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3 unique light festivals in Europe accessible by trainEurope's top light festivals

Winter in Europe is often a grey, wet and dark affair, and is generally not considered to be a good time to take a city break. Even so, there are enough reasons to set foot outside the door ;-) Europe's spectacular light festivals are one of them. In winter, vibrant light installations sparkle, flash and glow in radiant colours all over Europe. Why not come and experience the sparkling streets of Europe for yourself?

1 – Amsterdam Light Festival – Amsterdam is home to what could be the most dramatic light festival in Europe, with exclusive lighting creations that look fantastic from land and water alike. As in previous years, the installations are set up along the canals, making a boat tour the best and most comfortable way of seeing them all. This year's edition will be dedicated to the festival's 15th anniversary.

  • When? 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027
  • Getting there by train: You'll be in Amsterdam in no time at all with a Eurostar or Eurocity Direct express train. Book your Amsterdam trip >

2 – Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in Lyon – One of the oldest light festivals takes place in Lyon. Artistic light installations and audiovisual technology allow you to discover Lyon's landmarks and sights in a new light: from the grand buildings in Presqu'ile Provincial Park to the historic city centre across the Saône river, and from here to the top of Fourvière, the famous hill that is home to the Basilica. This tour of Lyon will be sure to linger in the memory long after it ends.

  • When? 5 to 8 December 2026
  • Getting there by train: TGV INOUI trains take you comfortably and in high speed to Lyon. Book your Lyon trip >

3 – Magical Maastricht – From Belgium Maastricht is the perfect destination for a one-day excursion or short trip. And in December, visitors and shoppers are sure to be spellbound by the festive Christmas atmosphere of Magical Maastricht. Vrijthof square with its Christmas market, ice rink and Ferris wheel is at the heart of the event. From here, you can follow a procession of lights through narrow alleyways to discover all the hidden corners of the city.

  • When? 27 November to 27 December 2026
  • Getting there by train: InterCity trains on the Belgian rail networks provide direct connections between Brussels and Liège. In Liège you can take the direct regional train to Maastricht. Book your Maastricht trip >
Fête des Lumières Lyon
Across Europe by rail

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