Amsterdam Light Festival 2022-2023
The 2022-2023 edition of the annual Amsterdam Light Festival will last 52 days, starting the 1st of December 2022, till the 22nd of January 2023. If you’re lucky enough to be in Amsterdam during this period, then the Light Festival is an absolute must-see! This year will be the 11th edition of the festival theme for this year is “Imagine Beyond”, but more on the theme later. The illuminated artworks of both national and international artists are placed in the canals of Amsterdam and are to be found from the centre towards the eastern part of the city. The light sculptures are illuminated daily between 17:00 till 23:00. You can either choose to visit the Amsterdam Light Festival following a walking tour, but we would recommend doing a boat tour to enjoy the experience to the fullest. A digital map for the walking tour can be purchased at €7,50, the boat tours start at €26,50. Also, make sure to check out all other canal cruise options in Amsterdam!
#11 Imagine Beyond – the theme for Amsterdam Light Festival 2022 – 2023
The 2022 theme of the Light Festival is “Imagine Beyond”. This theme is dedicated to the drastic changes that we’ve all witnessed in the past two years, we’ve seen how our world can change in an instant. From a free world, we’ve been scared into a surrealistic world with draconian measures and personal freedoms taken away. Our imagination, however, remains largely untouched! Therefore, you are invited to look at this year’s artworks and let your imagination run wild! What does your fantasy allow you to see? A world where we’re bringing back the human connection and are no longer afraid of one another? A world where people start engaging with each other and there are fewer people feeling lonely or left out? Everybody’s imagination will paint a different picture and that’s perfectly fine as long as we respect each other’s views without prejudice or judgement!
Boat tours, prices & discounts during the Amsterdam Light Festival 2022-2023
There are several boating companies that operate during the Amsterdam Light Festival. You are able to choose from a wide variety of boats from basic to luxury. Some of the tours include food and drinks and even entertainment, while others just focus on the light sculptures. Of course, the more basic tours are a lot cheaper. To give you an idea; expect prices ranging from €26,50 up to €70,- per person for the more luxurious tours.
Check out our recommended cruises below;
Classic canal boat options
– Make sure to redeem our exclusive Tours & Tickets discount code ‘THINGSTODO10‘ to get 10% discount –
Small open boat options
A Light Festival cruise in a small, open boat allows for better sights and pictures. However, it’s also a bit colder, although (warmed) blankets and pillows are provided. The small vessels are also less suitable for people with difficulties walking or otherwise reduced mobility.
ALF bike tour
This year, there’s also the possibility to go and see the artworks of the festival by bike. A great option if you rather stay ashore! A guide will take you along the route and explain to you all there is to know about the light sculptures, the story behind them and the artists who made them. The tour takes approximately two hours and bike rental is included in the price.
FAQs concerning Amsterdam Light Festival
What has changed compared to last year?
Like every year, all the artworks have been replaced with new ones, that are made to fit this year’s theme “Imagine Beyond”
What are the opening hours for the Amsterdam Light Festival?
Light Festival can be visited when the artworks are illuminated from 17:00 in the afternoon till 23:00 in the evening.
How much time do I need?
Mostly off the tours will take approximately 60- 90 minutes depending on your pace. Make sure to be there on time!
Is the Amsterdam Light Festival suitable for children?
Yes, the festival is suitable for all ages.
Amsterdam Light Festival walking route 2022-2023
Unfortunately, we’re not able to share this year’s walking route. In order to cover the costs for the festival, the walking route can only be purchased on the official website of the Amsterdam Light Festival for €7,50. To purchase the walking route, please visit https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/en/walk.
Photo impression of past editions
Want to see a little more? Check out these magnificent photos from previous editions.
©Photography by Janus van den Eijnden
9 Comments on "Amsterdam Light Festival 2022-2023"
Tours & Tickets discount code ‘THINGSTODO10‘ to get 10% discount – not available
Thank you for notifying us! We contacted our partner about this and the code should be working again in a few hours.
This is not this year’s map! You can get it at the website of the festival 🙂
I don`t understand something – can you walk freely around the city and take a look at the lights without having a ticket (and digital map) or it is a necessity to pay to enter the “walking route”?
And – if you are going to visit the festival on foot, which means in the open space, are you supposed to have Covid QR certificate or not?
Best regards!
It is possible to walk freely without a map you might just have to puzzle to find out where the artworks are exactly, probably you can just follow the lights, or maybe just ask someone who did buy the map if you can have a look at it. As it’s out on the streets a QR certificate is not required.
Enjoy!
Where is this years walking map?
Believing it should be up because this already started..
Dear Rosa,
Thank you for noticing, We’ve now added this year’s walking route. Enjoy!
was are the dates for 2020-2021
Dear Tina,
This year the Amsterdam Light Festival will start on the 28th of November 2019 and will end the 19th of January 2020. The dates for 2020- 2021 are not known yet.