See the city of Amsterdam in a new light, as artists from the world over present a magical and immersive light experience at the 12th edition of Amsterdam’s Annual Light Festival.
From renowned names to emerging newcomers, the Amsterdam Light Festival will consist of more than 20 light artworks installed across the city including in the canals, public squares and on buildings.
Amsterdam Light Festival: Know before you go
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Dates: November 30, 2023 - January 21, 2024
[Closed on December 31, 2023]
Timings: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Bookings start from October 1, 2023
Theme: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology - Effects on everyday life
Exploring the festival
Navigating the festival is a breeze, thanks to a variety of options. You can choose to explore on foot, following a self-guided walking route that takes you past many of the installations that adorn the city's streets and squares. Alternatively, you can opt for a canal cruise, which allows you to glide through the illuminated waterways, getting up close and personal with the artwork. Each option offers a unique perspective on the festival's enchanting displays.
Exploring on foot is a delight as well. The walking route meanders through Amsterdam's historic center, taking you on a journey past some of the city's most iconic landmarks. As you stroll from one installation to the next, you'll discover that each corner turned reveals a new and captivating spectacle of light.
Duration: 90 minutes
Distace: 6.5 km
Audio guide: Dutch and English
If you choose the canal cruise, you'll have a front-row seat to the festival's aquatic wonders. The boat glides serenely through the water, offering unobstructed views of the artworks reflecting on the canals' glassy surfaces. The gentle swaying of the boat adds an element of tranquility to the experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more immersive encounter with the art.
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Audio guide: Dutch and English
For a more immersive and active way to explore the Amsterdam Light Festival, consider hopping on a bike. With a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, cycling gives a unique perspective on the festival's radiant artistry.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Audio guide: Dutch and English
Timings: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Start-end point: A-Bike Nieuwe Nieuwstraat 19d, Amsterdam
Recommended Tickets To Amsterdam Light Festival
Food and entertainment
As you wander through the festival, you'll find plenty of opportunities to warm up and indulge in delicious Dutch treats. Street vendors offer everything from piping hot stroopwafels to hearty pea soup, perfect for keeping the winter chill at bay. Additionally, many local restaurants and cafes along the festival route provide cozy spots to enjoy a meal while soaking in the atmosphere.
Local musicians and street performers often add a touch of magic to the festivities, serenading passersby and further enhancing the overall experience.
Permanent installations at the Amsterdam Light Festival
As you wander through the festival, you'll find plenty of opportunities to warm up and indulge in delicious Dutch treats. Street vendors offer everything from piping hot stroopwafels to hearty pea soup, perfect for keeping the winter chill at bay. Additionally, many local restaurants and cafes along the festival route provide cozy spots to enjoy a meal while soaking in the atmosphere.
Local musicians and street performers often add a touch of magic to the festivities, serenading passersby and further enhancing the overall experience.
1. 178 Bottles, 1 Message
Amsterdam is a city that is populated by people from 178 different nationalities. Together, they are the beating heart of the city. In celebration of this, the installation 178 Bottles, 1 Message is inspired by the words of former alderman Floor Wibaut [1859-1936], who said “There is only one country: the earth. There is only one kind of people: humanity. There is only one faith: love.”
2. Campfire
A campfire has always been a place of coming together of people, to share stories and escape the bustle of life, if only for a bit. The installation Campfire symbolizes the city of Amsterdam to be like a campfire - a source of warmth and light.
3. The Light Kite
A universal symbol of friendship and freedom, The Light Kite brings back summertime memories (in the winter) of flying kites and making the most of vacation time.
4. Today I Love You
In the hope that people utter these magical words everyday, Today I Love You is written in light on the facade of the policlinic of the Amsterdam UMC.
Additional Information
- Boats are wheelchair-accessible, but make sure to communicate with the canal cruise company beforehand. That way, mobility assistance is arranged for.
- If you’re traveling to Amsterdam for the light festival by car, make sure you look into parking options because the charged parking fees will be high.
- The best and easiest way to navigate the city of Amsterdam during the light festival is on a bike. Parking is available throughout the city and there are also designated parking garages available.
FAQs
The Amsterdam Light Festival will take place from November 30, 2023 to January 21, 2024.
The theme of the 2023 Amsterdam Light Festival is "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology."
You can see the light artworks on foot, by bike or by boat. There are also a number of special events and tours offered throughout the festival period.
The festival is free to attend. However, there may be a charge for some of the special events and tours.
Tickets for the Amsterdam Light Festival 2023 can be purchased online or at the festival ticket office. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular events and tours.
