Seek and find
I can be brief about it: the light festivals in the Netherlands are my favorite events in autumn and winter. They're a fantastic winter outing for the whole family anyway. Of course, they're also very cozy and fun on a date! Warm coats, gloves, and something warm to drink for the journey. What started with amsterdam light festival has now spread to many other cities and regions in the Netherlands. If you ask me, there can never be enough lights to see during the dark evenings, so a list of the most beautiful light festivals throughout the Netherlands simply had to be included in Your Little Black Book.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
_____________________________________________
🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟴 & 𝟮𝟵
This is one of those weekends where your only problem is how you're going to fit everything into this last weekend of March (yes already?!).
From a free event to try new Limited Subs at @ijveramsterdam to slow mornings, a market stroll (or two), maybe finally ticking off that new restaurant that's been on your list for weeks… and ending somewhere with a good glass of wine while telling yourself “just one more” 😉
𝗡𝗲𝘄-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @caferestaurant.meyer
📍 @kamer.bar
📍 @rondo.restaurant
📍 @weinlokalstern
📍 @enotecadeolyphant
📍 @tonton.noord
📍 @yusu.coffee (centre)
📍 @eetcafe.vanbeeren
📍 @kidamsterdam
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 47 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, cocktails or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
3 x where the entire grill tip is located
Not too big,
everything within walking distance,
But plenty of nice hotspots!!
These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands perfuse for you to tip this line!
I've got massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨
Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway?
Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀
@ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant.
Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations.
Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓!
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
____________________________
Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟭 & 𝟮𝟮
It wouldn't be Amsterdam if the weekend wasn't packed with plans. Spring is in the air and I feel like new hotspots are popping up all over the city. HELLO @ottolenghi & @ottolenghi_amsterdam :-)
And yes, market season is officially back. Think vintage finds, design treasures and sunny terrace stops in between.
Plus, plenty of feel-good plans: from a Korean Sunday brunch @nikotin.restobar to a kid-proof pizza nights.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 67 tips straight to your DMs.
Curious… where are you going this weekend? ☀️
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
best light festivals in the Netherlands for a winter night out
To help you plan fun things to do this coming winter, I've compiled a list of all the light festivals in the Netherlands for 2025/2026. Not just in the Randstad, but throughout the country! Most light festivals require advance tickets. So mark your calendars now and don't wait too long to secure your tickets to ensure a time slot. If the light festival is in the fall, don't go too early, because the darker it is, the more beautiful the light art will be.
And to make these light festivals a real winter evening out, I also always recommend a nice hotel Nearby, so you don't have to drive or take the train home late at night. Enjoy!
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© Amsterdam Light Festival, Facebook
28 X light festivals throughout the Netherlands
Amsterdam Light Festival Foodwalks
The Foodwalk is BACK during the Amsterdam Light Festival and can be booked until January 18, 2026! This year, you can book even more different walks with friends, your partner, colleagues, or family. From Street Food to Oysters en Cocktails Your voice has been heard and the offer is even better than last year.
And if you are in Amsterdam as a tourist? Then the new 'Amsterdam Walk'Highly recommended. Enjoy!
All WALKS include the Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99).
- Street Food Walk | Thu–Sat | 4 bites included | €43,50 | tickets >>
- Oyster Walk | Thu–Sat | 8 oysters included | €43,50 | tickets >>
- Cocktail Walk | Wed–Sat | 3 cocktails included | €35,50 | tickets >>
- Amsterdam Walk | Sun–Wed | 3 drinks + Dutch bar snacks included | €33,50 | tickets >>
New: Early Dinner or Late Night Dinner during the Amsterdam Light Festival
Would you prefer a sit-down dinner before or after your Amsterdam Light Festival stroll? Then book the two-course Early Dinner or Late Dinner menu.
