Activities

6x the most Beautiful Light Festivals in the Netherlands

23 September 2024

Before you know it, the days will be getting shorter and the nights longer. But that also means it's time for cosy lighting again! In these places, they go the extra mile and build the most beautiful light shows in autumn and winter. Read on!

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. GLOW 2024 Eindhoven

Image: Bart van Overbeeke

Once again this year, from 9 to 16 Novemeber, it is time for another edition of this beautiful light show in Eindhoven; GLOW 2024. This year, international artist Kari Kola will pull out all the stops to transform the huge Phillips Stadium into a special phenomenon. This creative artist has rolled up his sleeves in this beautiful city before, but also once created a real work of light art around the famous Stonehenge. GLOW 2024 is free to all visitors.

πŸ“ Tip: stay overnight at Blue Collar Hotel - Stayokay Eindhoven

2. The Luminous Nights

Every winter, the beautiful Castle de Haar is transformed into a magical place during The Luminous Nights. During a Β± 60-minute walk, you will discover the beautifully lit castle garden while enjoying an amusing fairy tale story told with the help of an animated film. And not only the lighting and the story is to be enjoyed, the castle itself is a particularly beautiful sight. In short, a fun evening for young and old alike!

πŸ“ Tip: stay overnight at Stayokay Utrecht Centrum

3. Amsterdam Light Festival

Image: Janus van den Eijnden

One of the most famous light festivals in the Netherlands is the Amsterdam Light Festival. This winter, it will again take place from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025 in the heart of Amsterdam. The theme of this 13th edition is Rituals. This edition is special because it coincides with the 750th anniversary of our Dutch capital. As the festival's own website says: β€˜What better way to add lustre to this festive occasion than with a ritual?’

πŸ“ Tip: stay overnight at Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark or Stayokay Amsterdam Oost

4. Fjoertour Egmond

For avid walkers, the Fjoertour Egmond is the ideal evening activity. The routes vary from 6 to 20 kilometres, but whichever route you take, you will be surprised anyway during this sporty evening walk. During this walk on 29 and 30 November 2024, you will pass several original acts created by unique light and sound effects. These are created by various artists and creative people from the neighbourhood.

πŸ“ Tip: stay overnight at Stayokay Egmond or Stayokay Heemskerk

5. Scheveningen Light Walk

On 7 December 2024, it is again time for the 6th edition of the Scheveningen Light Walk! During this walk, you can choose whether you want to walk the 7.5, 12 or 18-kilometre route. During this evening activity, you will walk through various magically lit streets and you can enjoy a hot chocolate with an oliebol along the way. The walk ends on the Scheveningen beach, where each participant will receive a unique walking pin as a memento of the amazing evening.

πŸ“ Tip: stay overnight at Stayokay The Hague

6. Alkmaar Light Festival

Image: Emil de Jong, editing: Mischa Pranger

From 31 October to 2 November 2024, the streets and canals of Alkmaar will light up all over again during the Alkmaar Light Festival. During the approximately 3-kilometre city walk, you will walk past various video art, light objects and live perfomances. There is also a lot of music incorporated in this Alkmaar show. Definitely worth a visit!

πŸ“ Tip: stay overnight at Stayokay Heemskerk or Stayokay Egmond

Also want to visit fun festivals in summer?

More interested in summer festivals? Don't worry! We have also written an extensive blog 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.