Top 12 Light Festivals in Europe - A Colorful Journey

The European Festival of Lights is not just about the brilliant colors that paint the night sky, but also about inspiring stories of culture and art. Each sparkling light tells a legend, each illuminated street is a song of magic.

European light festivals transform cities into magical stages of color and light. Each ray of light reflects on ancient architectural works, creating a dreamy and captivating space, where art and light blend, opening up an unforgettable journey of discovery .

1. Amsterdam Light Festival (Netherlands)

Amsterdam Light Festival is the most brilliant and unique in Europe (Photo source: Collected)

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an art event that takes place around November every year, where top artists, architects and designers from around the world come together to transform Amsterdam into a magical painting of light.

Creative works with different themes are displayed throughout the streets, standing out in the heart of the city at night. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of these works by walking or taking a cruise along the canals, admiring the sparkling architectural works, creating a romantic, enchanting scene.

2. Glow Light Festival (Netherlands)

The pinnacle of light art at the Glow light festival (Photo source: Collected)

GLOW Festival, held in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is one of the largest and most unique light festivals in Europe. Known as the "capital of design and technology," Eindhoven offers a modern and unique space where artists create impressive light works. With a creative combination of light, music and art, each GLOW brings new themes, creating an atmosphere full of color and emotion.

3. Fête des Lumières Festival (France)

Sparkling lights at the Lyon light festival, France (Photo source: Collected)

The Fête des Lumières in Lyon, France, takes place from December 8 to 12 every year, transforming the city into a vibrant work of art. Attended by millions of visitors, the festival features more than 80 light displays that illuminate historic UNESCO-listed structures. The magnificent façade of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is one of the highlights not to be missed.

More than just lighting effects, the event also blends art and modern technology, bringing unique works from artists around the world. Participating in the festival, visitors can also enjoy local culture through rich art and culinary activities, creating an emotional and memorable experience.

4. Lucia Light Festival (Sweden)

Lucia Festival is a traditional festival in Sweden, also one of the light festivals in Europe, taking place on December 13 every year, carrying traditional beauty and deep meaning. Held in memory of Saint Lucia, an Italian Christian who sacrificed for the ideal, this festival symbolizes light in the dark days of winter.

In the warm atmosphere of the festival, children dressed in pure white costumes, holding palm branches, created a magical and sparkling scene. Standing out in the procession was the little girl chosen to be Saint Lucia, wearing a crown of candles, shining brightly among the crowd. The singing of Christmas songs blended with the light, bringing joy and hope to everyone.

5. Copenhagen Light Festival (Denmark)

The capital of Denmark is brilliant during the Copenhagen light festival (Photo source: Collected)

The Copenhagen Light Festival, which runs from early February for 20 days, transforms the Danish capital into a living canvas of light art. With 35 unique installations, each evening, famous architectural works are lit up from 5pm to 11pm, creating a magical atmosphere.

Visitors and residents can enjoy walking and cycling tours, exploring impressive works of art that line the downtown streets and some suburban areas.

6. Ghent Light Festival (Belgium)

Ghent Light Festival is colorful on every street (Photo source: Collected)

One of the must-see light festivals in Europe is the Ghent Light Festival. Featuring a stunning LED cathedral, a fusion of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, standing 91 metres tall and decorated with 55,000 dazzling LED lights, the festival transforms the city into a dazzling spectacle.

Luminaire De Cagna, with more than 30 unique light displays, has become the center of attention. Residents and visitors immerse themselves in the magical space, admire the light sculptures and walk under the magical lights, creating an inspiring and unforgettable experience.

7. York Light Festival (UK)

The European light festival is sparkling at York Cathedral, England (Photo source: Collected)

When night falls, York Minster becomes a living work of art, blending history and modern technology. This is one of the greatest works of Gothic architecture in England, where every architectural detail has its own story. The York Light Festival transforms it into a mesmerizing stage with 6D lighting technology, where hundreds of lights illuminate the walls, highlighting the ancient beauty of the building.

Visitors will be able to admire unique light artworks, along with charming melodies blending in a magical space. This European light festival is a great opportunity for visitors to explore the beauty of the ancient city of York.

8. Staro Riga Light Festival (Latvia)

Latvia is flooded with light at the Staro Riga festival (Photo source: Collected)

Staro Riga Light Festival, one of the most prominent events in Latvia, takes place from 15 to 18 November every year. This is a colorful European light festival, transforming the capital Riga into a sparkling and brilliant art space. During the festival days, the city is decorated with millions of lights, creating colorful light works of art by the hands of the world's leading artists.

The festival not only offers visitors a wonderful visual experience through impressive light installations on buildings, towers and bridges, but also an opportunity to enjoy a joyful atmosphere with many art performances, music and dance. Along the river banks and large squares, food stalls serve traditional Latvian dishes, creating a cozy and attractive space for participants.

9. Lux Helsinki Festival (Finland)

Magical light in the light in Helsinki, Finland (Photo source: Collected)

Every year, in the cold winter, the capital Helsinki becomes more lively than ever with the Lux Light Festival. Coming here, visitors will discover unique light works stretching along the small alleys and along the riverbank.

The festival takes place in the evening, when the lights from hundreds of brilliant works of art blend with the quiet beauty of winter. The diverse colored lights not only attract attention but also create a romantic atmosphere, making Lux Helsinki an ideal stop for those looking for something new and different in their journey to discover the light festival in Europe.

10. Berlin Light Festival (Germany)

Brilliant light festival in Berlin, Germany (Photo source: Collected)

Berlin’s Festival of Lights, which takes place every October, offers a fantastic journey of discovery at over 70 locations across the city. Over the course of 17 days, iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower are dressed in shimmering, magical light.

Unique artistic performances, from dancers in light costumes to works by artist Thierry Noir, blend with music and art, creating an enchanting space. This is the European festival of lights where visitors can admire the beauty of Berlin in magical light, leaving unforgettable memories in everyone's heart.

11. Signal Festival of Lights (Czech Republic)

Flooded with light at Signal Festival, Czech Republic (Photo source: Collected)

Signal Light Festival is not just a European light festival , but a magical journey that takes visitors to discover the sparkling beauty of Prague Castle from October 10 to 13. This year, the festival is themed "Ecosystem 02: Quest", where modern light artworks blend with the city's rich history. In particular, two famous landmarks, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Library, will be transformed by spectacular video mapping displays.

Beyond the performances, this year’s festival will also host the first Light Forum, where experts will exchange and share about art, science and technology, opening up new knowledge and opportunities for creative collaboration. Signal 2024 is not only a feast for the eyes but also an inspiration for the soul, evoking strong emotions about balance in the digital age.

12. Hanukkah Festival of Lights (Italy)

Hanukkah, one of the most solemn Jewish festivals, takes place over eight days in December. Milan, home to the second largest Jewish community in Italy, is one of the must-see destinations.

Here, every night, relatives and friends gather around a menorah, where flickering blue and white candles reflect unity and hope. These rays of light not only illuminate the atmosphere but also bring a profound message of freedom and faith. Participating in this European festival of lights, visitors will feel the space is both sacred and mysterious, discovering more about the rich traditions and culture of the Jewish people.

Closing the journey to discover the light festivals in Europe , you will not only be satisfied with the beautiful performances but also immersed in the unique culture and tradition. Let Vietravel accompany you on this magical journey.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-anh-sang-o-chau-au-v15807.aspx