What is the Amsterdam Light Festival exactly?

The annual happening in Amsterdam is upon us, the Amsterdam Light Festival. A place for art and rituals in 2024. 27 works of art throughout Amsterdam with the theme for edition 13: Rituals. But what is it really and why do they do this every year? In this blog I will tell  you all about the non-profit ANBI-organization, and why they do what they do.

The history of the Amsterdam Light Festival,

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual festival since 2012 that takes place around the turn of the year, this year from November 28, 2024 through January 19, 2025. During this period, impressive light artworks are exhibited around Amsterdam, this year there are 27. By both Dutch and international artists. Each year has a different theme. The theme of edition 12 was Imagine Beyond. The festival acts as a stage for both well-known and emerging artists, they can use this happening to exhibit their talents.

Rituals bring people together.

The theme of edition 13 is Rituals.Why Rituals?“Rituals have always been associated with all kinds of transformations: from past to future, from winter to summer, from youth to adulthood.Light plays a crucial role in many forms of rituals, as a symbol of joy, energy and life. We use fireworks to usher in the new year, candles to commemorate the coming of a savior and midsummer fires to welcome the solstice. Light adds something mystical and sacred to a ritual like no other element can. Rituals connect. Rituals bring people together.

27 artworks, 23 artists.

Rituals are brought to life in this edition. Some artworks will be about how important rituals are to nature, such as Solstice by Studio Vertigo and Mirror Moon which shows the different phases of the moon in a different rhythm, created by Arnout Meijer. But also how rituals are part of human life, this will be shown through impressive artworks such as The Ice Masters House, how skating on natural ice is an annual Dutch ritual, created by Soyoun Kim.

Extra experiences

This year there are extra experiences available to make your ALF extra special. At places like the Stoperaplein, the Light Garden and the IAmsterdam store extra information will be told about the artworks and the Amsterdam Light Festival itself, to make sure you can get all the information you need.In addition, this year also a special culinary experience is offered: the Foodwalk, with an le Foodwalk ticket you can enjoy 5 special bites and a drink at affiliated restaurants.

The sustainability Manifesto

Every year the light artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival exhibit a new story, but something that will never change is the commitment to a minimal footprint.The festival, alongside over 20 other festivals in Europe, has signed the ILO Sustainability Manifesto, this manifesto was created by the international industry association: International Lightfestival Organization to contribute to the sustainability of Light festivals worldwide. For more information on sustainable Light Festivals, click here.

By land or by sea:

There are several ways to experience the event. Walkable, the walking route is 6.5 kilometers long.
The walking route starts at the Central Station, passes through the Nieuwe Herengracht to the Herengracht and then through the Haarlemmersluis, back at start, the Central Station. Amsterdam Boat Experience, subsidiary of Flagship Amsterdam, is also making its boats available to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival, leisurely, from the water. Along with a complementary wine, beer or glass of Glühwein to make your experience warm and complete.

Will we see you for the Amsterdam Light Festival? We can’t wait!

Book your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise here!