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

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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?

1. GLOW Eindhoven

When: November 7 to 14, 2026

If you only make it to one light festival this year, make it this one. GLOW turns Eindhoven’s city centre into a walking route of around five kilometres, packed with light art by international and local artists. Best of all, it’s free.

This year’s theme is Connect. The festival is also returning to the Philips Stadion (home of football club PSV) for the first time since 2019, with Eindhoven’s first-ever drone show. That’s the only part you’ll need a ticket for.

GLOW has spread beyond Eindhoven too, with routes in Best, Helmond, Lieshout, Oirschot and Veldhoven. The Eindhoven route runs from 6:30 PM to 11 PM, and the other towns close at 10 PM.

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2. Amsterdam Light Festival

When: November 26, 2026 to January 17, 2027

As if Amsterdam’s canals weren’t pretty enough already, the Amsterdam Light Festival fills them with light art for its 15th edition this winter.

You can see the artworks by boat, on foot or by bike. Cruises are the classic option, and they get booked up fast, so reserve yours in advance.

If you’ve paddled down the canals plenty of times already, an evening walk or cycle lets you get up close to the artworks. The festival also runs well into January, which is handy if you suffer from post-holiday blues.

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

Tip: Remember to book in advance because this event gets super popular!

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3. Gouda bij Kaarslicht

When: December 11, 2026

Every year on the second Friday of December, Gouda goes old-school with Gouda bij Kaarslicht (Gouda by Candlelight). Thousands of candles light up the historic city centre.

The highlight is the lighting of the giant Christmas tree in front of the town hall at 7 PM. Gouda receives the tree every year as a gift from its Norwegian sister city, Kongsberg. Expect concerts, walks and performances throughout the day too.

One heads-up for this year: the town hall is still being renovated, and Welcome to Gouda says organisers are working out how the event will adapt.

4. De Lumineuze Nachten

When: December 4, 2026 to January 3, 2027

Kasteel de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands, swaps its daytime tours for something far more magical during De Lumineuze Nachten (The Luminous Nights).

The evening walk through the illuminated castle grounds is about 2.2 kilometres and takes 60 to 90 minutes. Halfway through, there’s a winter terrace with snacks and hot drinks.

Adult tickets cost €24.50, and children aged four and over pay €19.50, according to the event’s practical info page. Parking costs extra. Alternatively, NS (the Dutch national railway) sells a combined ticket that includes the train, a shuttle from Vleuten station and entry.

5. Magical Maastricht

When: November 27 to December 27, 2026

Strictly speaking, Magisch Maastricht (Magical Maastricht) is more Christmas market than light festival. But with thousands of fairy lights strung across the Vrijthof square, we’re letting it slide.

The organisers promise a covered ice rink, street curling, a carousel and a 45-metre Ferris wheel with enclosed glass gondolas. There’s also an Austrian-style Almhütte (mountain hut) with live music on most days.

Entry is free. Grab some glühwein or poffertjes from the market stalls and wander under the lights.

6. Utrecht Lumen

When: Every evening, all year round

What used to be Trajectum Lumen has grown into Utrecht Lumen. Light artworks across the city are now grouped under one name, and they light up bridges, churches and corners of Utrecht you’d normally walk straight past.

You can follow the route on your own any evening. You can also join a guided Utrecht Lumen Tour, which Utrecht’s tourism board says is running again from mid-October 2026.

7. Light Walk voor KWF (Scheveningen)

When: November 22, 2025

The Scheveningen Light Walk is back with a new name and a good cause. It’s now the Light Walk voor KWF, which means “for KWF”, the Dutch cancer charity.

On Saturday evening, thousands of walkers will follow a lit-up route along the boulevard and through the dunes. You can choose between 5, 10 or 15 kilometres. Along the way, you’ll find light acts, music and stops with warm drinks and winter treats.

Tickets cost between €22 and €29, according to The Hague’s tourism site. Want to make it count? If you raise €500 for KWF before November 4, the charity buys your ticket for you.

8. Nederlands Ijsbeelden Festival

When: December 12, 2026 to March 7, 2027

Okay, this one’s more ice than light, but hear us out. At the Nederlands IJsbeelden Festival (Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival) in Biddinghuizen, around 45 international artists carve huge sculptures from ice and snow.

The theme is still under wraps, according to the festival. The hall is kept at about -10°C, so bring a hat, scarf and gloves. Free shuttle buses run from Harderwijk and Dronten stations on set days.

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!

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