Throughout the Netherlands there are various activities or events related to light in autumn and winter. From Amsterdam to Eindhoven, we've got you covered.
1. Light Nights Ouwehands Zoo
When the animals go to sleep, Ouwhands Zoo really comes to life! From 18 October 2025 to 21 February 2026, Light Nights will shine with a brand new edition, even bigger, more colourful and more magical than ever. Stroll among beautiful light artworks and discover an enchanting animal world full of light, sound and wonder. Explore the animal kingdom in the dark and enjoy the magical atmosphere with warm drinks and tasty treats. Perfect for a night of fun with the whole family!
๐ Tip: stay the night at Stayokay Arnhem
2. GLOW 2025 Eindhoven
Image: Bart van Overbeeke
Celebrate the 20th edition of GLOW in Eindhoven, the City of Light in the Netherlands. For eight days, from 8 to 15 November 2025, the city and its surroundings will be transformed into one large light art installation. During this anniversary edition, familiar icons will shine alongside brand-new creations. From students and (inter)national light artists to primary school children and local residents: everyone will contribute to make Eindhoven shine. And best of all? GLOW 2025 is free for everyone to visit!
๐ Tip: stay in Eindhoven at a discount!
Book and stay until 18 December at Stayokay Eindhoven and get 15% off. Check out our Autumn City Deal now!
3. Scheveningen Light Walk
On 22 November 2025, Scheveningen will be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland during the Scheveningen Light Walk, an atmospheric evening walk full of light and experiences. You can choose to walk 5, 10 or 15 kilometres along illuminated streets, past cheerful acts and surprising light artworks. Make the walk even more fun by bringing your own lights or decorating yourself with lights! The walk ends on Scheveningen beach, where each participant will receive a unique walking pin as a souvenir of this wonderful evening.
๐ Tip: stay the night at Stayokay The Hague
Now with a 15% discount. Check out our Autumn City Deal now!
4. Amsterdam Light Festival
Image: Janus van den Eijnden
The most famous light festival in the Netherlands is probably the Amsterdam Light Festival. This winter, it will once again take place from 27 November 2025 to 19 January 2026 in the heart of the city centre. The theme of this 14th edition is Legacy. This edition revolves around everything we leave behind, big or small. Twenty artists use their light art to show that our legacy is not set in stone, but that we ourselves shape the light of the future. Discover all the light artworks on foot or book a boat tour and experience the light festival from the water.
๐ Tip: stay in Amsterdam at a discount!
Book and stay until 18 December at one of our 3 Amsterdam locations with a 15% discount. Check out our Amsterdam City Trip Deal now!
5. Fjoertoer Egmond
For avid walkers, the Fjoertoer Egmond is the ideal evening activity. Walk in the dark along various routes, ranging from 6 to 20 kilometres, past various enchanting light artworks. Whether you opt for the Family Route or the Full Fjoertoer Experience, you are sure to be surprised during this sporty evening walk. This edition of the Fjoertoer, on 28 and 29 November 2025, is already almost sold out! So be quick if you don't want to miss out! Too late to register for the Fjoertoer? Don't worry, because on 31 January 2026, the similar Light Walk in Zandvoort will take place.
๐ Tip: stay overnight at Stayokay Egmond or Stayokay Heemskerk
6. The Luminous Nights
From 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, the castle grounds of Kasteel de Haar will once again become a magical place during the Christmas holidays with De Lumineuze Nachten (The Luminous Nights). During a ยฑ 60-minute walk, you will discover the beautifully illuminated castle garden while enjoying an entertaining fairy tale told with the help of more than a hundred projectors. And it's not just the lighting and the story that are enjoyable; the castle itself is also a particularly beautiful sight. In short, an enchantingly fun evening for young and old!
๐ Tip: stay in Utrecht at a discount!
When you purchase a ticket for the luminous nights at De Haar Castle, you will receive a 15% discount on your stay at Stayokay Utrecht Centrum! Purchase your tickets first and you will receive the unique discount code after purchase.
7. I Light U Utrecht
From 9 January to 1 February 2026, Utrecht will be transformed into a colourful light spectacle during I Light U. The area around Utrecht Central Station and Jaarbeursplein will be filled with enchanting light artworks by national and international artists. The theme of this fourth edition is โALIVEโ, an ode to life in all its forms. The artworks show how, with light, joy and encounters, we can overcome dark times together and remain full of energy in life. Be surprised, enjoy the winter cosiness and discover the city at its most beautiful, completely free of charge!
๐ Tip: stay the night at Stayokay Utrecht Centrum
Now with a 15% discount. Check out our Autumn City Deal now!
Also want to visit fun festivals in summer?
More interested in summer festivals? Don't worry! We've also written an extensive article about this, namely 10x the Best Festivals in the Netherlands. From Pinkpop to Mysteryland, here you will find everything you want to know about the best festivals in the Netherlands this year.
