LUMINISCENCE Utrecht: a special evening at the Jacobikerk
09/30/2026Starting in October, Utrecht’s Jacobikerk will take on a completely different look. During LUMINISCENCE, the church’s centuries-old walls, pillars and high ceilings are transformed into a stunning setting of light, music and story. With a colorful light show and live music, the history of the Jacobikerk and Utrecht is brought to life in a special way.
And why go home straight after the show? Hotel Mitland is partnering with LUMINISCENCE and is offering a special LUMINISCENCE Package. This lets you combine an evening at the Jacobikerk with a comfortable overnight stay, breakfast and parking at Hotel Mitland.
What is LUMINISCENCE Utrecht?
LUMINISCENCE is an audiovisual performance where light, music and heritage come together. The Gothic architecture of the Jacobikerk forms the canvas for this edition’s light images, which completely surround you. Meanwhile, the voice of Daan Schuurmans takes you through the history of the church and the city of Utrecht.
Music also plays an important role. Depending on the performance selected, the show is accompanied by a live choir or by a live choir and orchestra. The music, projections and the church’s special acoustics come together in one immersive performance.
The performance lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Where does LUMINISCENCE take place in Utrecht?
LUMINISCENCE takes place in the Jacobikerk, right in the centre of Utrecht. This centuries-old church on St.-Jacobsstraat, with its high Gothic ceilings, monumental columns and remarkable history, is an impressive location for the performance.
A unique story has been developed especially for the Jacobikerk. As a result, not only events from the church’s history are featured, but also important moments in the development of Utrecht.
The Jacobikerk is about an eight-minute walk from Utrecht Central Station and is therefore easy to reach by public transport.
What can you expect from LUMINISCENCE?
As soon as the performance begins, the Jacobikerk is completely transformed. Projections move across the walls, high ceilings and columns, while music and a story take you through various chapters of history.
On Wednesday evenings, and during school holidays also on Mondays and Tuesdays, the performance is accompanied by a live choir. From Thursday through Saturday, a live orchestra can also be heard in addition to the choir.
This makes LUMINISCENCE more than just a light show: architecture, history, imagery and live music together form one experience.
When can LUMINISCENCE be seen in Utrecht?
LUMINISCENCE can be seen from October 2026 in the Jacobikerk in Utrecht. There are several performances per evening, allowing you to choose a time that suits your visit to Utrecht.
The current performance dates, available times and tickets can be found on the LUMINISCENCE website.
Can you combine LUMINISCENCE with an overnight stay in Utrecht?
Certainly. Hotel Mitland has created the LUMINISCENCE Package especially for visitors to LUMINISCENCE. This way, your evening does not have to end after the performance, and you can combine your visit with a relaxing stay in Utrecht.
With the package, you will stay in a Superior Room or Superior Fortzicht Room. The next morning, an extensive breakfast buffet will be ready for you.
The package includes:
- An overnight stay in a Superior Room or Superior Fortzicht Room
- Extensive breakfast buffet for two people
- Parking at Hotel Mitland
- Use of our wellness and fitness facilities
The package excludes tourist tax.
How do you book the LUMINISCENCE Package at Hotel Mitland?
Thanks to our collaboration with LUMINISCENCE, you can reserve your overnight stay at Hotel Mitland at an extra favourable rate. The special package can be booked via our website using a promo code that you receive after booking tickets through LUMINISCENCE.
Please note: admission tickets for LUMINISCENCE are not included in the hotel package. You reserve your tickets for the performance separately through LUMINISCENCE. This way, you can choose your preferred date, performance and seating category yourself.
Why combine LUMINISCENCE with Hotel Mitland?
After an evening full of light and music, it is nice not to have to drive home. At Hotel Mitland, you will stay just outside the bustle of Utrecht city centre, surrounded by greenery and by the water. With the LUMINISCENCE Package, you can also park your car free of charge in our own car park at the hotel.
After the performance, you can calmly enjoy the afterglow at the hotel and join the extensive breakfast buffet the next morning. Not in a hurry afterwards? Then turn your visit into a complete getaway and discover more of Utrecht.
This way, a visit to LUMINISCENCE becomes not only a special evening, but also a wonderful stay in Utrecht.