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Experience the 15th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival
Every winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city’s canals, bridges, and historic streets into a spectacular open-air gallery of light art. The 15th edition takes place from Thursday, November 26, 2026, to Sunday, January 17, 2027, bringing together illuminated installations by artists from around the world. Each edition explores a new theme, using light to spark conversations around art, technology, and society while offering a fresh perspective on Amsterdam’s historic waterways. Cruise along the city’s iconic canals to see these artworks reflected on the water and experience the festival from a unique viewpoint.
Quick overview
Cruise options: Choose from classic sightseeing cruises, premium cheese and wine experiences, or private canal cruises during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Most cruises last 75–90 minutes.
Boats & seating: Cruise aboard heated boats, semi-open boats with blankets, fully electric covered boats, or intimate private vessels for up to 10 guests.
Boarding points: Cruises depart from several locations across Amsterdam, including Amsterdam Central Station, A'DAM Tower, Hard Rock Cafe, Anne Frank House, and Starboard Dock. Check your ticket for your exact departure point.
What's included: Depending on your ticket, enjoy live or audio commentary, unlimited drinks, local cheese and wine tastings, festive treats, or complimentary blankets.
Before you board: Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. Boarding locations vary by operator, and late arrivals may not be accommodated.
Good to know: Cruises operate throughout the festival from Thursday, November 26, 2026, to Sunday, January 17, 2027. Most experiences offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Best upgrade: Upgrade to a snackbox and wine cruise or choose a combo ticket to pair your cruise with entry to Amsterdam's top attractions for even greater value.
Find your best Amsterdam Light Festival cruise match here
English & Dutch audio guide, heated seating, Wi-Fi, onboard restroom
Official festival route, illuminated artworks, UNESCO-listed canal belt
75 mins
€25
What to expect on your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise
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Board from convenient locations across the city
Most cruises depart from central locations such as Amsterdam Centraal, Hard Rock Cafe, A'DAM Tower, Starboard Dock, or Anne Frank House. Arrive 15–20 minutes early, check in, and board with ease before setting off.
Settle into a warm and comfortable boat
Choose from heated saloon boats, covered electric boats, glass-roof sightseeing boats, or semi-open vessels. Many cruises provide blankets, while premium options offer smaller group sizes for a more intimate experience.
Admire the festival from the city's iconic canals
Follow the official Amsterdam Light Festival route through the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, passing illuminated artworks, historic canal houses, charming bridges, Herengracht, Magere Brug, the IJ River, and other landmarks beautifully reflected on the water.
Learn the stories behind the artworks
Depending on your cruise, enjoy live commentary from an experienced skipper or guide, or listen to multilingual audio guides in English, Dutch, and, on select departures, German as you cruise past each installation.
Upgrade your evening with drinks, snacks, or attractions
Enhance your cruise with unlimited drinks, cheese and wine pairings, snack boxes, or private boat upgrades. You can also choose combo tickets that pair your cruise with attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, Heineken Experience, Icebar Amsterdam, or a GVB transport pass.
Things to know before booking your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise
When to book
The Amsterdam Light Festival runs from Thursday, November 26, 2026, to Sunday, January 17, 2027, making these cruises available for a limited time each winter.
Friday, Saturday, Christmas, New Year's, and the final weeks of the festival are typically the busiest. Book at least 3 weeks in advance if you want a specific departure time or a small-group cruise.
Cruise types
Most cruises last 75–90 minutes and differ more in boat type, group size, commentary, and inclusions than in the sightseeing route itself.
You can choose between traditional sightseeing boats, luxury saloon boats, heated covered boats, semi-open boats, small-group or private cruises, or combo tickets that include attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, the Heineken Experience or Icebar Amsterdam.
Routes & duration
Almost every operator follows the official Amsterdam Light Festival route, offering views of the season's illuminated artworks from Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canals.
Since the route is largely the same across operators, compare tickets based on departure point, boat style, guide, and included extras rather than landmarks covered.
Boarding and departure
Amsterdam Light Festival cruises operate after dark, when the illuminated artworks are on display, with multiple evening departures available throughout the festival season.
Cruises depart from locations including Amsterdam Centraal, A'DAM Tower, Hard Rock Cafe, Starboard Dock, Damrak, Anne Frank House, Leidsekade, and Restaurant Loetje.
Boat types & onboard comfort
Heated enclosed boats and luxury saloon boats provide the warmest experience during Amsterdam's winter evenings. Semi-open boats offer more open views but can feel colder despite blankets.
