The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city into an outdoor gallery of light art installations spanning approximately 6.5–7 km across the canal district and historic bridges. Each artwork participates in a narrative around “Legacy”—how we choose to remember, what we build for tomorrow, how cities and communities shape their future. Works include large-scale sculptures, projection mapping, interactive light works and site-specific commissions placed on façades, bridges and water surfaces.
Visitors may choose the walking route or a boat cruise. The lights switch on at ~16:30 from 27 Nov to 4 Jan, and from ~17:00 from 5 Jan onwards; Wednesday to Saturday until 23:00, Sunday to Tuesday until 22:00. During the Christmas holiday (20 Dec–4 Jan) the lights operate daily until 23:00. The walking route and the boat provide distinct perspectives: the boat glides under bridges and along the historic canal belt, allowing visitors to view the installations from the water.
Event Overview
A winter-long illumination of Amsterdam’s canals and public spaces, where light art transforms urban landscape into an immersive narrative.
For its 14th edition, the Amsterdam Light Festival adopts the theme “Legacy”, exploring what we leave behind for future generations and how public art can help shape cultural memory.
27 November 2025 - 18 January 2026
Amsterdam, Netherlands (Canal belt area, UNESCO heritage canals) Key starting point: Blauwbrug/Amstel
Mission:
The mission of the Amsterdam Light Festival is to utilise light art as a means of transforming public space during the winter months, engaging the city’s heritage canals and inviting an international audience into a new narrative of urban illumination. The 2025/26 edition emphasises intergenerational responsibility and cultural memory.
Organizer:
Organised by the Amsterdam Light Festival Foundation in partnership with the City of Amsterdam and various cultural, artistic and lighting design partners.
• Experience one of Europe’s most ambitious light art trail events during winter. • Explore the UNESCO canal belt illuminated in new ways and witness how historic architecture becomes part of the art. • Choose between walking or canal cruise formats. • The theme “Legacy” makes this edition especially reflective and relevant for visitors interested in public art, urban space and cultural sustainability.
General admission costs
• Walking route: standard adult ticket (~€20) • Boat cruise: premium ticket (~€32) • Discounts: students, seniors.
Amsterdam Light Festival’s core zones lie around the canal belt, centrally located. Most easily accessed via Amsterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Amstel train stations. The walking route begins around Blauwbrug/Amstel. Cycling is also encouraged. Visitors should dress warmly for winter evenings. Boat cruises depart from various locations—tickets should be booked in advance.
Tickets are limited and sell out fast.
Get instant access to the official Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/26 – Edition 14: Legacy registration page and be the first to know about exclusive events, VIP passes, and travel perks.
Early access. Limited availability. Global art at your fingertips.
Since its inception in 2012, the Amsterdam Light Festival has annually invited international artists to re-imagine the city with light. Over the years the event has grown in scale, reputation and technical ambition. The 2025/26 edition marks the 14th year and places a stronger emphasis on legacy — both artistic and urban.
• Visit after dusk for the optimal visual impact.
• Weekday evenings are less crowded.
• Book boat cruises early to secure seats.
• Bring a tripod or steady hand for night photography.
• Wear warm, water-resistant clothing—winter canal areas can be chilly and damp.
• Combine the visit with other Amsterdam winter attractions (markets, museums) for full day outing.
Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the world’s leading art fairs. Get direct access to the official ticketing page, exclusive updates, and important visitor information.
Early access. Limited availability. Global art at your fingertips.