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: 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟴, 𝟵 & 𝟭𝟬
This weekend is packed with markets, food events and lots of good excuses to spend the entire weekend out and about in Amsterdam.
From the free @oatly Matcha Strawberry Signature Drink and limited edition bag charm launch at @binibakery to Het Hapjesfestijn in Noord and the Creative Lab Summer Pop-Up at Klaproos & Café Soleil.
Plus, there are lots of fun Mother's Day ideas in this new guide, from brunches to the @ladress summer sale and 50% discount tickets for a concert at @concertgebouw.
Also very in the mood for the North Seafood BBQ at @nikotin.restobar
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 76 hotspots, events and 19 kid-proof tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, matcha, a long lunch or trying 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.
#yourlbbcollab #oatly
Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢
Straight from the airport to this little place to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉 <3
In Taipei, you go to a Soy Milk Shop for breakfast. Warm soy milk to eat in a bowl, and steam baskets with the tastiest dumplings and baozi. You can really wake me up for this kind of breakfast. These local breakfast spots come in all shapes and sizes, from Michelin-recommended spots to hole-in-the-wall stalls.
Most soy milk shops open early (and sometimes even 24 hours a day), and these are the dishes you want to try:
🥄 Warm soy milk
🥢 Soup dumplings (you can often choose between pork and veggies)
🥢 Pork baozi
🥢 Youtiao (油條 - a kind of fried donut stick)
🥢 Youtiao (油條) w/ pork floss & rice
🥢 Turnip cake
🥢 Chives pancake
🥢 Scallion pancake
TIP: Sharing is a good idea to taste as much as possible, because the portions are (often) large.
You'll want to remember these soy milk shops for your future trip to Taipei:
📍Fuhang Soy Milk
📍Soy Milk Shop
📍Yong He Soya Milk King (Da'an)
📍Sihai Soy Milk
I am currently touring Taiwan, and you can also find all the tips in my Stories Highlight.
Have you ever been to Taiwan? I'm curious if you thought it was *that* amazing!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#taipeifood #taipeitravel #TaiwanWavesOfWonder #ExperienceTaiwan @taiwantoerisme #presstrip
{ In this Taiwan Travel Guide video, I share my favorite breakfast spots in Taipei for an authentic Taiwanese breakfast }
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯𝟬 + 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭, 𝟮 & 𝟯
HELLO first weekend of May!
From a brand-new rooftop beach in Oost to vintage treasure hunting at IJ-Hallen, Italian market mornings, new restaurants and lots of May holiday plans for families.
Also on my radar this weekend:
📍 East Beach
📍 Café Pigalle
📍 Sassy's
📍 HORTA
📍 Bar Copa
📍 Amour Amer
📍 Café Felix
📍 Chez Chloé
And yes, market season is fully back. Sunday Market, IJ-Hallen, NoordOogst and Zi Camì Market… where to start?
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 85 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, terraces, new hotspots or something fun with the kids?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @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.
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away.
During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies, where there is plenty to do.
• A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea.
· Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round.
· Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting.
Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold right now, but there is plenty to do.
• The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!).
Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
{ In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }
HELLO WEEKEND!
A short note, but a very packed Amsterdam Weekend Guide online with 76 tips for Kingsday, Kingsnight, new restaurants, kidsproof May holiday activities and everything in between.
Comment WEEKEND and I'll send you the full guide in your DM.
Cheers from Spain, where I will celebrate with orange wine from Priorat ✌🏼🧡.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
The most important things to do are done by the community through this Nederland and in Amsterdam?
The May holidays have begun, and that means: quality time with the kids. From creative workshops and fun playgrounds to new museums, kid-friendly festivals, and adventures in nature.
On 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲, you will find two comprehensive guides with more than 50 tips! Believe me, you won't be bored anymore ;-).
Take all tips via the line in my bio. Have fun!
I'm curious: what do you have planned for this holiday?
PS: We are doing a road trip from Barcelona to Valencia this year and you can travel along via stories.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟲, 𝟭𝟳, 𝟭𝟴 & 𝟭𝟵
Your Amsterdam weekend, sorted. 🖤
Baby lambs, spring markets, new restaurant openings and more events not to miss, this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide is packed.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 81 tips straight to your DMs.
Have fun making plans!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
| PS: 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.
PUUR YONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer.
Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese.
I spent the whole evening reading and flipping through the pages.
WHAT A BOOK.
What stories.
WHAT AN ODE.
Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being.
Everything passes by, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert.
With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043.
Thanks for the lovely afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚
PURE JONNIE,
From 14 April
at your local bookstore
(and online)
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢
@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.
In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.
Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
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.
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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