Early Dinner
The Early Dinner is for anyone who prefers a sit-down dinner and then wants to explore the Amsterdam Light Festival at their leisure. You'll start the evening promptly at 5:00 PM with a delicious two-course meal (starter and main course) at one of the partner restaurants, after which you can stroll into the city to view the light artworks. The menu, including the Amsterdam Light Festival app, costs €41. More information about the menus and reservations >>
Late Night Dinner
The program Late Night Dinner It's perfect for anyone who wants a bite to eat after strolling through the Amsterdam Light Festival. End your evening at 9:00 PM with a delicious two-course meal (main course and dessert) at one of the partner restaurants. We bet you'll have plenty to talk about after seeing all those beautiful artworks! The menu, including the Amsterdam Light Festival app, costs €41. More information about the menus and reservations >>
Enschede Lights Up – Enschede
Enschede's city center transforms into an atmospheric light display this winter during Enschede Lights Up. This free light art route takes you past unique light objects and installations that give the city a magical touch. From colorful projections to surprising creations by light artists: every corner offers something new to discover. Perfect for an evening stroll that lets you experience the city in a whole new way.
When: December 11-14, 2025
Where: Enschede city center
Tickets & more info: uitinenschede.nl
Winterheul in the Apenheul
Get ready for a magical walk in the Veluwe with the kids! For the very first time, Winterheul is being held at the Apenheul Primate Park in Apeldoorn. This recurring event for all ages tells the story of the Veluwe's nature and wildlife through light, sound, and video. Each year, a different animal takes center stage during a two-kilometer walk that stimulates all the senses. The first edition of this audiovisual spectacle focuses on the beautiful kingfisher. Read all about this unique experience here >>
When: Dates will be announced later.
Where: Apenheul, Apeldoorn
Tickets & more info: winterheul.nl
© Winterheul
Festival of Light
Museumpark Orientalis transforms into a place filled with light and art. Stroll past light installations, reflective treetops, and illuminated Buddhas.
Dates: December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Where: Park Oorientalis
More information: museumparkorientalis.nl
| NIJMEGEN HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Hotel Oranjestaete, ➋ Hotel Sleep-Inn Box 5, ➌ HOLT hotel or ➍ Hotel Credible
Archeon Light Festival
During the Christmas season, Archeon transforms into a dazzling light show. Stroll through life-size light displays from prehistory to the Middle Ages, with stories told by Archeointerpreters. Enjoy music, winter snacks, and special children's activities.
Dates: December 2025 to January 2026 – exact date to follow
Where: The Archeon
More information: archeonlichtfestival.nl
Zuiderzee light
The open air museum of the Zuiderzeemuseum This year, Zuiderzeelicht is the setting for its new edition. Stroll through atmospherically lit streets and be swept away by the story of friendship and the struggle against the storm, presented by Huub Stapel. An evening full of light and sound!
Dates: December 12, 2025 and January 4, 2026
Where: Zuiderzee Museum
More information: zuiderzeemuseum.nl
light festivals throughout the Netherlands
Astray
Dwaalspoor in Dordrecht is a light trail you can walk during the December days of Dordrecht. The historic city center is transformed into a winter paradise, complete with light art, stalls, live music, and food and drink options.
Dates: From December 12, 2025
Where: Dordrecht
More information: wonderlicht.nl
| DORDRECHT HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Villa August
Wonderlight
Wonderlicht is an evening walk in Burgemeester in 't Veldpark in Zaandam. The walk takes you through a fantasy world filled with light installations, street theater, and fire. There's also a Festival Center where you can enjoy live music, snacks and drinks, and fire pits for roasting marshmallows.
Data: Dates will be announced later.
Where: Zaandam
More information: wonderlicht.nl
amsterdam light festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is a light festival in Amsterdam. Every year in December and January, you can visit Amsterdam for a modern and enchanting light festival with large and beautiful installations in Amsterdam's squares, on historic buildings, and even in, on, and over the Amsterdam canals. In addition to various walking routes, there is also a water route during the Amsterdam Light FestivalAdmire the light art from the water during a boat tour. Open and closed boats are available, and you can book tickets for them!
| AMSTERDAM HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Hotel V, ➋ Hotel Jakarta, ➌ The Hoxton or ➍ Pulitzer Amsterdam.
