Light has always been a powerful symbol,it’s about hope, renewal, and coming together. Around the world, different cultures have found unique and stunning ways to celebrate light, creating festivals that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. These celebrations are more than just events; they’re stories, traditions, and shared moments that make you feel like a part of something bigger.
Lantern Festival, China
At the end of Chinese New Year comes the Lantern Festival, where glowing lanterns of all shapes and sizes light up the night. In Pingxi, Taiwan, it’s especially magical as thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, each carrying someone’s hopes or dreams. It’s not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a celebration full of heart and tradition.
Must-Try Experience: Head to Pingxi to craft your own lantern and watch it drift upward. There’s something truly special about seeing your own light join the sea of others.
Loi Krathong and Yi Peng, Thailand
Thailand takes light festivals to the next level with two beautiful traditions. Loi Krathong sees candlelit offerings, decorated with flowers, floating gently down rivers and lakes. It’s about letting go of negativity and making a fresh start. Meanwhile, Yi Peng fills the skies with lanterns that create a glowing, otherworldly scene.
Best Spot: Chiang Mai is the place to be. Imagine standing by the river, watching lanterns float in the water and rise into the sky all at once, it’s like stepping into a dream.
St. Lucia’s Day, Sweden
In the deep winter of Sweden, St. Lucia’s Day feels like a breath of warmth. Celebrated on December 13th, it’s a tradition filled with music and light. Young girls, dressed in white robes with crowns of candles, lead processions while singing beautiful hymns. It’s simple, peaceful, and incredibly moving.
Don’t Miss: Stockholm’s Lucia concerts are unforgettable, while Gothenburg’s outdoor processions feel intimate and charming.
Festival of Lights, Berlin, Germany
Berlin goes all out every October, turning its landmarks into glowing works of art. The Festival of Lights projects stunning images and designs onto buildings like the Brandenburg Gate, creating a citywide gallery of light and creativity. It’s modern, edgy, and undeniably cool.
Pro Tip: Take an evening walk to soak it all in, or book a boat cruise along the Spree River for a unique perspective on the displays.
Shinnyo Lantern Floating, Hawaii, USA
Hawaii offers a completely different kind of light festival, one filled with quiet reflection. Every Memorial Day, thousands of glowing lanterns float on the waters of Oahu, honouring loved ones who have passed. Watching those lanterns drift out to sea is incredibly moving, reminding everyone of the beauty of remembrance and connection.
Make It Special: Arrive early at Ala Moana Beach Park for the best views, and bring a blanket for the serene sunset.
Up Helly Aa, Scotland
This fiery festival in Scotland’s Shetland Islands is pure excitement. Up Helly Aa celebrates Viking heritage with torch-lit processions, music, and a dramatic burning of a replica Viking longship. It’s a roaring celebration that lights up the cold January nights with warmth and community spirit.
Plan Ahead: Lerwick is the hub for this fiery spectacle. Book early and prepare for a night of festivities that’ll have you dancing around the flames.
Fête des Lumières, Lyon, France
Every December, Lyon transforms into a glowing wonderland during the Fête des Lumières. Originally a religious tradition, the festival now features light installations by artists from around the world. The entire city becomes a stage for this luminous show, with streets, buildings, and squares sparkling with creative displays.
Where to Start: Begin at Place des Terreaux, where some of the most impressive installations take center stage. Grab a warm drink from a vendor and take your time exploring.
Dubai Festival of Lights, UAE
If there’s one place that knows how to go big, it’s Dubai. Its Festival of Lights doesn’t hold back, with massive light sculptures, synchronized laser shows, and even fireworks. The city’s modern skyline makes the perfect backdrop for a celebration that’s bold, bright, and unforgettable.
Top Spot: The Burj Khalifa area is where you’ll find the most jaw-dropping displays. Make sure to time your visit for the fountain shows, which add another layer of magic.
The Winter Solstice at Newgrange, Ireland
Newgrange in Ireland isn’t just old, it’s ancient, predating even the Pyramids. This prehistoric site comes alive during the winter solstice, when the rising sun aligns perfectly with the entrance to illuminate the inner chamber. It’s a moment of natural and human-made wonder that connects you to the people who built it thousands of years ago.
How to Experience It: Getting inside Newgrange for the solstice requires winning a lottery, but even standing outside as the sun rises is unforgettable.
Amsterdam Light Festival, Netherlands
From November to January, Amsterdam’s canals are transformed by the Amsterdam Light Festival. Light installations from artists around the globe reflect on the water, creating a magical winter scene. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and charm.
How to Explore: A canal cruise gives you a front-row seat to the displays, but cycling through the city is another great way to take in the lights at your own pace.
A Celebration of Light
Light festivals are more than just beautiful, they’re windows into the soul of a culture. Whether it’s the quiet elegance of floating lanterns in Thailand or the bold artistry of Berlin’s illuminations, these celebrations remind us of the universal power of light to inspire, unite, and uplift.