The Magic of Light

The Magic of Light

While whole Europe is dressing up in lights and getting ready for winter holidays, Amsterdam is going beyond it and becoming even more romantic and charming. The reason for extra special holidays decoration is the must-see Amsterdam Light Festival that will bring us joy and admiration for 55 days in a row! This year it is friendship-themed and lasts from 28 November 2015 to 17 January 2016. What could be a better reason for a visit with friends or a long weekend with loved ones in the city?

Let there be light
Light, art and water have never been combined in a better way than when Amsterdam gets illuminated by unique light objects created by contemporary artists. The canals, bridges and intricate architecture participate in a light spectacle that is hard to miss and impossible to forget. Before you know it, Amstel River will be crossed by “Northern Light” artwork, while colorful “Bands of Friendship” and “Light Droplets” will fascinate adults and kids. Interactive video installations, humanlike light columns, experimental art and much more await for you all over Amsterdam during The Light Festival.

Choose your route
This holiday spirit event features two main routes: Illuminade (the walking route) and Water Colors (the boat route) with each of them offering some unique views of magical lights and art. The walking route is free for everybody and can be enjoyed around Weesper and Plantage neighborhoods from 10 November 2015 to 3 January 2016. It reveals 20 light art pieces that include even historical buildings and city parks in their setup.

Water Colors presents a different route with other light installations that are better observed from the water and experience by boat. It takes place every day throughout the whole duration of the Amsterdam Light Festival except New Year’s Eve. The official website of the festival has a list of all participating boat route companies that can take you for a 75-minute distinctive tour: https://www.amsterdamlightfestival.com/en

In addition to all the light artworks, there will be some special events in the city, which will add up to your delightful magic (al) experience in Amsterdam. The city gets remarkably cozy when The Light Festival is on, and all of a sudden Dutch winter becomes full of light and colors. Come to Amsterdam for the holiday spirit and leave with breathtaking impressions!

photo credits: Erik de Vries

This post is also available in: Dutch