The Amsterdam Light Festival has rapidly become a fixture in every Amsterdammer's winter social calendar. Although compared to most other Dutch traditions the ALF is relatively young at only five years, it has rapidly become one of the best attended Amsterdam social events.
The reason is simple - everyone without exception can appreciate a spectacular light show, something light professionals and designers Henk Jan Buchel and Vincetn Horbach knew when they chose to produce the very first light show event in Amsterdam on Christmas Eve of 2009. With the addition of Rogier van der Heiden (famous light designer and chief design officer at Philips Lighting) and Wim Droge to produce the parade to the team in 2010, it was obvious that what was then only a parade of lights would go far. In 2012, after stellar attendances in previous light events, the first ever Amsterdam Light Festival was organized which expanded on the festive light themes of the parades of the previous years.
The light festival itself goes a lot further towards illuminating the city than regular seasonal decorations (which are already strung up all around the city,FYI!). During the festival, some of the best light designers and artists from around the world decorate Amsterdam's canals with special light fixtures and designs. Canal houses and public squares and buildings are also lit up by fantastic multicolour light displays. Because of the ALF's focus on the canals in particular, a night time canal cruise is one of the best ways to take in the light fixtures.
During the Christmas Canal Parade, however, it is best to remain on the shore and instead observe (along with some gluhwein) the tens of magnificently decorated canal boats as they go past you.
The Amsterdam Light Festival goes on from December 12th 2013 until January 20th 2014. Also, watch this space! We here at Amsterdam City Tours are in love with the Amsterdam Light Festival, and make sure our customers have access to the best ALF tours and special deals and promotions in order for you to experience beautifully lit up Amsterdam in all its glory.
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