Last year I wrote an article about the Night of Lights in the historical center of Delft. (read here) But since I gained a lot of international readers, and also because I’m a big fan of this annual event, I would like the run the article again in English, with new photos which I took last year.
The Night of Lights is an annual event in Delft. Coming Tuesday, December 11, marks the 15th edition. For one night, the picturesque gables, canals and bridges are adorned with colored lights. The entire town is transformed into a magical old town. Floating torches, fire pits, innumerable candles and canal houses illuminated in full splendour. That’s the Night of Lights!
Fairytale characters, fairies and Charles Dickens scenes, it’s all there. You feel like in a real winter wonderland. On the Grote Markt the mayor will traditionally light the Christmas tree and read the Christmas story. Christmas music will fill the cobbled streets. Alongside the canals shops display their Christmas curiosities alternating with stands where you can buy all sorts of warming drinks and heartsome foods like mulled wine, pea soup, hot chocolate and warm cinnamon rolls. The Old Church ‘Leaning Jan’ and the New Church are open to the public. On the Beestenmarkt there is an outdoor ice rink, and many shops participate with a special late night shopping . In my opinion, Night of Lights in Delft encompasses the ultimate Christmas spirit and the definition of the word cozy.
The event starts at 18.30 hrs, but you may want to come earlier for the Christmas market which starts at 1 p.m. For more information about the program and the sights go here. Below is a photo impression of last year’s edition. And for my photo impression of 2010 click here.
(All photos ©L. de Miranda)
Related articles
- It’s that time of the year…10 enchanting Christmas fests (30smagazine.wordpress.com)
- Night of lights in historical Delft (30smagazine.wordpress.com)
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