Dates: November 27, 2025 to January 18, 2026
© Amsterdam Light Festival, Facebook
light festivals throughout the Netherlands
Light festival Trajectum Lumen in Utrecht
Admire the beautiful lights in Utrecht's city center during the Trajectum Lumen light festival. This light festival runs from September to April in Utrecht's historic city center. You can enjoy guided evening walks on Saturdays, group tours where you'll discover the most beautiful light artworks, or even group packages that include a delicious dinner.
| UTRECHT HOTEL TIPS: ➊ The Nox, ➋ Mother Goose, ➌ EYE Hotel or ➍ The Anthony.
Dates: December 1, 2025 to March 30, 2026
Location: Old city center of Utrecht
More information & tickets: lichtfestivals.nl/trajectum-lumen
© Light Festival Trajectum Lumen in Utrecht, Facebook
light festivals throughout the Netherlands
Enchanted Gardens
Discover the Enchanted Gardens in the Kasteeltuinen Arcen, where the flower and plant park is transformed into a fairytale world of light and color. In this magical setting, nature, technology, and art converge in a unique way. Follow the illuminated paths and step into a dreamlike environment. A new surprise awaits around every bend: from an enchanting color palette and a sea of lights to the vibrant Acertuin and breathtaking waterfalls of light.
Dates: October 10 to November 1, 2025
Where: Castle Gardens Arcen
More information & tickets: castlegardens.nl
Alkmaar light festival
Be enchanted by the illuminated city of Alkmaar and enjoy a program packed with video and light art, (musical) theater, dance, and more. The route leads you through the historic city center, along the water, and through trendy Oudorp. Discover hidden gems, step inside warehouses, walk through an elevated tunnel, and experience Alkmaar like never before.
Dates: October 29-31, 2025
More information & tickets: alkmaarlightfestival.nl
| ALKMAAR HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Wolf Hotel Kitchen & Bar, ➋ RITCH hotel Alkmaar, ➌ Sleeping at Hofman or ➍ Luttik
Ice Sculpture Festival Zwolle
Every year, some 275.000 kilos of ice and snow are shipped to Zwolle. Here, the world's best ice artists can let loose and create magnificent sculptures and ice statues. Thousands of lights illuminate the statues and sculptures, making this an unforgettable light festival for all ages.
| ZWOLLE HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Pillows Zwolle, ➋ Jantje's sweet apartment, or ➌ Librijes Hotel.
Dates: December 13, 2025 to March 8, 2026
Location: Ice Halls Zwolle, Rieteweg 4, Zwolle.
More information & tickets: icesculptures.nl
© Ice Sculpture Festival Zwolle, Facebook
MORE LIGHT FESTIVALS THROUGHOUT THE NETHERLANDS
Delft illuminated
It's already the 28th annual Lichtjesavond (Light Night) in Delft. Discover this atmospheric walk through the illuminated city center with over fifty winter events, including music, theater, and delicious winter snacks.
Dates: December 9, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Where: Delft
More information: indelft.nl
| DELFT HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Casa Julia
The Luminous Nights
Take a fairytale walk during The Luminous Nights in De Haar CastleThe castle park transforms into a magical world of light installations and color. The route takes about an hour and a half, and there are also children's attractions and food and drink options.
Dates: December 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Where: De Haar Castle
More information: delumineuzenachten.nl
light nights in Rhenen
The China Light Festival in the Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen It was always a concept! This year, the walking route takes you past animals in patterns characteristic of the culture of their natural habitats. Walk under a towering bear or take a selfie with a Delft Blue seal. This beautiful light festival in Rhenen is a wonderful evening out for all ages!
| HOTEL TIPS AROUND RHENEN: ➊ Fruitpark Hotel & Spa, ➋ Hotel de Wereld, ➌ Parc Broekhuizen or ➍ Boutique Hotel Beekhuizen.
Dates: October 18, 2025 to January 21, 2026 (check the website for the exact dates)
Location: Ouwehands Zoo, Grebbeweg 111, Rhenen.
