I’ll keep it short: the light festivals in the Netherlands are my favorite events in the fall and winter. It’s such a fun winter activity for the whole family, and of course, it’s cozy and perfect for a date too! Bundle up in warm coats, gloves, and bring something warm to drink for the road. What started with the Amsterdam Light Festival has spread to many other cities and regions throughout the Netherlands. If you ask me, there can never be enough lights on during these dark evenings, so a comprehensive list of 27 light festivals across the Netherlands just had to be included on Your Little Black Book.
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BEST LIGHT FESTIVALS IN THE NETHERLANDS FOR A WINTER NIGHT OUT
To help you plan some fun activities for this coming winter, I’ve gathered all the light festivals in the Netherlands for 2024/2025 in one overview. Not just in the Randstad, but throughout the entire country! For most light festivals in the Netherlands, you’ll need to buy tickets in advance. So, mark the dates in your calendar and don’t wait too long to secure your tickets and guarantee your time slot. Is the light festival already happening in the fall? Don’t go too early, as the darker it gets, the more beautiful the light art becomes.
To truly make these light festivals into a winter night out, I’ll also recommend a cozy hotel nearby for each one, so you won’t have to drive or take the train home late at night. Enjoy!
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© Amsterdam Light Festival, Facebook
27 X Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
Feest van Licht
Museumpark Orientalis transforms into a place full of light and art. Stroll through light installations, reflective treetops, and illuminated Buddhas.
Dates: December 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Where: Park Orientalis
More information: museumparkorientalis.nl
| NIJMEGEN HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Hotel Oranjestaete, ➋ Hotel Sleep-Inn Box 5, ➌ HOLT hotel of ➍ Hotel Credible
Archeon Light Festival
During the Christmas season, Archeon becomes a dazzling light spectacle. Walk through life-sized light displays from prehistory to the Middle Ages, with stories told by Archeo interpreters. Enjoy music, winter snacks, and special children’s activities.
Dates: December 12, 2024, to January 12, 2025
Where: Het Archeon
More information: archeonlichtfestival.nl
Zuiderzeelicht
The outdoor museum of the Zuiderzee Museum is the setting for the new edition of Zuiderzeelicht. Wander through charmingly lit streets and be captivated by the story of friendship and struggle against the storm, narrated by Huub Stapel. An evening filled with light and sound!
Dates: December 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Where: Zuiderzeemuseum
More information: zuiderzeemuseum.nl
More Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
Dwaalspoor
Dwaalspoor in Dordrecht is a light trail that you can walk during the Dordt December Days. The historic center is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with light art, stalls, live music, and food and drink options.
Dates: December 3 to December 30, 2024
Where: Dordrecht
More information: dordtsedecemberdagen.nl
| DORDRECHT HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Villa Augustus
Wonderlicht
Wonderlicht is an evening walk in the Burgemeester in ’t Veldpark in Zaandam. During the walk, you’ll come across a fantasy world filled with light installations, street theater, and fire. There is also a Festival Hub, where you can enjoy live music, snacks & drinks, and fire pits for roasting marshmallows.
Dates: October 31 to November 2, 2024
Where: Zaandam
More information: wonderlicht.nl
Amsterdam Light Festival
Het Amsterdam Light Festival is a light festival in Amsterdam. Every year in December and January, you can experience a modern and enchanting light festival with large, stunning installations on Amsterdam’s squares, historical buildings, and even in, on, and over the canals. In addition to various walking routes, there is also a water route where you can admire the light art from the water during a canal cruise. Both open and closed boats are available for booking!
| AMSTERDAM HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Hotel V, ➋ Hotel Jakarta, ➌ The Hoxton of ➍ Pulitzer Amsterdam.
Dates: November 28, 2024, to January 19, 2025
Where: Amsterdam
More Information: lefoodwalk.com
© Amsterdam Light Festival, Facebook
more Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
ALLUMINOUS
ALLUMINOUS; the magical light art festival in Almere. Take a two-hour walk around the Weerwater and discover various light art pieces. The festival returns with ten new light art installations, a cycling route, shuttle boats, and a full program with musical performances and other activities.
Dates: October 25 to November 3, 2024
Where: Almeerse Weerwater
More information: almerecentrum.nl
Helder Licht – Lichtfestival 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 art installations featuring a maritime theme, specially designed for this port city.
Dates: October 25 to November 3, 2024
Where: Den Helder
More information: denhelder.online
Lichtfestival Trajectum Lumen in Utrecht
Admire the beautiful lights in the center of Utrecht during the Trajectum Lumen light festival. This light festival runs from September through April in the old city center of Utrecht. You can enjoy guided evening walks on Saturdays, group tours that showcase the most stunning light artworks, or even group arrangements that include a delightful dinner.
| UTRECHT HOTEL TIPS: ➊ The Nox, ➋ Mother Goose, ➌ EYE Hotel of ➍ The Anthony.
Dates: Guided tours are available every Friday and Saturday until March 29, 2025.
