works are chosen by a curatorial team.
- Amsterdam's 17th-century canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see
- Large light artworks reflected in the canals of the city centre.
- Illuminated bridges and gabled canal houses along the route.
- The festive lights of the Magere Brug over the Amstel.
What to taste
- Oliebollen, Dutch doughnuts with raisins and powdered sugar, sold from winter stalls.
- Fresh stroopwafels, caramel-filled waffle biscuits, warm from the iron.
- Erwtensoep, thick pea soup with smoked sausage, ideal on cold evenings.
What to do
- Take an evening canal cruise along the festival's water route.
- Follow part of the route on foot or by bike using the festival map.
- Warm up with a drink in a traditional brown café.