The latest edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival is happening, and honestly, it’s one of the coolest things to do in the city right now. Imagine walking, biking or riding a boat through the city center, all lit up with these insane light artworks designed by some seriously talented artists from around the world.
What Makes This Festival Shine
This year’s lineup features 23 artists, each presenting innovative installations that tell stories with the theme: Rituals. It suggests how light shapes the passage of time and drives the transformations we experience throughout life. Rituals, symbolizing unity, bring people closer together.
Here, we’re highlighting some of this year’s incredible artists. If you'd like to explore the rest, click here.
Gali May Lucas
Gali May Lucas (UK, 1992) is a graduate of Falmouth University in Cornwall, where she specialized in graphic design. Alongside her role as an associate creative director, she dedicates time to creating personal projects.
Flo Arnold
Flo Arnold (FR, 1976) creates works that explore the relationship between space, time, and identity, linking the past and future in metaphorical ways. A Falmouth University graduate, she combines her role as an associate creative director with captivating personal projects that push creative boundaries.
Dean Hutton AKA Goldendean
Dean Hutton, (they/them) crafts bold, queer counter narratives through trans media art, blending performance, documentary, and fantasy. Their "soft courage" interventions celebrate all bodies, while their ecological sculptures use sustainable materials to support communities and ecosystems. An artist-in-residence at the University of Johannesburg, they turn art into action for repair and resistance.
How to Experience It
This year, the 13th edition of the festival runs from Thursday, 28 November 2024, to Sunday, 19 January 2025, with a special closure on 31 December. The lights shine from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. If you need more information about the dates and time click here.
Whether you’re walking, biking, or taking a boat through the festival, each route gives you a different way to enjoy the lights. The walking route is 6.5 km, so get ready for a little adventure! Want something extra special? Rent a boat and see the lights from the water, it’s magical! The boat tours last 75 minutes and leave every half hour between 5:45 and 9:30 p.m.
Check the ticket shop for more information. There are other companies offering boat rentals too, and we’ll share some options so you can have a look.
You don’t need tickets to wander and take in the stunning displays, but if you’re curious about the stories behind the installations, you can enhance your experience by purchasing the route through the app. It includes artwork locations, descriptions, an audio guide, artist bios, and fun facts. Plus, supporting the festival through the app helps keep these amazing experiences alive for everyone!
Why You Should Go
The festival is more than just a visual spectacle, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in moments that celebrate art, community, and the beauty of Amsterdam itself. With glowing reviews from visitors worldwide, it’s clear that this event holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
Want to know what’s happening in Amsterdam this December? Here are some awesome recommendations for you!
Amsterdam Winter Festival
Winter in Amsterdam is magical, crisp air, warm syrup waffles, and sparkling canals. The Amsterdam Winter Festival Card gives you access to the spectacular Light Festival Cruise, free travel on trams, buses, metros, and ferries, plus a 10% discount at other top attractions. Explore the city’s iconic sights with a downloadable guide, and enjoy everything the Winter Festival has to offer at an unbeatable price! Click here to buy.
"Chèri Chèri" - Biggest Drag Show in Europe
Pure magic awaits at this one of a kind drag show. On Thursdays and Fridays, at 8:00 PM and wrapping up by 11:00 PM. For tickets and more details click here.
Nxt Museum - The Home of Art & Tech
Visit Nxt Museum this December and explore groundbreaking digital art that redefines creativity and technology. Located in Amsterdam North, the museum is open daily with extended hours: Sunday to Tuesday (11:00 AM–8:30 PM), Wednesday (11:00 AM–9:30 PM), and Thursday to Saturday (11:00 AM–10:30 PM). Highlights include "Life in a Different Resolution" by Random International and "Espectres" by Playmodes. For more information click here.
So… Ditch the couch and light up your season at the Amsterdam Light Festival. Go outhere and discover these stunning light artworks and more!
