Edition 13 – Rituals
The thirteenth edition of Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 28 November 2024 until 19 January 2025, and has the theme Rituals.
The lights are on every day at 5.00 p.m. From Sunday to Tuesday the lights are on until 10.00 p.m., from Wednesday to Saturday until 11.00 p.m. During the Christmas break the lights are on daily until 11.00 p.m. It is closed on 31 December.
As winter casts its chilly embrace over Amsterdam, the city lights up in the most enchanting way imaginable. For over a decade, the Amsterdam Light Festival has become a highly anticipated event that attracts visitors from around the globe. This annual festival celebrates the intersection of art and light, transforming the city’s iconic canals, bridges, and streets into an open-air art gallery.
For 2024, the Amsterdam Light Festival promises to be more spectacular than ever, featuring awe-inspiring installations, creative collaborations, and new themes that will delight both first-timers and returning festival-goers. Whether you’re an art lover, a photographer, or simply someone in search of a magical winter experience, the Amsterdam Light Festival will captivate your imagination and warm your heart during the darkest months of the year.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024, including its highlights, must-see installations, the best ways to experience it, and some insider tips to make your visit unforgettable.
More information is available in Dutch and English at the official site https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/en/edition-13
A City Transformed: The Magic of Light
Every year, the Amsterdam Light Festival is centered around a theme, inspiring artists to create light installations that blend creativity, innovation, and interaction. The theme for 2024, titled “Imagination Light,” is a celebration of the limitless possibilities that light can offer. This year, visitors can expect even more immersive installations, interactive pieces, and thought-provoking art that pushes the boundaries of creativity.
Since its inception in 2012, the festival has grown exponentially, showcasing over 30 light installations by international artists, designers, and architects. Some installations are static, while others are dynamic, changing with the time of day or the viewer’s movement. From glowing sculptures to large-scale projections, these installations invite visitors to experience art in an entirely new way.
The Amsterdam Light Festival brings together the best of contemporary art and cutting-edge technology. As you wander through the city’s historic streets, the interactive displays and light-based artworks will transport you into a world of color, shape, and form. Whether you’re looking for a calming experience or something that challenges your perception, the festival has something for everyone.
Top Installations to See at the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024
Each year, the festival introduces stunning new installations that offer unique perspectives of the city. I won’t spoil the lineup for 2024 but, several key installations are around Oosterdok with many more lighting up Amsterdam’s streets and canals. Of course many of Amsterdam’s bridges feature in the festival either as artwork or as vantage points.
The festival heart is the Hoftuin called Light Garden. In this courtyard of the Diaconate, you can find two light artworks, an information point and takeaway bites and drinks.
1. Light Sculpture Walk (Canal Route)
Arguably the most popular and accessible way to enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival is by walking along the city’s iconic canals. The Canal Route features a collection of the festival’s most impressive light sculptures, installed along the banks of the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals.
As you stroll past these glowing works of art, you’ll encounter a diverse range of installations, from large-scale light projections on historic buildings to interactive sculptures that invite you to become part of the artwork. The canal-side setting only adds to the magic, as reflections of the lights shimmer on the water, creating a dreamy atmosphere perfect for photos.
2. The Light Boat Tour
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Light Boat Tour is the perfect way to explore the festival. This guided boat tour takes you along the Amsterdam canals at night, providing a unique vantage point to view the light installations from the water. The boat itself is often decorated with lights, adding an extra layer of ambiance to the experience.
A boat tour offers a tranquil and romantic way to see the city and its artistic light displays. It’s also a great opportunity to capture some stunning photographs of the artworks as they reflect off the canal waters. For an unforgettable experience, consider booking a private boat or a luxury dinner cruise, where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the lights.
3. LeFoodWalk: A Culinary Light Extravaganza
Best time to visit: Evening between 5pm and 7pm
Le Foodwalk teamed up with Amsterdam Light Festival for an unforgettable experience. For the first time ever in 2024, you can enjoy an Amsterdam Light Festival Foodwalk! Tickets for this unique event are limited and only available for Friday evenings (and some Saturdays). They are available from WWW.LEFOODWALK.COM
This unique culinary take-away walk combines delicious bites with an evening walk along the light artworks of Amsterdam Light Festival. It’s a fun activity to do with friends, lovers, families, colleagues, or on a date. The total route is around 6,5 kilometers long.
Tickets are limited and likely to sell out quickly.
4. Interactive Art: Become Part of the Light
One of the most exciting features of the Amsterdam Light Festival is its emphasis on interactive art. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the art installations, whether by walking through them, touching them, or changing their colors through movement. These installations often require active participation, turning the viewer into a part of the artwork.
Past examples of interactive installations include light mazes, motion-activated sculptures, and immersive light tunnels that respond to the presence of onlookers. Whether you’re walking through a corridor of lights or triggering new colors with your gestures, these installations offer a playful and participatory way to experience the festival.
Expect even more interactive pieces in 2024, as the theme “Rituals” pushes the boundaries of what art can do. These installations are perfect for those looking to get involved in the artistic process and create their own memorable moments.
5. Themed Installations in the City’s Iconic Locations
The 2024 Amsterdam Light Festival will feature installations in some of the city’s most iconic locations, including Oosterdok, the Hoftuin, and Herengracht. These areas will be transformed into illuminated works of art, with lights casting dramatic shadows on the architecture and creating surreal urban landscapes.
For an artistic twist, don’t miss the installations at The Amrath Hotel (Scheepvaarthuis), where lights will be projected onto the hotel’s grand exterior, creating a cinematic effect. With so many installations spread across the city, it’s worth planning your visit around different neighbourhoods to fully appreciate the diversity and scope of the festival.
How to Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024
The best way to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival depends on your preferences. If you’re someone who enjoys walking and exploring at your own pace, the Canal Route is ideal. You can wander through the city at night and see the lights up close while stopping at cafes and bars along the way to warm up.
For a more guided experience, the Light Boat Tour is perfect. It offers a relaxed and intimate way to see the art, all while floating along the iconic canals. Whether you choose a public boat tour or a private boat rental, this is an experience you won’t forget.
New for 2024 you can walk and dine during LeFoodWalk.
If you’re into photography, be sure to plan your trip around the golden hours of sunset or just after twilight when the city’s lights are at their brightest. Early evenings are typically less crowded, making it easier to snap some beautiful photos without too many people in the frame.
For those traveling with children or anyone seeking a more family-friendly experience, the interactive installations are sure to be a hit. Many of the artworks are designed to engage young and old alike, so be sure to bring your little ones along to enjoy the light-based fun.
Practical Information for Visiting the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024
- Dates: The festival will run from December 2024 through January 2025.Edition 13: Rituals takes place from 28 November 2024 until 19 January 2025. The lights are on every day at 5.00 p.m. From Sunday to Tuesday the lights are on until 10.00 p.m., from Wednesday to Saturday until 11.00 p.m. During the Christmas break the lights are on daily until 11.00 p.m. We’re closed on 31 December.
- Location: The installations are scattered throughout central Amsterdam, with the primary locations being the canals, and several popular city squares.
- Tickets: Some aspects of the festival, such as the Light Boat Tour, require tickets, while the outdoor installations are free to view however it is advisable to purchase the 2024 map. It’s advisable to book boat tours and special events in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
- Transportation: You can reach the festival easily by bike and public transport. You can easily start the tour from Amsterdam
- Weather: Amsterdam in December and January can be cold, so dress warmly! Bring comfortable shoes for walking and be prepared for possible rain or snow. The light installations look even more magical in the misty, winter atmosphere.