Amsterdam is set aglow during the Amsterdam Light Festival, when artists from around the world are given the chance to create elaborate light displays along the city’s iconic canals.

Festival Details

What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
During the winter months, the annual Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) illuminates the city with brilliant works of light art. Each year, hundreds of ideas are submitted by designers, architects and artists from around the world. A selection committee then chooses about 30 artworks that make up the festival’s installations. Past years have featured the work of prominent artists such as Ai Weiwei and Nicole Banowetz.

Where is the Amsterdam Light Festival held?
The route varies year by year, but so far the festival has always been held within the canal ring, with dazzling displays popping up along the canals in the inner city and around the Amstel river. We’ll share this year’s programme once it is finalised.

What is the best way to see the Amsterdam Light Festival?
Take in the glittering light sculptures along the canals in true Amsterdam fashion – from the water. Amsterdam Light Festival has a host of great partners offering cruises, which are easy to recognise by their ‘official partner’ flag. You can also walk or bike along the route. Whichever way you choose to explore the luminous installations, you are sure to see the city in a new light.

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