Pose for photographers as if you’re a celebrity. Don’t be deterred by the illusions that seem to happen at any moment. Admire the gigantic light installations, such as butterflies hovering above the water or a car that appears to slowly sink into the canal. The thirteenth edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival, from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025, promises magical artworks that come to life after sunset. Artists from around the world have created their interpretations of the theme “Rituals,” providing an enchanting experience.
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
For many years, the Light Festival has taken place in Amsterdam. During a visit to the festival, you see Amsterdam literally and figuratively in a different light. Both international and Dutch artists design light artworks specifically for this event that fit within the theme. These artworks are placed at various locations in Amsterdam or integrated into other settings.
Each edition has a theme that the artists must adhere to. In 2015, nature-inspired artworks were exhibited, in 2017, there were artworks that conveyed the message of light, and this year’s theme is ‘RITUALS!’.
Amsterdam Light Festival 2024-2025
The 13th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival returns from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025 with the theme “Rituals”. This annual event illuminates the city during the darkest months. This year is extra special due to Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. Over 25 light artworks by international artists form an inspiring route along the canals. Visitors can experience the artworks from the water or the land.
The lights will shine daily from 17:00 to 22:00/23:00, except on 31 December. Tickets are available from 1 October via the festival website. For more information and specific opening times, visit the information point at Stoperaplein or the Light Garden in the Hoftuin, where additional artworks and cosy food and drink options can be found.
Order here ticket for Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise
Theme Amsterdam Light Festival 2024-2025: Rituals
During the thirteenth edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival, visitors will be immersed in the world of rituals. With a touch of imagination, the festival opens a door to a realm where rituals are more than mere traditions; they are a vibrant dance of culture, history, and future visions. Visitors are invited to wander through a world where ancient practices are revived, and each ceremony forms a bridge between the past and the deepest wishes for tomorrow.
As they sail through the Amsterdam canals, they experience the magic of light art that brings rituals to life in a unique way. This enchanting journey highlights how rituals bring people together and illuminates the essence of human connection and tradition. The festival celebrates Amsterdam750 by combining light, art, and community in a sparkling celebration of rituals. Discover the activities and festivities specially organised for this extraordinary year.
Date and Times Amsterdam Light Festival
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Thursday 28 November | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday 29 November | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday 30 November | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday 1 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Monday 2 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday 3 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday 4 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday 5 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday 6 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday 7 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday 8 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Monday 9 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday 10 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday 11 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday 12 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday 13 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday 14 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday 15 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Monday 16 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday 17 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday 18 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday 19 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday 20 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday 21 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday 22 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Monday 23 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday 24 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday 25 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday 26 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday 27 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday 28 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday 29 December | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Monday 30 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday 31 December | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday 1 January | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday 2 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday 3 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday 4 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday 5 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Monday 6 January | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday 7 January | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday 8 January | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday 9 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday 10 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday 11 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday 12 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Monday 13 January | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday 14 January | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday 15 January | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday 16 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday 17 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday 18 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday 19 January | 17:00 – 23:00 |
Reflections on Previous Editions of the Light Festival
Reflection on Edition 12
For the Amsterdam Light Festival 2023-2024, artists were tasked with contemplating the impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on our daily lives. Under the theme “LOADING… Revealing Art, AI and Tech,” the festival explored how technology and AI influence our communication, connections, and creative processes. What was the impact on our human existence? How did society transform through this digital revolution? And where were the boundaries?
Edition 12 offered diverse perspectives with more than twenty light art installations by international artists, ranging from established names to emerging talents. The festival examined our relationship with personal technology, self-learning algorithms, facial recognition, motion capture, and more. What the future held? That was still loading… Subscribers to the newsletter and social media followers gained deeper insights into the theme and the festival.
Reflection on Edition 11
After 53 days, the lights of Edition 11 were officially turned off. After two years, the festival could finally take place ‘as usual,’ with experiences both from the water and the land. During the dark winter months, 20 light artworks illuminated the streets of Amsterdam, to the delight of residents and visitors. The works, created by both national and international artists, were inspired by the theme Imagine Beyond.
From the Light Gate (Edwin Baruch, USA), visitors entered a world of imagination, after which they could admire the remaining artworks on foot or by boat. Sign (Vendel & De Wolf, NL), a favourite among the public, was the most photographed by visitors. However, more subtle works such as Scala a Pioli (Massimo Uberti, IT) and Fireflies (Studio Toer, NL) also garnered much admiration.