Some cruises are limited to 10–30 guests, while others accommodate larger groups, giving you the choice between a more intimate or budget-friendly experience.
Drinks, snacks & premium upgrades
Depending on the ticket, you can add unlimited beer, wine, mulled wine, hot chocolate, soft drinks, welcome snacks, or wine and cheese pairings.
If you're visiting Amsterdam for several days, combo tickets with popular attractions or a public transport pass can offer better overall value than booking experiences separately.
Accessibility & booking policies
Accessibility varies by operator. While some boats accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, others require guests to climb steps or are not suitable for larger mobility aids.
Most cruises in this assortment offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Boarding points
What you'll see on your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise
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Amsterdam Light Festival artworks
The highlight of every cruise is the official Amsterdam Light Festival collection, where large-scale installations and interactive artworks illuminate the canals. Reflections dancing across the water create a completely different perspective than viewing them from the streets.
Magere Brug
The iconic Skinny Bridge glows beautifully after dark, its elegant white arches mirrored in the Amstel. It's one of the festival's most photogenic landmarks and a favourite stop for evening canal photography.
Herengracht
Cruise along Amsterdam's grandest canal, home to the famous Golden Bend. Illuminated canal houses, historic merchant mansions, and festival artworks combine to create one of the city's most elegant waterfront scenes.
Grachtengordel (Canal Ring)
Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed Canal Ring forms the backdrop to much of the festival route. Historic bridges, centuries-old canal houses, and contemporary light installations come together in a uniquely Amsterdam winter landscape.
NEMO Science Museum
The museum's striking ship-shaped silhouette stands out against the historic skyline. Its modern copper-green architecture offers a dramatic contrast to the surrounding canals and heritage buildings.
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Many cruises begin or pass near Amsterdam's grand central station. Its ornate Neo-Renaissance façade is beautifully illuminated at night, creating one of the city's most recognisable waterfront views.
IJ River
Longer cruise routes may briefly sail onto the IJ waterfront, where expansive views of Amsterdam's modern skyline contrast with the city's historic canal district before returning to the festival route.
Historic canal bridges & merchant houses
Beyond the festival artworks, you'll pass elegant canal houses, centuries-old warehouses, and dozens of beautifully lit bridges. Their reflections ripple across the canals, making the journey itself as memorable as the installations.
Plan your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise
Tips & guidelines
Book popular slots early: Weekend and later evening departures are in higher demand during the festival period.
Arrive before boarding: Reach your departure point 15–20 minutes early to avoid missing your sailing.
Choose seats strategically: Sit near windows or open sections for clearer views of illuminated artworks and reflections.
Dress for the canals: Winter evenings can feel cold, especially near windows and on semi-open boats. Layer up.
Bring headphones: Carry your own earphones for cruises with audio guides for a better listening experience.
Plan your photography: Evening departures offer the best light installations, but avoid blocking views when taking photos.
Check your departure point: Amsterdam Light Festival cruises use multiple piers; confirm your boarding location before leaving.
Avoid large bags: Storage is limited on smaller boats, so travel with only essential items.
Consider a drinks upgrade: Unlimited drinks or snack options add comfort to longer evening sailings.
Private cruises suit groups: For a quieter experience, smaller private boats offer a more personal way to view the festival.
Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam Light Festival cruises
The 15th edition of Amsterdam Light Festival runs from Thursday, November 26, 2026, to Sunday, January 17, 2027. The artworks are illuminated every evening, with installations typically visible from around 5pm until 10pm–11pm depending on the day. Cruise departure times vary by operator, with most evening sailings scheduled during festival hours.
Most Amsterdam Light Festival cruises last 75–90 minutes, depending on the route, boat type, and selected experience.
Cruises depart from several central boarding points, including near the Hard Rock Café, Anne Frank House, A’DAM Tower, Damrak, Starboard Dock, and Oudezijds Voorburgwal.
It depends on your cruise operator. The exact departure point will be clearly mentioned on your booking confirmation, so always double-check before arrival.
Yes, walking tours exist along certain canal routes. Tickets may include maps or guides to highlight key installations without missing the festival’s best displays.
Walking tours usually last around 120 minutes, allowing plenty of time to admire the installations up close and enjoy photo stops along the way.
Viewing the light artworks from the streets or bridges is free. However, canal cruises and guided walking tours require separate paid tickets.
Some ticket types allow seat selection, especially for small-group or private cruises, ensuring optimal views of key festival light installations along the canals.
It's best to avoid last-minute purchases. Tickets may be available, but popular evening departures, small-group cruises, and premium options can sell out during busy festival periods. Booking ahead gives you more choice of timings and boarding points.
It depends on your preference. Small-group electric boat cruises offer a more intimate experience, while traditional sightseeing cruises provide more departure options. Drinks, snacks, private boats, and combo tickets are available as upgrades.
Commentary helps explain the stories, concepts, and artists behind the light installations. Live guides and multilingual audio guides add context while you pass each artwork along the route.
Yes. Combo tickets are occasionally available with museums, walking tours, or canal attractions, offering a seamless way to enjoy both the light festival and local culture.
Around early evening when lights are on but skies aren’t completely dark, reflections on the canals are more vivid and photographically striking.
Many cruises operate on heated or covered boats, but winter evenings can still feel cold near windows or outdoor sections. Some boats provide blankets for extra comfort.
Accessibility varies by operator and boat type. Some cruises are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible with advance notice, while others require passengers to climb steps to board. Check accessibility details before booking.
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Arrival & check-in: Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. Boarding closes shortly before sailing, and late arrivals are generally not accommodated.
Tickets & ID: Keep your ticket and a valid photo ID ready for check-in.
Dress code: There is no formal dress code, but warm winter clothing, a coat, gloves, and comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Even heated boats can feel chilly near windows or on open decks.
Find your boarding point: Departure locations vary by ticket and may include Amsterdam Centraal, Damrak, Hard Rock Cafe, A'DAM Tower, Starboard Dock, Leidsekade, Anne Frank House, or Restaurant Loetje.
Security & boarding: Security checks are minimal. Follow crew instructions, board when called, and take your assigned or available seat, depending on the operator.
Pets & luggage: Pets are generally not permitted except on selected private cruises or for certified assistance dogs. Large suitcases and oversized luggage are not allowed onboard.
Festival season: Thursday, November 26, 2026–Sunday, January 17, 2027
Typical departure times: Most Amsterdam Light Festival cruises operate between 4:30pm and 9:45pm, with multiple evening departures available throughout the festival.
Cruise duration: Most cruises last 75–90 minutes, depending on the route and operator.
Best time of day: Departures between 5pm and 7pm offer the best balance of illuminated artworks, city lights, and a lively festival atmosphere. Later evening sailings are often quieter and less crowded.
Best time to visit: Weekdays generally see fewer crowds than weekends. Visit in early December for a festive atmosphere with lighter visitor numbers, or during Christmas and New Year to experience the festival at its busiest and most vibrant.
Note: Departure times may vary by operator and throughout the festival season.
Boarding locations vary by operator and ticket. Always check your confirmation voucher for the exact departure point before travelling.
Amsterdam Centraal Station: One of the city's most popular departure areas, with several operators boarding near the station.
Damrak: A convenient departure point just a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal.
Starboard Dock: Used for selected small-group and private Amsterdam Light Festival cruises.
Hard Rock Cafe (Stadhouderskade): Departure point for several 75- and 90-minute festival cruises.
A'DAM Tower / A'DAM Lookout Pier: Serves selected traditional and extended festival cruises across the IJ.
Anne Frank House: Available on select sightseeing cruise departures.
Leidsekade: Boarding point for selected traditional festival cruises.
Rijksmuseum & Restaurant Loetje: Available on selected cruise departures.
Heated Seating: Covered and insulated boats keep you cozy during chilly winter evenings, ensuring you enjoy every illuminated canal view without feeling cold.
Toilets Onboard: Almost all the traditional and luxury boats include restroom facilities, so you can relax and enjoy your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise worry-free.
Blankets Provided: Small-group and private cruises come with blankets, letting you snuggle up while gliding past glowing installations along the city’s canals.
Wi-Fi Access: Select boats offer free internet, perfect for sharing photos instantly of the festival lights reflecting on Amsterdam’s historic waterways.
Wheelchair Access: Most boats are wheelchair-accessible with prior notice, providing a smooth boarding experience while still enjoying festival lights along iconic canal routes.
Guide Dogs: Designated cruises welcome guide dogs, ensuring all visitors with assistance animals can comfortably experience Amsterdam’s magical illuminated canals.
