Amsterdam’s Light Festival

Each year, the historic center of Amsterdam will light up for 55 nights to celebrate the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. Exhibitions of sculptures and artwork by established and upcoming contemporary artists will transform the city’s hub into a lighted celebration every evening from November 28 until January 17, 2016. Many participants are international, like Swedish artist Aleksandra Stratimirovic, whose “Northern Lights” sculpture will cross the River Amstel.

Projections on historic buildings, installations on the streets and in other public areas, and interactive works – some that visitors can walk through — are available during the festival. The artwork can be enjoyed from the water and on foot.

The Water Colors boat route offers a 75-minute tour on Amsterdam’s famous canals that passes alongside, under and through some of the works. The Illuminade walking route, which takes about 90 minutes (open from December 10 until January 3) is available to do on one’s own or on a group tour. It winds its way past 20 light artworks through the “culturally rich neighborhoods” of Weesper and Plantage in Amsterdam East, according to the festival’s organizers.