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Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise 2024-2025
It's a wrap!
The festival is now over, but stay tuned for the 14th edition coming in late 2025!
- Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival on a 90-minute canal cruise past illuminated creations.
- Discover exhibits reflecting the intersection of art, artificial intelligence, and technology in the comfort of a heated boat.
- Get insights into the stunning light displays about the evolving human condition in a digitally-driven world via a multilingual audioguide.
- Along with over 20 carefully curated pieces of art from local and international artists, pass by landmarks like the Skinny Bridge adorned in lights!
- Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival on a 90-minute canal cruise past illuminated creations.
- Discover exhibits reflecting the intersection of art, artificial intelligence, and technology in the comfort of a heated boat.
- Get insights into the stunning light displays about the evolving human condition in a digitally-driven world via a multilingual audioguide.
- Along with over 20 carefully curated pieces of art from local and international artists, pass by landmarks like the Skinny Bridge adorned in lights!
Inclusions
- 90-min Amsterdam Lights Festival cruise
- Boarding from Stadhouderskade 501, opposite Hard Rock Cafe or Badhuiskade, near A'DAM Tower (as per option selected)
- Covered and heated boat (as per option selected)
- 100% electric boat (as per option selected)
- Open boat (as per option selected)
- Audio guide in 3 or 6 languages (as per option selected)
- Live skipper commentary in English and Dutch (as per option selected)
- While the heated, closed boat is wheelchair-accessible, the electric boat is not.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.8
1,713 ratings
1.4K
249
12
5
4
Guests from Spain, Germany, Belgium and over 6 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Silke
Jan 2025Verified booking
Our trip was in the evening, in a small open boat. So we were able to enjoy the impressions without any distractions. Blankets and umbrellas were ready to hand. The captain was very nice and guided us through the city with funny and entertaining stories (only in English). We enjoyed it very much.
View original review in German
Judith
Jan 2025Verified booking
I was told that I had booked for the open boat, .ar that was not on my ticket and then I thought the price was too high
View original review in Dutch
Jean-Pierre
Dec 2024Verified booking
Excellent organization, very interesting explanations, friendly and welcoming staff. An activity I recommend to everyone.
View original review in Italian
Thomas
Jan 2025Verified booking
It was a very romantic trip with a very good "captain"
View original review in German
Azilis
Dec 2024Verified booking
It was so hot inside that you could have fainted.
View original review in French
Tamara
Jan 2025Verified booking
Jennifer
Jan 2025Verified booking
Nora
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A.
Jan 2025Verified booking
Klaus
Jan 2025Verified booking
Rocío
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Dec 2024Verified booking
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A 75-min serene cruise on a luxury salon or covered boat, marveling at the Light Festival
- Prepare for a magical night celebrating the historic Amsterdam Light Festival on a salon or covered boat, and opt to indulge in unlimited drinks and snacks.
- Discover 27 breathtaking light installations created by artists from around the world, each a unique reflection of the theme Rituals, illuminating the canals.
- Delve into the fascinating stories behind the art pieces and uncover the city's rich history with an English-speaking skipper host.
- Celebrate life's journey through fixtures that pay tribute to the changes of life, and be awed by the art piece nestled in the heart of the city.
- Upgrade to make your evening extra special with unlimited drinks on board. Choose from wine, beer, sodas, and more.
A 75-min serene cruise on a luxury salon or covered boat, marveling at the Light Festival
- Prepare for a magical night celebrating the historic Amsterdam Light Festival on a salon or covered boat, and opt to indulge in unlimited drinks and snacks.
- Discover 27 breathtaking light installations created by artists from around the world, each a unique reflection of the theme Rituals, illuminating the canals.
- Delve into the fascinating stories behind the art pieces and uncover the city's rich history with an English-speaking skipper host.
- Celebrate life's journey through fixtures that pay tribute to the changes of life, and be awed by the art piece nestled in the heart of the city.
- Upgrade to make your evening extra special with unlimited drinks on board. Choose from wine, beer, sodas, and more.
Inclusions
- 75-min canal cruise in a traditional saloon boat or a covered boat (as per option selected)
- Experienced host
- Small group (as per option selected)
- Unlimited snacks and drinks like mulled wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks (as per option selected)
- Warm blankets (as per option selected)
- Tip: Dress warmly as it can be chilly at night in Amsterdam, especially during winter.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.6
6,681 ratings
5.2K
802
233
172
245
Guests from France, United Kingdom, United States and over 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Emuna
Dec 2024Verified booking
Amazing experience very well guided by sebrina ❤️ Borice our captain beautiful evening witn stuning Amsterdam history ❤️
Charlotte
Jan 2025Verified booking
Small committee, very intimate experience, shame not to taste the cheeses.
