6 awesome light festivals in the Netherlands: what’s lit, where, and when?

Which light festivals in the Netherlands are happening, and where and when? (let us enLIGHTEN you).

More often than not, when it gets to wintertime, we tend to stay indoors. In the mornings, we cling to our beds, desperately grappling for a few extra minutes of sleep.

In the evenings, we might stay out late in a cosy bar or a cinema somewhere (or curl up in the foetal position next to the fire), but did you know you could be spending some of the country’s darkest months wandering the streets of a brilliantly illuminated city?

Amsterdam Light Festival

When: November 28, 2024 — January 19, 2025

Every December, the capital city comes alive in an eruption of light and colour.

As if Dutch canals weren’t already beautiful enough, there are loads of light sculptures and installations to see.

You’ll always find some along the River Amstel and at the central Canal Ring, so a great way to experience the festival is by boat.

You can opt to have a guide or an audio tour as you cruise along if you like.

If you live here and have paddled down the canals plenty of times, then it’s probably best just to go for an evening cycle or a relaxed stroll.

You can get nice and close to all the artworks and at the same time be on the lookout for any events going on (there are some places — museums, theatres, restaurants and shops — that love to get involved).

It’s the perfect atmosphere for the festive season, but if you want to come after Christmas or New Year, the light party continues well into January. It’ll certainly cheer you up if you’re one for post-holiday blues.

Gouda bij Kaarslicht

When: December 13, 2024

Every year, the heart of Gouda switches off its electric lights and illuminates itself with hundreds of thousands of candles.

The programme will feature live music, community singing, and a Christmas story — so if you’re trying to get into the holiday spirit, you definitely want to give this a go!

De Lumineuze Nachten

When: December 12, 2024 — January 5, 2025

Set in the largest, most luxurious castle in the Netherlands — Kasteel de Haar — this promises to be an event full of magic and wonder!

The Lumineuze Nachten, or Luminous Nights, is a series of evening walks through the grounds and castle, featuring enchanting illuminations and historical stories.

Magical Maastricht

When: November 28 — December 30, 2024

Funfairs, festive food and fairy lights: what more could you want?

Magical Maastricht is a lovely light route which runs every December for the Christmas season, perfect timing for buying cute presents for someone you love.

Even if the ice rink, Ferris wheel and Santa’s Grotto in Vrijthof Square aren’t for you, you’ll certainly be lured in by a variety of bars and cafes.

Don’t forget to pass the market stalls on the way, though — you might see something you’d like to try (just imagine cradling that comforting hot chocolate or nibbling on a pastry as you gaze up at the surrounding luminescent trees 😍).

Whatever you do, be prepared to leave positively enchanted!

Trajectum Lumen Utrecht

When: December 1, 2024 — March 30, 2025

From sunset until midnight every Saturday, you can follow a trail of light art through Utrecht’s historical city centre.

Since 2010, the Trajectum Lumen route has featured wicked light installations by distinguished national and international light artists.

If you follow the drop trail light on the ground, you’ll eventually see buildings and bridges lit up in cool and creative ways.

It might make you think differently about what you’d normally overlook — a basic brick wall or a dingy alleyway, for example.

Can you see it all in one night? Of course!

The entire walk can be done in about 1.5 hours, but if you want to take your time and maybe pop in a few bars en route, then it’ll obviously take longer.

Scheveningen Light Walk

When: December 7, 2024

This December, Scheveningen will come alive for thousands of walkers to follow a magical route through the city and beach.

Participants will be treated to captivating light displays, various musical acts, and seasonal refreshments.

You can register for routes of differing lengths (5 kilometres, 10 kilometres, or 15 kilometres), so there’s one for everyone!

After the walk, all participants will be invited to have a celebratory drink at De Pier. This also includes Pier Tasting, where a number of restaurants have their delicacies on offer!

Nederlands Ijsbeelden Festival

When: December 14, 2024 — March 2, 2025

This entrancing festival in Biddinghuizen features ice sculptures crafted by the best artists in the world!

Last year’s edition took place in Zwolle and looked absolutely magical.

The talented artists will translate this year’s theme of “An Undiscovered World” into ice sculptures over six metres high.

If you’re in the mood for a fabulous display of lights and artistry, you don’t want to miss out on this festival!

Have you been to any before? What did you think? Let us know in the comments section below!