Light Festival Amsterdam 2025

The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the Amsterdam canals in the (old) city centre into an open-air museum of light each year.

What can you expect at the Amsterdam Light Festival?

Along the centuries-old canal houses, bridges and squares, you will discover surprising light artworks by both national and international artists.

Light Art along the Canals: Throughout the historic centre you’ll find illuminated installations, projections and sculptures that cast the canals and quaysides in vibrant colours.
Cruising past Light Artworks: Many boat companies offer special light cruise tours. From the water, you have a unique view of the light art, the illuminated bridges and the characteristic canal houses along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and the Amstel.
Photogenic Spots: The combination of water, light and historic architecture makes the festival a paradise for photographers. From the bridges and quays you can capture stunning evening shots.
A Cosy Outing for All Ages: The Amsterdam Light Festival is perfect for families. Whether walking or cruising, there is plenty to see and enjoy for both children and adults.

A Magical Evening in the Heart of Amsterdam

During the Amsterdam Light Festival, the historic inner city is experienced in a completely different way. The familiar canals, bridges and monuments form the backdrop for modern light art, creating a unique blend of history and contemporary creativity.

Practical Information

Cruises and Tickets: Several operators offer special festival cruises. Tickets can be booked online in advance.

Experience the magic of light, water and history during the Amsterdam Light Festival and be amazed by the creative light artworks along the enchanting canals of Amsterdam’s historic city centre.

Book -10% tickets online

When

Thursday 27 November 2025 – Sunday 18 January 2026.

Where

Prins Hendrikkade

Christmas events near Amsterdam

Take your wishlist and swap Amsterdam for a day out at one of these magical Christmas markets nearby. In addition to an endless array of unique gifts, you can also indulge in all sorts of festive treats. Savour, shop, and browse.

Christmas Market in Haarlem

Hop on the sleigh to Haarlem. Your Christmas adventure starts in Haarlem, where the historic centre and old canals add an extra sprinkle of magic to the festivities. The traditional Christmas Market Haarlem brings a smile to the face of visitors of all ages. Indulge in festive sweets, pick up handmade trinkets, and enjoy Christmas carols sung by a choir in between.

When: Friday, 12 to Sunday, 14 December 2025
Free Entry
Where: Grote Markt, Haarlem
Public Transport: ±40 min. / ±20 km
Website: www.visithaarlem.com/en/kerstmarkt

Nostalgic Christmas Market, Leiden

A charming scene will be set up on the beautiful Hooglandse Kerkgracht where lovely Christmas gifts can be purchased. Of course, the option to enjoy a delicious warm mulled wine or hot chocolate will not be missing.

When:
– Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December 2025
– Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 December 2025
Opening Hours: 12:00–17:00
Free Entry
Where: Hooglandse Kerkgracht, Leiden
Public Transport: ±49 min. / ±50 km
Website: www.visitleiden.nl

Ice Rink in Scheveningen

Every winter, Scheveningen transforms into a magical winter paradise during the Cool Event. Right on the Kurhausplein, a covered ice rink of no less than 600 m² sparkles, with the iconic Kurhaus hotel in the background.

When: Saturday 8 November 2025 – Sunday 8 February 2026
Where: Kurhausplein, Scheveningen
Website: www.cooleventscheveningen.nl

Amsterdamse Winterparadijs

The RAI (indoor & outdoor) is once again transformed into the place for your Ultimate Winter Experience in Amsterdam. There's plenty to do both during the day and in the evening. You can skate on both the indoor and outdoor rinks, go cross-country skiing, curling, or if you're not really planning to exert yourself, you can enjoy the après-ski, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, go to the cinema or theatre, or listen to the performances taking place. In short, the Amsterdam Winter Wonderland promises a lot of good things.

When: Saturday 13 December 2025 – Saturday 3 January 2026
Where: RAI, Europaplein 1

Pure Markt

Whether you want to shop for Christmas dinner or simply fancy a leisurely stroll and some tasty treats, you'll find the freshest and purest products at the wintry edition of the Pure Markt in Amsterdam. There are multiple editions of the Winter Market in the atmospheric Park Frankendael.

When: Sunday 21 December 2025
Where: Park Frankendael
Website: puremarkt.nl

Royal Christmas Fair, The Hague

In December, you can soak up the atmosphere, smell, and ultimate Christmas spirit in the Dutch political capital. Come and listen to one of the many storytellers and children's choirs. The Lange Voorhout is filled with cosy stalls offering flammkuchen, wood carvings, and wintry pelts.

When: Thursday 4 – Tuesday 23 December 2025
Where: Lange Voorhout, Den Haag
Website: www.royalchristmasfair.nl

Ice rink on the Museumplein

When: Saturday 15 November 2025 – Friday 6 February 2026
Where: Museumplein
Website: www.schaatsbaanmuseumplein.nl

Funky Xmas Market

In December, the well-known Sunday Market gets decked out for the Funky Xmas Market. As usual, you can browse stalls for artisanal products, quirky home accessories, homemade sweets, savoury dishes, and unique gifts. Don't forget to take a breather and enjoy some live music and a cup of hot chocolate in between.

When: Sunday 21 December 2025
Where: Westergas, Polonceaukade 27
Website: www.sundaymarket.nl

Neem je wishlist mee en verruil Amsterdam voor een dagje uit naar een van deze magische kerstmarkten in de omgeving. Naast een oneindig aanbod aan bijzondere cadeautjes, kun je er ook snoepen van allerlei feestelijke lekkernijen. Smul, shop en snuffel rond.

Location Light Festival Amsterdam

marker Prins Hendrikkade

Display Light Festival Amsterdam
on the map

Other events in Amsterdam

National Remembrance Day;
Monday 4 May 2026
Kwaku Festival;
End July
Christmas Market Museumplein;
Thursday 4 – Sunday 28 December 2025
Canal Festival;
Friday 7 – Sunday 16 August 2026
Holland Festival;
Early June
Tulip Day;
Saturday 17 January 2026

Entire list