For the sixth year in a row, the dark winter evenings of Amsterdam are getting bright and beautiful by the colorful lights all the way. From tonight, 30th November until 21st January 2018, all the Dutch as well leading International artists are illuminating the Amsterdam City Centre for 53 consecutive days – both on land & water.

My colleagues told me that a few years ago, the Amsterdam Light Festival commenced as a small boat parade / Christmas Canal Parade. Under the strong patronage of Amsterdam’s recently deceased mayor, Eberhard van der Laan, the festival has grown into so magnificent & outstanding, appealing nearly a million visitors last year – 2016!

Continuing the success last year, there were 1800 people from all over the world showed interest to present their work this year, out of which only 900 international talents shortlisted for the proposal stage. From those 900 concepts, now that only 35 artworks have been finalised.

At Marineterrein, within a walking distance from the Amsterdam Central Station, a huge exhibition on land has been set up with 15 unique artworks. The twenty other wonders make the beautiful canals of Amsterdam even more beautiful. The most famous participant this year is the Chinese artist “Ai Weiwei”. He laid a 6.5 km long border line of glass fiber, through which red laser light is shot through.

There are many walk & boat tour operators, arranging numerous exciting events all through the 53 days. As always, Amsterdam is best seen from the water; you can choose any of the Water Colors canal cruises. To explore the festival on foot, don't miss the Illuminade walking route.

Amsterdam Light Festival takes place on land and water. Please note the differences in opening dates and opening times for both exhibitions.

Water exposition: 30 November 2017 - 21 January 2018
Times: daily, from 5 pm to 11 pm* (except on New Year’s Eve 5- 8PM)
Location: along the canals of Amsterdam

Land exposition: 14 December 2017 - 7 January 2018
Times: daily, from 5 pm to 10 pm*
Location: Marineterrein Amsterdam, near Amsterdam Central Station.

Not many people choose to visit Amsterdam in the winter. If you end-up in Amsterdam by anychance😛, it’s well worth a look! You’ll be amazed.  Some pictures from last year below: