Take a break from the stress of exam week, bring a thermos of hot chocolate or even pick up some hot Glühwein en route and join the city in its annual light festival.

For the Amsterdam newcomers, the light festival is an annual affair taking place on the canals and is coming up on its tenth year this winter. Various art installations make use of lights to bring ‘new energy and insights’ to the people of the city. The project centres around accessibility to art and does so by bringing the installations directly into our daily lives, onto the canals we pass every day.

The 5.6km walking route passes by Roeterseiland and makes it the perfect evening activity for students looking to catch a break and to even get into the festive spirit. You might have already noticed Masamichi Shimada’s ‘Butterfly Effect’ right on campus. The piece beautifully tries to showcase the strength within even the most delicate of creatures. It makes a fitting addition to the warm lights and cosiness of walking around the canals with your fellow Amsterdammers, a rare chance to feel part of the city in a way that is becoming increasingly difficult in these times.

After purchasing a map online, you can scan the QR codes as you walk and find out a little information about each piece, its meaning and the artist’s intentions. However, at a rather steep €7.50 for the luxury, we suspect for those broke students amongst us it is quite possible to follow the route alongside the other admirers. Perhaps even possible to lean in a little too close to the art buffs as they read out the descriptions to their fellow enthusiasts.

So, grab some company, a hot drink, don’t forget to wrap up warm and take to the canals to absorb the beauty of the lights.