View original review in French
Peter
Jan 2025Verified booking
The explanation about the seating in the boat was not clear and we were spoken to very aggressively because we did not understand.
View original review in Dutch
Christian
Jan 2025Verified booking
Amsterdam light festival was epic, pity the boat had such small windows, but it only took away from experience slightly. Great trip
Frances
Jan 2025Verified booking
Arrived back late and therefore delayed arriving back at our Hotel. The food was far too hot, burnt the roof of my mouth.
m.l.
Dec 2024Verified booking
We had a wonderful cruise and enjoyed the art. The reception was cordial. The explanations were fine. But the booking said unlimited snacks and drinks. The snacks were a small bag of nuts and a small syrup waffle. I had different expectations from that.
View original review in Dutch
Meghan
Dec 2024Verified booking
Seeing the lights was incredible. I wished they offered hot chocolate as a beverage, and the they wouldnt over crowd the boat.
BRICE
Dec 2024Verified booking
Delay, tour too long given the crowds on the canals. Average comfort, wet cushions... slippery boarding pontoon. Too expensive for the service
View original review in French
Melissa
Dec 2024Verified booking
The meeting point was very poorly described and the boat arrived much too late. The snacks were served in a bowl that was passed around which was quite unappetizing as everyone was reaching in with their fingers. That was a shame...but the guide was friendly and explained everything clearly.
View original review in German
camille
Jan 2025Verified booking
A great experience masterfully led by tom and sofia.
View original review in French
Lina
Jan 2025Verified booking
Everything worked according to plan, caring staff
View original review in German
GUER
Dec 2024Verified booking
Good. Unlimited drinks, OK, but snacks not so much! too bad.
View original review in French
Alexander
Dec 2024Verified booking
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Janet
Dec 2024Verified booking
Everything was really good and easy. TiVo and Steve were great at explaining the Amsterdam light show
Frances
Dec 2024Verified booking
Capt Dick and host Rick made us feel most welcome!
Paola
Dec 2024Verified booking
We had a great time 💘 and our guide Sofia was awesome, very nice and provided useful information.
Mareike
Dec 2024Verified booking
The ship was loaded to the maximum. There was hardly any space and you couldn't move around. The crew was nice.
View original review in German
Beth
Dec 2024Verified booking
Great experience. Loved the guide & boat captains.
Stormi
Jan 2025Verified booking
Treacy
Jan 2025Verified booking
Mirian
Jan 2025Verified booking
Maria
Jan 2025Verified booking
Pietra
Jan 2025Verified booking
Walter
Jan 2025Verified booking
Mariana
Jan 2025Verified booking
Leisurely 2-hour walking tour through the Light Festival
- Discover Amsterdam's enchanting transformation during the 13th edition of the Light Festival through a 2-hour guided walking tour of the city.
- Explore the hidden gems of the city like Dam Square and Nine Streets with an experienced local guide, and choose the language of your choice.
- Beat the winter chills in style as your walking tour includes complimentary winter hats ensuring you remain warm and comfortable throughout.
- Warm up with a winter treat as your tour ends at Noordermarkt where you get to savor a traditional glühwein or hot chocolate, along with a local delicacy.
- Prepare for a magical spectacle as the UNESCO-listed Canal District is illuminated by 27 dazzling light fixtures celebrating the theme of rituals.
Leisurely 2-hour walking tour through the Light Festival
- Discover Amsterdam's enchanting transformation during the 13th edition of the Light Festival through a 2-hour guided walking tour of the city.
- Explore the hidden gems of the city like Dam Square and Nine Streets with an experienced local guide, and choose the language of your choice.
- Beat the winter chills in style as your walking tour includes complimentary winter hats ensuring you remain warm and comfortable throughout.
- Warm up with a winter treat as your tour ends at Noordermarkt where you get to savor a traditional glühwein or hot chocolate, along with a local delicacy.
- Prepare for a magical spectacle as the UNESCO-listed Canal District is illuminated by 27 dazzling light fixtures celebrating the theme of rituals.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Amsterdam Light Festival walking tour from Dam Square to Noordermarkt
- Local English, French, German, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Gluhwein or hot chocolate, and a treat
- Winter hat
- Rain poncho (only in case of rainy weather)
- Tip: Even if you're not a fan of wine, give the traditional Glühwein a try. It's a winter staple in Amsterdam!
