Calendar / Amsterdam Light Festival
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Witness / Attend in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Light Festival
Nov 26, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027ConfirmedAmsterdam Light Festival edition 15 (2026/2027)
Run by Amsterdam Light Festival, with published dates and a real program.
Dates & details verified against: Official event site ↗
Why go
The Amsterdam Light Festival turns the dark heart of the Dutch winter into the city's best reason to be out after sunset. From late November to mid-January, artists from around the world install large light sculptures along the canals and bridges of the centre, and the whole route reflects twice over in the black water. You can walk it on a free self-guided loop through the Plantage and canal ring, cycle it, or see the installations from the water on a heated canal cruise, which is how many are designed to be viewed. Each edition is built around a theme and a fresh set of commissioned works, so it changes every year, and because it runs through the quiet weeks around Christmas and New Year it gives the low season a genuine draw. Wrap up warm, pick a clear evening, and let the reflections do the work. It is free to walk and one of the few winter festivals that is better in the cold.
When it runs
Held annually from late November to mid-January, with commissioned light-art installations along the canals of central Amsterdam, viewable on a free walking or cycling route and by canal cruise. Organised by the Amsterdam Light Festival foundation. The 15th edition runs 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027; the 16th is expected late November 2027 to mid-January 2028.
- Nov 26, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027ConfirmedAmsterdam Light Festival edition 15 (2026/2027)
- Nov 25, 2027 – Jan 16, 2028ExpectedAmsterdam Light Festival edition 16 (2027/2028)
Dates read confirmed where the organizer has published them, and expected where we've projected the recurrence. Always verify with the organizer before booking.
What to expect
The festival runs annually from late November to mid-January; the 15th edition is confirmed for 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. Installations are lit each evening into the night regardless of weather, and a crisp, clear night gives the sharpest reflections. The walking route is free and open at all times; canal cruises that follow the water route sell timed tickets and book up on weekends and over the holidays. Dress for cold, damp canal-side air.
Getting there & around
The self-guided walking route through the centre is free and best done over one to two hours on a dry evening; the official festival site publishes the map each year. To see the works from the water, book a heated canal cruise in advance, as holiday-period sailings fill quickly. The route is central and reachable on foot, by tram or by bike from Centraal Station. Weekends and the Christmas-to-New-Year window are the busiest.
Where it happens
Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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