Europe's best light festivals
See European cities light up with works of art
As the days grow shorter, many cities around Europe transform into open-air light art museums. The darker nights allow urban spaces to tell stories through colorful light art installations, using everything from buildings to bridges as a canvas. It's a memorable way to explore a new city and see some of Europe's most famous sights in a whole new light – here are some of the best for 2019.
Light Festival (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)
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November 28, 2019 – January 19, 2020
Amsterdam Light Festival has been telling stories through light art since 2012. This year's installations will be switched on at the end of November for almost two months, and can be explored by bike, boat or on foot.
Follow the trail through Amsterdam's historic center and see how the artworks weave their narrative through the city and its splendid centuries-old canals.
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Fête des lumières (Lyon, France)
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December 5–8, 2019
Every year, the city of Lyon lights up with creative light displays and designs from a selection of international artists. This December, over 50 light installations will illuminate buildings, streets, squares and parks all over the city.
This famous spectacle has its roots in a traditional festival held in Lyon on December 8 in honour of the Virgin Mary, whose statue stands above the city on the Fourvière hill. Residents place lights in windows and on balconies as part of the celebrations.
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GLOW FESTIVAL (EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS)
November 9–16, 2019
Watch the Dutch city of Eindhoven glow with artworks and light shows created by young national and international talents. The installations are connected by a 5km walking route which runs through the city center.
Stop and have a talk with GLOW Bot, a character that blends art and artificial intelligence, appearing for the first time this year. Prepare to be amazed...
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