Where: Old city center of Utrecht
More information & tickets: trajectumlumen.nl
© Lichtfestival Trajectum Lumen in Utrecht, Facebook
more Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
Enchanted Gardens
Discover the Enchanted Gardens in the Castle Gardens of Arcen, where the flower and plant park is transformed into a fairytale world full of light and color. In this magical setting, nature, technology, and art come together in a unique way. Follow the illuminated paths and step into a dreamlike environment. Behind every turn, a new surprise awaits: from an enchanting color palette and a sea of lights to the colorful Acer garden and breathtaking light waterfalls.
Dates: October 18 to November 3, 2024
Where: Castle Gardens of Arcen
More information & tickets: kasteeltuinen.nl
Alkmaar light festival
Be enchanted by illuminated Alkmaar and enjoy a program full of video and light art, (musical) theater, dance, and more. The route leads you through the historic city center, along the water, and through the trendy Oudorp. Discover hidden spots, step into warehouses, walk through an elevated tunnel, and experience Alkmaar like never before.
Dates: November 1 & 2, 2024
More information & ticktes: alkmaarlightfestival.nl
| ALKMAAR HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Wolf Hotel Kitchen & Bar, ➋ RITCH hotel Alkmaar, ➌ Slapen bij Hofman of ➍ Luttik
IJsbeelden Festival Zwolle
Every year, around 275,000 kilos of ice and 275,000 kilos of snow are shipped to Zwolle. The world’s best ice artists use these materials to create stunning sculptures and figures. Thousands of lights illuminate the sculptures, making this an unforgettable light festival for young and old.
| ZWOLLE HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Pillows Zwolle, ➋ Jantjes lief appartement, of ➌ Librijes Hotel.
Dates: December 14, 2024, to March 2, 2025
Where: IJshallen Zwolle, Rieteweg 4, Zwolle.
More information & tickets: ijsbeelden.nl
© Ijsbeelden festival Zwolle, Facebook
Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
Delft verlicht
The 27th annual Light Evening in Delft. Discover this atmospheric walk through the illuminated city center with over fifty winter events, including music, theater, and tasty winter snacks.
Dates: December 10, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Where: Delft
More information: indelft.nl
| DELFT HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Casa Julia
light nights in Rhenen
The China Light Festival at Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen was always a beloved event! This year, the walking route takes you past animals depicted 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 great evening out for both young and old!
| HOTEL TIPS OMGEVING RHENEN: ➊ Fruitpark Hotel & Spa, ➋ Hotel de Wereld, ➌ Parc Broekhuizen of ➍ Boutique Hotel Beekhuizen.
Dates: October 27, 2024, to March 1, 2025 (check the website for exact dates)
Where: Ouwehands Dierenpark, Grebbeweg 111, Rhenen.
More information & tickets: ouwehand.nl
© light nights in Rhenen – Ouwehands Dierenpark
more Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
De Bossche Beeldenstorm
The Sint-Jan in Den Bosch will shine from October 18 to 27, 2024, in a unique light spectacle! During the Bossche Beeldenstorm, the Sint-Jan takes center stage in an impressive show of light art and video mapping on the cathedral.
Dates: October 18 to 27, 2024,
Where: Den Bosch
More information: bosschebeeldenstorm.nl
| DEN BOSCH HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Boutique Hotel De Blauwe Pauw, ➋ Boutique Hotel Nieuw Uilenburg of ➌ Uylenhof Hotel
Schemerlicht festival
The Schemerlicht festival in Nijmegen is a unique audiovisual art festival in the Goffertpark. During this autumn walk, art, science, and nature come together. The 2024 theme is Space Travelers, taking you on a journey through the fascinating world of space. Discover all the art installations and learn how we observe space, how nature integrates with it, and what living networks can teach us.
Dates: October 17 to 27, 2024
Where: Nijmegen
More information & tickets: schemerlichtfestival.nl
| NIJMEGEN HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Hotel Oranjestaete, ➋ Hotel Sleep-Inn Box 5, ➌ HOLT hotel of ➍ Hotel Credible
De Grote Schijn – Lichtkunst in Rotterdam
A light festival that definitely had to be on our list is De Grote Schijn in Rotterdam. De Grote Schijn takes place in the Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam and promises an enchanting evening with whispering trees and mesmerizing sounds. This light festival in Rotterdam is a complete experience, spanning over a walking route of more than two kilometers! Good to know: this light festival is fun for the whole family.
| ROTTERDAM HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Room Mate Bruno, ➋ Nhow, ➌ CitizenM of ➍ The James.
Dates: October 24 to November 10, 2024
Where: Kralingse Bos Rotterdam
More information & tickets: degroteschijn.nl
© De Grote Schijn rotterdam, Facebook
Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
Glow – Lichtfestival Eindhoven
Looking for a beautiful light festival in Eindhoven? Be sure to visit the Glow light festival! Glow is a free light art festival in Eindhoven where international light artists and local talent showcase their work in public spaces throughout the city. For over 15 years, Glow has taken place in Eindhoven, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the country every year.
| EINDHOVEN HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Little Grand, ➋ The Student Hotel, ➌ Hotel The Match of ➍ Kazerne.