More information & tickets: ouwehand.nl
light festivals throughout the Netherlands
Gouda by Candlelight – Lights in Gouda
Gouda by Candlelight is a time-honored light festival, now in its 69th year. Every year, Gouda's city center is illuminated for an evening with hundreds of thousands of lights and candles. This festive light festival officially kicks off the holidays in Gouda. The large Christmas tree in the market square and the beautiful festive lights throughout the city are switched on for the first time on that day. You'll also find various performances and exhibitions throughout the city for the whole family!
| GOUDA HOTEL TIP: Relais & Châteaux The Orphanage
Date: December 12, 2025
Location: Center Gouda
More information & tickets: goudabijkaarslicht.nl
© Gouda by Candlelight, Facebook Renate Oskam
MORE LIGHT FESTIVALS THROUGHOUT THE NETHERLANDS
I LIGHT U
Start the new year with a generous dose of light and creativity at I Light U in Utrecht. In January, the city transforms into a vast open-air museum filled with light art by local, national, and international artists. Each year, a new theme sets the tone for the installations, but the 2026 edition is yet to be announced. Admission is free and there's no set route, so keep an eye on the website for the latest updates.
Dates: January 9 to February 1, 2026
More information & tickets: ilightu.nl
| UTRECHT HOTEL TIPS: ➊ The Nox, ➋ Mother Goose, ➌ EYE Hotel or ➍ The Anthony.
Light Safari Beekse Bergen
After last year's success, the Light Safari Beekse Bergen returns. Take a journey around the world as the animals retreat for the night. Along the walking safari, you'll find various light objects that transform the safari park into a world of color and shadow. Discover more than three thousand luminous works, including life-size giraffes, lions, and elephants, along with radiant flowers, plants, and trees. | HOTEL TIP: Stay the night at the Beekse Bergen
Dates: November 27, 2025 to March 1, 2026
More information & tickets: lightsafari.beeksebergen.nl
MORE LIGHT FESTIVALS THROUGHOUT THE NETHERLANDS
Light Festival in Rotterdam: Night Walk
The Rotterdam Night Walk is a light festival where more than 2500 Dutch people participate in an atmospheric city walk. The walk takes you past Rotterdam's most important and well-known buildings and locations, where you'll be greeted by beautiful Christmas lights and cheerful Christmas music. You can choose between a 7-kilometer or 12-kilometer route, and all participants receive a pin at the finish line as a souvenir of this beautiful, atmospheric evening.
| ROTTERDAM HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Roommate Bruno, ➋ Nhow, ➌ citizenM or ➍ The James.
Date: December 27, 2025
More information & tickets: rotterdamnightwalk.nl
© Night walk Rotterdam, Facebook
Farm Lighting – Light Festival in Twente
In Twente, the small village of Markelo is beautifully illuminated during the Twente Light Festival. Along the path, the village's farmhouses are beautifully lit. During this biennial light festival, you can also admire many charming and enchanting installations along the path. You can often also enjoy complete shows and tableaus for the whole family.
| TWENTE HOTEL TIPS: ➊ spend the night in an old school in Enschede, ➋ De Uitkijk estate, ➌ Drostes Inn or ➍ The Holtweijde estate.
Dates: October 16 to October 26, 2025
More information & tickets: farmlighting.nl en Facebook
ALLUMINOUS
ALLUMINOUS; the magical light art festival in Almere. Take a two-hour walk around the Weerwater and discover various light artworks. The festival returns with ten new light artworks, a cycling route, shuttle boats, and a full program of music performances and other activities.
Dates: October 17-26, 2025
Where: Almeerse Weerwater
More information: almerecentrum.nl
Bright Light – Light Festival Den Helder
The Helder Licht Light Festival returns for its seventh edition. The streets of Den Helder and Willemsoord will once again be adorned with unique light artworks with a maritime theme, specially designed for this port city.
