FAQ: Festival info

EDITIE 13

When does Edition 13 take place?

The thirteenth edition of Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 28 November 2024 until 19 January 2025. The lights are on from Sunday-Tuesday 5.00 til 10.00 p.m. and Wednesday til Saturday til 11.00 p.m. On 31 December the lights are off and the festival is closed.

What is Edition 13 about?

Edition 13 coincides with Amsterdam's 750th anniversary. What custom is more appropriate to mark this special milestone than a ritual? Light plays a vital role in many rituals. We use fireworks to usher in the new year, candles to commemorate, and midsummer fires to welcome the solstice. Light adds something mystical and sacred to a ritual like no other element can. And rituals unify. Rituals bring people together. That’s why we celebrate Amsterdam750 with light, with art, with each other. With Edition 13: Rituals.

What is being organized?

During Amsterdam Light Festival the iconic canals of Amsterdam form the backdrop for the light artworks. This year, 27 artworks are made specially for the festival, which can be admired from the water or from land. Moreover, the Hoftuin is transformed into the heart of the festival, called 'Light Garden'.

• Cruise: from the water you have unique views of the artworks. From a canal boat to a private cruise with dinner; anything is possible.
• Walk: with our festival app you go on a winterly stroll through the city. Or go for a culinary experience, with our Foodwalk.
• Bike: join a guided bike tour and get to know everything about the art and the city by a local Amsterdammer.
• Light Garden: in our Light Garden you can find two artworks, takeaway options, and programming around the theme Rituals. Free entry.

Where can I buy tickets?

In our ticket shop you can find tickets for the different experiences. You can also find more information about departure times and locations.

TICKET SHOP

Can I participate in Edition 13?

We are always curious for new collaborations. Got an illuminating idea? Then send us an email at partner@amsterdamlightfestival.com. It's not possible to participate as an artist anymore. Also the programming is more or less set in stone. If you still want to contact use, send an email to info@amsterdamlightfestival.com.

GENERAL INFO

What is Amsterdam Light Festival?

Amsterdam Light Festival is a light art festival that takes place every winter. The festival consists of a route of 20-30 unique light artworks, created especially for the festival. They are placed in, above and alongside the canals.

How are the artworks selected?

Every festival edition takes about 20 months of preperation. After thematic research, the Open Call takes place and creatives from around the world can submit their ideas. After a careful selection process (a.o. with an independent jury), the chosen concepts, together with the invited concepts, will be created under guidance of our artistic and technical team. When the festival is over, some artworks become part of the internationally travelling Light Art Collection.

How is Amsterdam Light Festival organized?

The festival is organized by the Amsterdam Light Festival Foundation. This cultural ANBI foundation is active year round to connect and enrich people through light art. Read more here meer.

CAN’T FIND YOUR QUESTION?

Click on one of the subjects below for more frequently asked questions.
CRUISE DIRECTIONS PARTICIPATE TICKETS WALK

CONTACT