Dates: November 9 to 16, 2024
Where: City centre Eindhoven
More information & tickets: gloweindhoven.nl
© Glow Eindhoven, Facebook
Fjoertoer – Lichtfestival in Egmond aan Zee
Fjoertoer is a magical and enchanting walking tour along the beach and through the dunes of Egmond aan Zee. More than just a light festival, Fjoertoer promises a spectacle of fire, sound, and light with numerous performances and acts. You can choose from different routes ranging from 12 to 20 kilometers. From fire-breathing dragons to illuminated boats and futuristic tunnels: Fjoertoer is a true spectacle!
| HOTEL TIPS OMGEVING EGMOND: ➊ Maris Apartments, ➋ Blooming, ➌ Luttik of ➍ Strandhotel Zoomers.
Dates: November 29 & 30, 2024
Where: Hotel Zuiderduin, Zeeweg 52, Egmond aan Zee.
More information & tickets: fjoertoeregmond.nl
© Fjoetoer Egmond aan Zee, Facebook
best Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
Gouda by Candlelight- Lichtjes in Gouda
Gouda by Candlelight is a very old light festival now in its 68th edition. Each year, the city center of Gouda is illuminated for an evening with hundreds of thousands of lights and candles. This cozy light festival marks the official start of the holiday season in Gouda. On this day, the large Christmas tree on the market square and the city’s beautiful festive lights are lit for the first time. You can also enjoy various performances and exhibitions throughout the city for the whole family!
| GOUDA HOTEL TIP: Relais & Châteaux Het Weeshuis
Dates: December 13, 2024
Where: City centre Gouda
More information & tickets: goudabijkaarslicht.nl
© Gouda bij Kaarslicht, Facebook Renate Oskam
more Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
I LIGHT U
In January, Utrecht transforms into a light spectacle during the I Light U festival. This year’s theme is Urban Transformation. Be surprised by works from local, national, and international artists. Good to know: there is no fixed route, and entry is completely free.
Dates: January 10 to February 2, 2025
More information & tickets: ilightu.nl
| UTRECHT HOTEL TIPS: ➊ The Nox, ➋ Mother Goose, ➌ EYE Hotel of ➍ The Anthony.
Light Safari Beekse Bergen
After last year’s success, 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 full of colors and shadows. Discover more than three thousand illuminated works, including life-sized giraffes, lions, and elephants, along with glowing flowers, plants, and trees.
Data: November 28, 2024, to March 9, 2025
Meer informatie & tickets: lightsafari.beeksebergen.nl
| HOTEL TIP: Blijf logeren bij de Beekse Bergen
Lichtfestival in Scheveningen – Scheveningen Light Walk
The Scheveningen Light Walk is an evening walk through Scheveningen and Madurodam. During the walk, the main squares and monuments of Scheveningen are illuminated with colorful lights. You can choose between walks of 5, 10, or 15 kilometers. Good to know: dogs are more than welcome during the Scheveningen Light Walk as long as they are on a leash. This light festival in the Netherlands is known to be a true spectacle in The Hague!
| DEN HAAG HOTEL TIPS: ➊ The Collector, ➋ Stadsvilla Hotel Mozaic, ➌ Pink Flamingo of ➍ Hotel Indigo.
Dates: December 7, 2024
More information & tickets: scheveningenlightwalk.nl
© Scheveningen light Walk, Facebook
Light Festivals Across the Netherlands
Uitgelicht
At the Dutch Open Air Museum in Arnhem, experience the historical story of World War II. During the light walk Uitgelicht, discover how evacuees from Arnhem lived during that time. With light projections, sound effects, and illuminated paths, immerse yourself in this compelling story. Inspired by true events, relive this remarkable time through the eyes of a former resident. The story guides you past 37 light projections with wartime memories.
Dates: October 18 to November 3, 2024
Where:Open Air Museum in Arnhem
More information & tickets: openluchtmuseum.nl
| ARNHEM HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Boutique hotel Karel, ➋ Modez
Boerderij Verlichting – Lichtfestival in Twente
In Twente, the small village of Markelo is beautifully illuminated during the Light Festival in Twente. The path through the village showcases beautifully lit farmhouses and numerous charming, fairytale-like installations. You can also enjoy complete performances and scenes for the whole family.
| TWENTE HOTEL TIPS: ➊ overnacht in een oude school in Enschede, ➋ Landgoed de Uitkijk, ➌ Drostes Herberg of ➍ Landgoed de Holtweijde.
Dates: October 16 to 31, 2024
More information & tickets: boerderijverlichting.nl en Facebook
Lichtfestival in Rotterdam: Night Walk
The Rotterdam Night Walk is a light festival where more than 2,500 Dutch participants join in a cozy city walk. The walk takes you past the most important and well-known buildings and places in Rotterdam, where you are greeted by beautiful Christmas lights and cheerful Christmas music. You can choose between routes of 7 or 12 kilometers, and all participants receive a pin at the finish as a memento of this wonderful, atmospheric evening.
| ROTTERDAM HOTEL TIPS: ➊ Room Mate Bruno, ➋ Nhow, ➌ CitizenM of ➍ The James.
Dates: December 27, 2024
More information & tickets: rotterdamnightwalk.nl
© Night walk Rotterdam, Facebook
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