Dates: October 24 to November 2, 2025
Where: Den Helder
More information: denhelder.online
Twilight festival
In October, Goffertpark will once again transform into a fairytale setting during the Schemerlicht Festival. From October 9th to 19th, 2025, you can stroll through an open-air exhibition in the evenings that brings together art, science, and nature. This year's theme is Time. Scientists, artists, and composers will collaborate on impressive audiovisual installations that weave light, sound, and storytelling into an immersive experience.
Dates: October 9-19, 2025
Where: Nijmegen
More information & tickets: schemerlichtfestival.nl
| NIJMEGEN HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Hotel Oranjestaete, ➋ Hotel Sleep-Inn Box 5, ➌ HOLT hotel or ➍ Hotel Credible
The Great Shine – Light art in Rotterdam
The first light festival we definitely couldn't miss is De Grote Schijn in Rotterdam. De Grote Schijn takes place in Rotterdam's Kralingse Bos forest and promises to be a magical evening with whispering trees and enchanting sounds. This light festival in Rotterdam is a truly immersive experience and stretches along a walking route of over two kilometers! Good to know: this light festival is fun for the whole family.
| ROTTERDAM HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Roommate Bruno, ➋ Nhow, ➌ citizenM or ➍ The James.
Dates: October 16 to November 2, 2025
Location: Kralingse Bos Rotterdam
More information & tickets: degroteschijn.nl
© The Great Schijn Rotterdam, Facebook
light festivals throughout the Netherlands
Glow – Light Festival Eindhoven
Looking for a great light festival in Eindhoven? Then you definitely have to visit Glow! Glow is a free light art festival in Eindhoven where international light artists and local talent showcase their work in and on public spaces. Glow has been taking place in Eindhoven for over 15 years, and every year this light festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the country.
| EINDHOVEN HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Little Grand, ➋ The Student Hotel, ➌ Hotel The Match or ➍ Barracks.
Dates: November 8-15, 2025
Location: Eindhoven City Center.
More information & tickets: gloweindhoven.nl
© Glow Eindhoven, Facebook
Fjoertoer – Light Festival in Egmond aan Zee
Fjoertour is an enchanting and fairytale-like walk along the beach and through the dunes of Egmond aan Zee. More than just a light festival, Fjoertour promises a spectacle of fire, sound, and light with numerous performances and acts. You can choose from various routes ranging from 12 to 20 kilometers. From fire-breathing dragons to illuminated boats and futuristic tunnels: Fjoertour is a true spectacle!
| HOTEL TIPS AROUND EGMOND: ➊ Maris Apartments, ➋ Blooming, ➌ Luttik or ➍ Beach Hotel Zoomers.
Dates: November 28 & 29, 2025
Location: Hotel Zuiderduin, Zeeweg 52, Egmond aan Zee.
More information & tickets: fjoertoeregmond.nl
© Fjoetoer Egmond aan Zee, Facebook
Light Festival in Scheveningen – Scheveningen Light Walk
The Scheveningen Light Walk is an evening stroll through Scheveningen and Madurodam. During the walk, Scheveningen's main squares and monuments are illuminated with colorful lights. You can choose between a 5, 10, or 15 kilometer walk. Good to know: dogs are more than welcome during the Scheveningen Light Walk, as long as they are kept on a leash. This light festival in the Netherlands is known for being a true spectacle in The Hague!
| THE HAGUE HOTEL TIPS: ➊ The Collector, ➋ Stadsvilla Hotel Mosaic, ➌ Pink flamingo or ➍ Hotel Indigo.
Date: November 22, 2025
More information & tickets: scheveningenlightwalk.nl
© Scheveningen Light Walk, Facebook
Featured
At the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem, you can experience the historical story of World War II. During the "Spotlight" light walk, you'll discover how Arnhem evacuees lived during that time. Light projections, sound effects, and illuminated paths immerse you in this captivating story. Inspired by true events, you'll experience this extraordinary time through the eyes of a former resident. The story leads you past 37 light projections depicting memories from the war.
Dates: October 10-26, 2025
Where: Open Air Museum Arnhem
More information & tickets: open-airmuseum.nl
| ARNHEM HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Boutique hotel Karel, ➋ Fashion
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