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- The Amsterdam Light Festival begins on November 30, 2024, and runs until January 19, 2025.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
AmsterdamAmsterdam Light Festival Cruises
Make the most of Amsterdam
Why take an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise
- Scenic beauty: Booking a canal cruise is the most picturesque way to experience the city's iconic Light Festival. It offers a unique vantage point to look at the installations and other historical landmarks along the waters with a sweeping 360-degree view of the art installations.
- Guided cruises: Most canal cruises include an audio guide or a live guide who shares anecdotes and stories about the city's landmarks. You can listen to them while floating along the waters.
- Evening ambiance: The Amsterdam Light Festival begins at 5pm and continues until 11pm. In addition to the art installations, you can also experience the illuminated city, making for a memorable experience.
- Family-friendly: A canal cruise is suitable for all ages, making it an ideal family activity that everyone can participate in. You can enjoy the art installations from a warm space. You can also rush back inside in case it rains.
Your Amsterdam Light Festival tickets explained
Standard cruises
- Book a standard 75-min or 90-min cruise with a multilingual audio guide in Dutch and English.
- See over 27 light artworks in a heated boat with an open deck and free Wi-Fi onboard and board from Anne Frank House, Hard Rock Cafe, or Central Station.
Recommended tickets:
- Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise
- 1.5-Hour Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise from Hard Rock Cafe
Cruises with unlimited drinks
- Go on a 75-min Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German audio guide.
- Enjoy unlimited drinks, including beer, wine, and soft drinks.
- These heated boat cruises with an open deck also have a local host to guide you and point out important installations along with insights about each.
Recommended tickets:
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks
Cruises with snacks and drinks
- Go on a 75-min cruise with an English-speaking guide or a multilingual audioguide in English or Dutch.
- You can also choose between a luxury salon boat or a closed boat.
- Choose between drinks & snacks or wine & local cheese.
Recommended tickets:
- Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine
Walking tours
- Go on a guided 2-hour walking tour with an English, French, German, or Italian-speaking guide and see the light installations from Dam Square to Nine Streets.
- These tours also offer hot chocolate and a local treat, complimentary winter hats, and a rain poncho in case of rainy weather.
- These tours are also wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Recommended tickets:
Amsterdam Lights Winter Walking Tour
What to see at the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is organized with installations of artworks that are created especially for the festival. Along with all that, special education projects in which primary students and Breitner Academy take part, are installed. The artworks are displayed in public spaces all over Amsterdam near the canals, making them easily accessible.
Permanent light art installations
As the festival spreads from the Sloterplas to the city district South, several light art installations displayed on the different editions of the Amsterdam Light Festival also find their place in the permanent collection. It includes works of artists like Tijdmakers and collaborators like Uilenstede University Campus.
International light art collection
The light art displayed at the Amsterdam Light Festival is too good to be stored away once the festival is over. So to ensure that they receive their due recognition, most of the light artworks become part of an international collection that is temporarily displayed all over the world, managed by the Light Art Collection, illuminating cities, and exhibitions worldwide.
Nieuw-West project
This is the current project of the Amsterdam Light Festival, in which the area of Amsterdam Nieuw West will see a major change as it gets redesigned as the Municipality of Amsterdam. It will also find an installation of permanent light art, with several other artworks finding their place in public spaces in the near future.
Views from the Amsterdam Light Festival: Edition 13
Rush Hour
This new light artwork by OSSO encourages visitors to find a quiet calm in this work when we live in a world of constant pace of movement.
Know before you go on an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise
Timings
Facilities
Rules
Visitor tips
Amsterdam Light Festival: Daily from November 28 to January 19, 2025
Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm
- Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise from Hard Rock Cafe: 5pm to 9pm | 90 mins
- Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option: 4:45pm to 9:45 pm | 75 mins
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine: 7:15pm & 9pm | 75 mins
- Amsterdam Lights Winter Walking Tour: 3pm | 2 hours
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks: 5:30pm & 7pm | 75 mins
- A live English-speaking guide is available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise, Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option, and the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine.
- An audio guide in English and Dutch is available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise, 1.5-Hour Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise from Hard Rock Cafe, and Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine, while a German audio guide is available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks.
- Unlimited drinks, including beer, soft drinks, and mulled wine, are available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option and the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks.
- Although the boats are heated, blankets are available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Optional Drinks if you want to admire the view from the open deck.
- Pets, with the exception of guide dogs, are not allowed on the cruises.
- Adhere to safety guidelines provided by cruise operators for a secure and enjoyable experience.
- Smoking is not permitted on any cruise.
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed onboard the cruise. You can, however, purchase snacks at the operator ticket counter before boarding.
