Amsterdam Festival of Lights: a must-see attraction in 2025!

In this article, I present Amsterdam Festival of Lightsheld every year in winter!

Here you'll find

• A presentation of this festival of lights
• What you can see and do at the festival
• How to reach him easily
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• And much more!

If you are looking for information on the festival of lightsyou'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Don't miss : if you're planning to take part in this festival of lights, this Ticket to book a cruise on the illuminated canals!
-> Click here to book your cruise for this festival of lights.

Amsterdam Festival of Lights: article summary

Amsterdam Festival of Lights: an annual event not to be missed!

Every year since 2012Amsterdam is organizing its Festival of Lights. Held from late November to late January, it's a must-see if you're staying in the capital in winter or just passing through. New Year's Day in Amsterdam !

2 months during which the city is decked out in lights to dazzle its visitors! Let me introduce you to the Festival and the best ways to discover it!

Introducing the Amsterdam Festival of Lights

Amsterdam is a naturally beautiful city, where you can find much to do all year round. But some activities are seasonal, as is the case for this Festival of Lights.

For this occasion, Amsterdam is calling on dozens of artists from a variety of backgrounds - architects, painters, designers - to magnify the city by decorating it.

The central element of this festival is light, and the exhibition therefore focuses on luminous creationsThese are the latest additions to the capital's canals, bridges, squares and most beautiful facades.

The most original works of art can be admired on foot, on the pedestrian promenade named the illuminadeor during a night cruise so you can enjoy it with complete peace of mind.

A unusual experienceto discover the city in a different way!

Festival facts and figures

• The 2023 / 2024 edition will take place from November 30 to January 21, and will focus on the theme " Artificial Intelligence
• In 2022, the edition included 20 works of artchosen from among the most photographed of the previous year and the favourites of local residents.
• A journey of 5 km on foot to discover all the city's illuminations
• In 2017, the protest artist Ai WeiWei made a remarkable contribution with a work measuring over 6 km!

Which artists for the 2023/2024 edition?

The theme of the 2023/2024 edition is " LOADING... "Revealing Art, AI, and Tech ". The invited artists are thus invited to reflect on these themes of the moment, which fascinate, worry and inspire at the same time.

For the 12^e edition of the Festival of Lights to be held between November 30, 2023 and January 21, 2024, 24 artists of 8 different nationalities have been announced. Here are just a few of them:

• German Aram Bartholla company specializing in conceptual art, which focuses on highly topical themes such as mass surveillance, privacy and dependence on technology.
• The Belgian collective Haute Cuisine workshopwhich cook the art of tasty blends
• The Australian Studio ENESSwith its desire to create joy and happiness through Art
• Arnaud Laffonwhose video creations and graphic installations are often inspired by science fiction.
• Gali May Lucasan English graphic designer living in Amsterdam, who works with photos and illustrations.
• Joan Ginera French visual artist who blends classical and digital art to tell stories
• Peter Vinka Festival veteran whose mission is to change the perception of reality through his work.
• Universal Everythinga UK-based collective that seeks to create new forms of imagery, notably through the use of Virtual Reality.
• The Indian Vibhor Soganiwhich specializes in the use of raw materials (such as iron) to create impressive installations.
• And many other artists from the 4 corners of the world!

It is worth noting that an educational project, based on the enigmatic reflection What's the next Connection?saw more than 1,000 elementary school of the city to create a joint work, to be discovered on site.

Are you in the mood? Every year, festival organizers and guest artists come up with new ideas to surprise visitors. And this year, it looks like we're in for a real treat.

Here's how you can make the most of it!

How to take part in the Amsterdam Festival of Lights?

There are two main ways to visit the Festival of Lights, which spans several districts of the capital but remains fairly concentrated:

• By opting for the walking trail6.5 km, 100 % free of charge. As it gets dark quite early in Amsterdam at this time of year, it's possible to start the walk in the late afternoon. You'll then have the evening free to explore the Red Light Districteating out restaurant or discover the Amsterdam beer !
• Live a privileged experience by choosing to perform a canal cruise of the city, with a 360° view of the installations. 1h30 to navigate between the luminous works, with audio commentary in French and the chance to have a drink on the boat, while admiring Amsterdam's most beautiful canal-side buildings.

What cruises are available for this Festival of Lights?

Opt for a canal cruise in order to discover the most beautiful light installations is, in my opinion, an excellent idea.

And there's not one but nearly 10 different cruisesto take part in! Here are my favorites:

• A 75-minute cruise with a Free open bar (beer/wine/soda/hot wine/coffee/tea) and blankets to keep you warm!
• Visit luxury cruise departing from Amsterdam Central Station or Damrak. A 75-minute guided tour on the water, with mulled wine (among other things) and expert commentary, aboard a semi-covered 100 % electric boat.
• A cruise with drinks AND snacksYou'll be able to nibble while enjoying the most beautiful installations from the water. Departure is from Herengracht, not far from the Torture Museum!
• The cruise on a historic boatfor an unusual experience. Stroll along the canals and admire 20 luminous sculptures, just like the navigators of the past!

