Amsterdam Light Festival 2025: What to See, When to Go & How to Explore

Every winter, Amsterdam turns into pure magic. Lights dancing on the canals, reflections moving like stories on water, and people wandering around with that cozy winter glow. From November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the Amsterdam Light Festival returns for its 14th edition, transforming the city into an open-air art gallery that connects people through light. If you're planning a full winter itinerary, exploring the best December 2025 events in the Netherlands is the perfect way to expand your trip.

This year’s theme, “Legacy,” asks a beautiful question: what do we leave behind for the future? Over 20 light artworks by artists from all over the world illuminate bridges, streets, and boats, turning every corner into a mix of imagination, design, and emotion.

Whether you walk, cycle, or drift along the canals by boat, you’ll see Amsterdam from a whole new angle, glowing, alive, and unforgettable.

• 27 light installations across central canals and the Amstel River
• Global artists merging technology, emotion, and sustainability
• Interactive artworks that respond to movement or sound
• Family-friendly, accessible, and open to everyone

Born from a local Christmas Canal Parade (2009), the Amsterdam Light Festival evolved into one of Europe’s top cultural events. Many installations use recycled materials and energy-efficient LEDs, proving art can inspire while respecting the planet. Some pieces even remain in Amsterdam after the festival, becoming part of the city’s identity. A genuine “legacy” in light.

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event that illuminates the city’s canals and public spaces with art installations from international artists. In December and January, the city-centre lights up during this 53-day exhibition.
In Edition 14, “Legacy” is the theme, connecting people through light art, from water and land, and asking: What will we leave behind for future generations?

The Amsterdam Light Festival brings together international artists known for transforming light, technology, and public art into immersive experiences. Although this year’s artworks have not yet been officially revealed, several artists are already standing out in the light-art scene and are expected to present impactful installations at the festival.

Known for her neon text installations exploring time, language, and human perception.

Celebrated for large-scale participatory works that blend light, community, and performance.

A Spanish artist known for playful yet thought-provoking interventions that reshape public space. His large-scale installations spark questions about how we live, move, and connect, always in sharp dialogue with the urban landscape.

A Dutch collective blending light art and theatre into poetic, immersive installations. With works shown at Dutch Design Week, Nationaal Monument Kamp Vught, and major international light festivals, they’re known for transforming complex themes into deeply accessible, atmospheric experiences.

Want to explore the full list of artists confirmed for Edition 14? Check all participating artists here.

(Once the festival publishes each piece’s title and exact location, we can add direct links, short descriptions of the works, and suggested walking/boat-route order.)

This year’s festival is a thoughtful exploration of memory, future and creativity. Artists from around the world respond through art that plays with time, light, and memory, transforming familiar bridges, buildings, and canals into thought-provoking visions.

“Walking through the lights feels like entering a dream — everything glows, even the water.” – Festival Visitor

Cruise the canals for an unforgettable vantage point:

• Book early – weekend spots fill up fast.
• Choose audio-guided tours for stories behind each work.
• Tip: Go around sunset (~4:30 PM) for golden reflections.

Booking via: official festival site or our affiliates.

Download the Amsterdam Light Festival app for maps, audio guides, and the full walking route.

• Explore at your own pace along the official route.
• See installations you won’t catch from the water.

Tip: Wear comfy shoes and bundle up. Amsterdam’s winter nights hit different.

• Night Bike Tour: Ride illuminated paths with local guides.
• Foodwalk: A special route that mixes the light artworks with culinary stops

• Train: Amsterdam Centraal is a 10-minute walk from main routes.
• Bike: Fun option, but watch icy bridges.
• Accessibility: Walking route wheelchair-friendly; app highlights smooth paths and bridges.

• Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge): classic canal reflections.
• Amstel River: wide views and shimmering water reflections.

Pro tip: Bring a tripod or use your phone’s night mode for crisp shots.

Dates - Nov 27 2025 – Jan 18 2026

Daily Hours - 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Location - Central canals & Amstel RiverBoat

Tours - From €25 (book early!)

Walking Route - Free (official app)

Best Time to Visit - Weekdays for calm, weekends for buzz

Official Site

Winter in Amsterdam is all about getting out there, lights, music, street markets, and canals glowing under the cold sky.

• Sip glühwein at Ice Village Museumplein after skating under the Rijksmuseum.
• Visit the Haarlem Christmas Market (Dec 12–14) — 350+ stalls, live music, festive treats. More winter gems? Check our December Events in Amsterdam guide.
• Wander Jordaan by night: fairy-lit canals and hidden terraces.

Don’t stop here: check our Amsterdam December Events Guide and Amsterdam November Events for full city-season planning.

The Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 is a celebration of creativity, connection, and the legacy we leave behind.
At Outhere, we believe culture isn’t made to scroll past, it’s made to live. That’s why we pull together every festival, every concert, and every cultural moment in one place, so you stop searching and start being out there.

Ready for more?

• Explore our Amsterdam December Events Guide & Amsterdam November Events.
• Browse the Europe Winter Events Calendar 2025.
• Download the Outhere App — follow artists, discover hidden gems, plan your nights in one tap.

Your next unforgettable night is waiting. Get out there, live the culture, and make memories worth keeping.