- If you plan to take a walking tour to view the art installations, make sure to wear comfortable, closed shoes, as it is a 6.5 km walk along the canals.
- Keep the Festival of Lights route map handy to make the most of your visit.
- Dress warmly, layer up, and bring a coat for comfort during the chilly winter.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before to facilitate a smooth boarding process and make the most of the canal cruise. This will also let you score the best seats on the boat.
- Utilize the bilingual audio or live guide for insights into the artworks and an enriched experience. Engage with the crew for additional insights and recommendations.
- Photography is encouraged, and the illuminated art pieces make for stunning pictures. Just make sure to have a good camera or phone with low-light capabilities.
- Evening cruises, especially on weekends and holidays, can get quite busy. For a more relaxed experience, consider booking a cruise earlier in the week or during off-peak hours.
Departure points
Centraal Station
- By bus: 305, 314, 347, 397, 41
- By train: IC, ICD, SPR
- By metro: 52, 54
- By light rail: 12, 14, 17, 2, 4
Starboard Dock
- By metro: Lines 52 and 54
- By tram: 4 and 14
Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam Light Festival cruises
How can I enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival?
Tourists and visitors can enjoy the light festival in several ways. You can either choose a walking tour or book an Amsterdam canal cruise. It is a long walk, around 6.5 km. If you have limited mobility or toddlers, and infants with you, it is best to book a canal cruise. Not only are you in a warm space, protected from the rain, but you can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and multilingual audio guides on a canal cruise.
Can I bring my kids on the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly and a great way to introduce children to art and culture. Kids will love the colorful light displays, and some cruises even offer discounted family tickets.
What if the weather is bad?
The cruise operates in most weather conditions since the boats are covered and heated. However, in case of extreme weather, the cruise might be canceled, and you will be offered a rescheduled time or a refund.
Can I rent a private boat for the festival?
Yes, several providers offer private boat rentals for groups. This option is perfect for corporate events, family gatherings, or anyone looking for a more intimate experience. You can email the cruise operator to book your cruise directly.
What types of boats are used for the festival cruises?
The boats are typically glass-topped enclosed or semi-open electric boats, offering panoramic views of the light installations while keeping passengers warm and dry.
Is the cruise suitable for solo travelers?
Definitely! The Amsterdam Light Festival cruise is a fantastic option for solo travelers looking to explore the city’s culture and art scene in a relaxed and scenic setting.
Do I need to tip the crew at the end of the cruise?
Tipping is not mandatory, but if you enjoyed the service, a small tip for the crew is always appreciated.
Can I buy souvenirs related to the Amsterdam Light Festival during the cruise?
Some cruises may have small souvenir shops near the departure points. Alternatively, you can find festival souvenirs at local shops near the departure points.
From happy customers
Claudia
janv., 2025
+ 1 more
Friendly, welcoming and professional staff; it was easy to book and find the boat; punctual departure; comprehensive explanations in English of the light installations encountered; good cheeses and wines tasted. The view from the boat of the Festival is a new and interesting perspective. The boat trip is always romantic, even in the rain!
View original review in Italian
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine
Jean-pierre
déc., 2024
Excellent organization, very interesting explanations, friendly and welcoming staff. An activity I recommend to everyone.
View original review in Italian
1.5-Hour Extended Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise
Martijn
janv., 2024
A beautiful warm boat. Neat Captain and a wonderful experience which we recommend to everyone. Only message came through the app when we were already home. We had the boat trip at 18h in the evening and at 20.30 came the mail so that should be faster but otherwise Chapeau!
View original review in Dutch
1.5-Hour Extended Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise
Silke
Germanyjanv., 2025
Our trip was in the evening, in a small open boat. So we were able to enjoy the impressions without any distractions. Blankets and umbrellas were ready to hand. The captain was very nice and guided us through the city with funny and entertaining stories (only in English). We enjoyed it very much.
View original review in German
Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise
Valentina
Italyjanv., 2025
Very nice cruise, too bad that some explanations, the ones given by the helmsman ( very nice) were in English... instead we had headphones to listen in Italian to the other general explanations about the city.. anyway I recommend it
View original review in Italian
Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise
Christian
Irelandjanv., 2025
Amsterdam light festival was epic, pity the boat had such small windows, but it only took away from experience slightly. Great trip
Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option
Bernadette
Netherlandsdéc., 2024
I thought it was pleasant tour with a nice guide!
He told a good story about the lights with a funny twist.
I missed the red wine (not present) and in terms of appetizers, it was disappointing....
View original review in Dutch
Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option