The various cruises available depart from the many ports of the city. Choose according to the location of your home or the neighborhood you think you'll be in at departure time!

Good to know For the moment, cruises are only available with commentary in English and Dutch.

A pass to the Amsterdam Festival of Lights?

There are several Pass that can make your stay in Amsterdam easier and save you money.

While most of them are designed for easy/cheap use of transport + access to museums and monuments at reduced prices, one of them is specially designed to enjoy the Amsterdam Festival of Lights: Amsterdam Winter Card.

What does the Amsterdam Winter Card include?

For travellers coming to enjoy winter in AmsterdamThis pass seems perfectly appropriate. It includes :

• Visit 75-minute cruise on the canals from Amsterdam Central Station, with free WiFi and audioguide, to enjoy the Festival of Lights
• Access to all our activities and events Amsterdam Winter Paradise. It's a huge winter event organized in the RAI complex. Real snow, a skating rink, musical performances, food and hot drinks... It's all here! Early Christmas in Amsterdam !
• The visit to the XtraCold Icebar Experienceto have a drink in a bar where the temperature is... -10°C!
• A complete audio guideto accompany you throughout your stay. It contains a digital mapinformation and explanations on neighborhoods and the most famous monuments; over 100 not-to-be-missed points of interest, from the best-known to the most secret!
• 10 % discount on bookings for other activities in Amsterdam

Prices, booking, advice

To reserve this Pass, choose the beneficiary or beneficiaries, then the dates of your stay. stay in Amsterdam.

The rates are as follows:

• Adult (over 13): 62 euros
• Children aged 4 to 12: 45 euros
• Children aged 1 to 3: 29 euros

Once your purchase has been confirmed, you'll receive confirmation and your digital Pass, which you can use on site. A good choice if you want to enjoy all the winter activities in Amsterdam!

A mobile app to complete your experience!

The organizers of the Amsterdam Festival of Lights are offering a free applicationto complement your discovery of this festival.

Here you will find :

• A blog with the latest news and events
• The themes presented to better understand the nature of each exhibition
• Information about the artists and their workvia text and audio descriptions
• Videos to follow the event as it unfolds
• A paid version (7.99 euros) for access to numerous bonuses (Artworks, reduced rates at partner restaurants, etc.) and to contribute to the organization of this event!

>> Link to Android application

>> Link to Apple Application

How to get to the Amsterdam Festival of Lights easily?

The Festival of Lights takes place at various locations in Amsterdam city center. You'll have no trouble reaching the promenade from the main points of interest or from Central Station.

What's more, as you stroll through the various neighborhoods, you'll come across various installations and projections that are part of this vast project.

Good to know If you opt for a cruise, departure is usually from Central Station.

Amsterdam Festival of Lights: prices, opening times and practical information

Here's what you need to know to take part in this festival of lights in Amsterdam and not miss a thing!

Rates and reservations

The entire walking route is free of charge. Cruise fares are as follows:

• Adult ticket: from 26.50 euros
• Children's ticket (3-11 years): from 13.25 euros
• Free for children under 3

The Festival of Lights and an activity very popular by visitors. That's why it's best to book your cruise online, so you can choose the date and time that suits you best and make sure you'll have a seat on the boat!

 

Opening hours

You can take advantage of the facilities from nightfall (4/17 pm at this time) and until 11 pm.

For cruises, departures are from every 30 minutes and cover festival opening hours.

Good to know Please note that the lights will be switched off on Sunday, December 31st!

Practical information

Book your hotel if you're planning to come to Amsterdam during the Festival, as tickets go fast.

A festival map is available free of charge at the ticket booth and in certain cafés/restaurants.barsto easily target points of interest. A temporary hub has been set up in Hoftuin (not far from the ARTIS Zoo), for more information and to see some additional works, between December 14 and January 7.

And above all, don't forget your camera !

My tips for making the most of the Festival of Lights in Amsterdam

This superb festival alone is worth a visit to Amsterdam for many art lovers. It's very popular and, indeed, crowded. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of it!

First of all, I advise you to choose a central districtYou'll also be able to find out where you'll be staying. This will allow you to wander around the city and catch a glimpse of the works easily, simply by stepping out of your car. at home.

Plan ahead good shoes and warm clothingif you choose the pedestrian route. It would be a pity to see your pleasure spoiled by cold or blisters.

On this occasion, the city is totally transformed. Even if you've been to Amsterdam before, it's the perfect time to visit. a great time to return. Between the light shows, the many exhibitions, the works on land or water and the activities scattered everywhere, there's never a dull moment.

So you see: Amsterdam Festival of Lights is well worth your attention! Every year, thousands of visitors flock here and leave enchanted. Come and discover why!

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