Europe's best light art festivals 

Countless glittering lights transform the night 

railtour_Amsterdam Lightfestival | © (c) Amsterdam Lightfestival railtour_Amsterdam Lightfestival | © (c) Amsterdam Lightfestival
 

Mesmerising, enchanting and artistic, light art festivals bring a magical touch to winter nights in Europe’s most stunning cities, creating the perfect setting for unforgettable adventures.

 

railtour_Lyon Fête des lumières | © (c) Lyon Fête des lumières
Fête des lumières Lyon

5 - 8 December 2025
The renowned light festival is known far beyond the country's borders. A wide variety of works can be discovered throughout the city: some grand and spectacular, others more personal, sometimes participatory and always unexpected.
The «Fête des Lumières» offers a platform for recognised artists and young talents.
Book your hotel + train journey early.

Book now
railtour_Amsterdam Lightfestival | © Amsterdam Lightfestival
Amsterdam Light Festival

27 November 2025 - 18 January 2026
The best lighting artists in the world show what they can do here. No wonder the festival was named "Best Creative Lighting Event" last year.

In the historic centre of Amsterdam, the lights dance on the water of the canals. Experience the enchanting installations on foot, on a boat or by bike. 

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railtour_Copenhagen Light Festival | © Shutterstock 454369747
Copenhagen Light Festival

30 January - 22 February 2025
During the three weeks, the city centre and harbour will be transformed from the quiet and cold winter darkness into a unique festival of light art, light design and lighting.

With a wide range of light sculptures, installations and illuminations, the city's various spaces, squares, façades, bridges and hidden places will be accentuated and interpreted in a new way.

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railtour_Turin-Luci_d'Artista | © (c) Luci_d'Artista Torino
Luci d’Artista Turin

24 October 2025 - 11 January 2026
Since 1998, Luci d’Artista has been enchanting Turin’s winter evenings, bathing the city in a magical glow. Each year, this extraordinary event transforms the Piedmontese capital into a fairytale open-air museum.

Streets, squares, and landmarks come alive with imaginative colors and shapes through spectacular contemporary art installations. Created by internationally renowned artists, these luminous works blend creativity with an atmosphere unlike any other.

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Sparkling lights and winter magic

Experience festively decorated cities, atmospheric events, and illuminated sights

Happy couple in winter clothes in front of Christmas lights | © shutterstock / 1819607177
Advent trips by train

Experience the festive magic of Christmas markets in Europe's cities – full of sparkling lights, street food aromas and urban winter flair. Whether it's mulled wine, shopping or simply strolling through sparkling alleys – Advent becomes an experience here. And best of all: travelling by train is relaxed, central and sustainable, putting you right in the heart of the action. Discover our highlights for an Advent trip by train now!

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Several hands holding sparklers in the dark | © shutterstock / 2216852407
New Year's Eve trips in Europe

Celebrate the New Year where Europe's cities shine with lights, music and joie de vivre. Whether it's fireworks, parties or a festive atmosphere – New Year's Eve becomes an experience when you're on the move. Travelling by train is relaxed, central and climate-friendly, taking you right to the heart of the cities – and allowing you to start the New Year in style. On this page, you will find our personal favourites for unforgettable New Year's Eve trips.

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Happy couple with shopping bags at the Christmas market after a successful day of Christmas shopping in the festively decorated city. | © shutterstock / 1494691982
City break for Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping with a difference: discover festively decorated shopping streets, exclusive boutiques and winter markets in Europe's most beautiful cities. Enjoy the special Advent atmosphere full of lights, scents and music – and travel relaxed by train directly to the city centre. This will turn your Christmas shopping into a little break full of inspiration and unforgettable moments. Discover our recommendations for Christmas shopping now!

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