On 12 December 2026, the Schoterplas in nature reserve Schoterveld near Bant will turn into an enchanting spectacle of thousands of lights on the water during the Water Lantern Festival. Some two thousand floating lanterns will light up the water, each with a personal message from a participant in the festival.
So now the popular event - previously seen in the UK and Portugal - is coming to the Netherlands. According to Forestry Commission forester Harco Bergman, it will be "an atmospheric evening full of love, music and light". So not only will there be lots of floating lanterns to admire on 12 December, but you can also enjoy soft music and a spectacular laser show.
The festival takes place in winter, so that nature is not disturbed. Besides: surely Decemer is an ideal month to bring some light into the darkness!
