Light festivals in the Netherlands 2026: dates, places and what they mean for brands

The darkest weeks of the year are the brightest in the Netherlands. From early November to mid-January, cities across the country fill canals, squares and parks with light art. Below are the confirmed dates for the 2026 season, what to expect at each festival, and what this season means for brands that want to be seen.

The 2026 light festival calendar

GLOW Eindhoven · 7–14 November

The season opens in Eindhoven. GLOW brings light art by more than 35 artists to the city, with a route through the centre and programmes in Oirschot, Best, Veldhoven, Helmond and Lieshout. This year’s theme is “Connect”. Open daily from 18:30 to 23:00, free to visit.

Amsterdam Light Festival · 26 November – 17 January

The 15th edition takes light art along the canals and on a new route through the city. The artworks are free to see on foot; boat and walking tours are ticketed. The lights are on daily from 17:30, until 22:00 or 23:00 depending on the day, and until 23:00 every day between 19 December and 3 January.

Fjoertoer Egmond · 27 and 28 November

An evening walk along lit routes through Egmond aan Zee, Egmond-Binnen, Egmond aan den Hoef and Heiloo, with light art and live acts. The 2026 theme is “Fjoer World Toer”. Registration is required and closes on 16 November or earlier if the limit is reached. Proceeds support the local lifeboat and rescue teams.

Gouda bij Kaarslicht · 11 December

On the second Friday of December, the historic centre of Gouda is lit by thousands of candles, with a programme throughout the day and the traditional ceremony at the Christmas tree at 19:00.

Also on the calendar

Enschede Lights Up (a free projection route through the city centre in December) and De Lumineuze Nachten at Kasteel de Haar near Utrecht (a ticketed winter light walk) also return this season. Their 2026 dates were not yet confirmed on the organisers’ sites when we wrote this; check before you plan a visit.

Practical tips

• Go on a weekday. Weekends and the Christmas holidays are the busiest evenings.
• Book tickets early for boat tours, guided walks and ticketed events.
• Travel by public transport. Parking near the routes is limited, and NS often runs extra trains on busy evenings.
• Dress warmly. Most routes take one to two hours outdoors.

What does the season mean for brands?

Light festivals draw large evening crowds into city centres during a period that is otherwise quiet. For shops, restaurants, hotels and venues along the routes, that means extra footfall. For every brand, it means a shared moment that people already talk about. Four ways to use it:

• Plan content around the calendar. A short guide, a route tip or a behind-the-scenes post connects your brand to a topic your audience is already searching for.
• Adjust your opening hours and messaging. If you are on or near a route, say so on your website, your Google Business Profile and social media.
• Use the evenings for your team or clients. An evening walk or boat tour is an easy, low-cost way to host clients or celebrate the end of the year.
• Keep one consistent story. Seasonal content works best when it fits your positioning, not as a one-off post.

Want a content calendar that turns moments like these into a steady marketing rhythm? Read how we work on digital marketing or email us at info@eddacreative.com with a short description of your project.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026?

From 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, with the lights on daily from 17:30.

When is GLOW Eindhoven 2026?

From 7 to 14 November 2026, daily from 18:30 to 23:00. Entry is free.

Are the light festivals free?

GLOW Eindhoven and the Amsterdam Light Festival artworks are free to see on foot. Boat tours, guided walks, Fjoertoer Egmond and De Lumineuze Nachten require tickets or registration.

This article is based on information published by the organisers and city tourism offices as of 1 November 2026. Programmes can change; check the official sites before you go.

Sources

• Amsterdam Light Festival – Edition 15
• I amsterdam – Amsterdam Light Festival
• Holland Expat Center – GLOW Eindhoven 2026
• This is Eindhoven – GLOW
• Rodi – Fjoertoer Egmond 2026
• Welkom in Gouda – Gouda bij Kaarslicht
• Visit Enschede – Enschede Lights Up
• IamExpat – De Lumineuze Nachten, Kasteel de Haar