Stroller Access: Small-group and private cruises accommodate prams with advance reservation, letting families navigate the festival without worrying about space or accessibility issues.
No outside food: Guests may only enjoy onboard purchases or included snacks, helping maintain a tidy, safe, and comfortable experience for all passengers.
Pets: Pets are not allowed except on private cruises, keeping public cruises calm while still allowing small-group owners flexibility when booked in advance.
Safety: Guests showing visible signs of intoxication may be denied boarding to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.
Restricted items: Sharp objects, large luggage, and drones are prohibited onboard to maintain guest safety and protect the festival’s delicate installations.
Photo hotspots: Grab a seat on the right side of the boat for the best views of glowing bridges, reflections, and canal landmarks.
Lesser-known routes: Choose quieter departure points like Starboard Dock or Oudezijds Voorburgwal to enjoy unique canal views away from crowds for a relaxed festival vibe.
Tech prep: Download audio guide apps before departure, as onboard Wi-Fi can be weak, ensuring you have full access to commentary and festival details.
Local customs: Keep voices low and avoid leaning over rails to respect other visitors and preserve the serene, magical atmosphere on board.
Address: Blue Boat Company, Stadhouderskade 501, 1071 ZD Amsterdam, Netherlands (opposite Hard Rock Café)
Getting there:
By tram: Take lines 1, 2, 5, 11, or 12 to Leidseplein, then walk about 2 minutes to the dock. By metro: Take line M52 to Vijzelgracht, then walk roughly 10 minutes. By taxi/car: Nearest parking is Q-Park Byzantium (around 6-minute walk) or Q-Park Museumplein (about 10 minutes). ParkBee Stadhouderskade is a smaller nearby option.
Famous for: A popular canal cruise departure point in Amsterdam, located beside Hard Rock Café and close to the city’s main entertainment district.
Address: Badhuisweg 4, 1031 CM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting there:
By ferry: Take the free Buiksloterweg ferry from behind Amsterdam Centraal, about 5 minutes.
By tram: No direct tram access; reach via ferry from Central Station.
By taxi/car: Drop-off available in front; limited parking in the Overhoeks area.
Famous for: Stunning panoramic city views from the observation deck and a lively nightlife scene at the tower.
By tram: Most tram lines stop directly at Centraal Station.
By metro: Lines M51, M52, M53, and M54 all serve this stop.
By bus: City and regional buses connect directly to the station.
Famous for: Amsterdam’s main transport hub, surrounded by canals and historic architecture, with easy access to the city’s central attractions.
Address: Amsterdam Circle Line, Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting there:
By tram: Take lines 13 or 17 to Westermarkt, then walk about 2 minutes.
By metro: Line M52 to Rokin or Centraal, followed by a 12–15 minute walk.
By taxi/car: Limited parking nearby, so walking is recommended.
Famous for: A historic canal-side setting surrounded by classic Dutch façades, offering a glimpse into Amsterdam’s rich architectural and cultural charm.
Address: Amstel 178, 1017 AE Amsterdam
Getting there:
By tram: Take lines 4 or 14 to Rembrandtplein, then walk about 5 minutes.
By taxi/car: Drop-off points nearby; parking is limited, so public transport is advised.
Famous for: A peaceful boarding spot ideal for small and private cruises, offering close-up views of Amsterdam’s illuminated canals during the festival.
Your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise is the perfect way to experience the city after dark, but why stop there? Pair it with entry to Amsterdam's most popular attractions through a combo ticket to enjoy more of the city, save compared to booking separately, and keep all your plans in one convenient booking.
Combo (Save 5%): Amsterdam Light Festival Small Group Cruise + Access to Rijksmuseum
What to bringAmsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Rijksmuseum
Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
What’s not allowedAmsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, and large bags and luggage are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience, except for the private cruise option.
Rijksmuseum
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
Cash payment is not accepted at the museum's cafes and shops.
Large bags and luggage, skateboards, musical instruments, and folding bikes are not permitted on this experience.
AccessibilityAmsterdam Light Festival Cruise
For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.
Rijksmuseum
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
People who are unable to independently navigate through the museum may bring one companion with them for free. You can pick up an entrance ticket for a companion at cash register 1.
Additional informationAmsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Cruises are conducted in English.
The boat is covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.
The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
Rijksmuseum
Your ticket allows you to enter the museum up to 15 mins after the time mentioned on the ticket.
Combo (Save 19%): Amsterdam Light Festival Small Group Cruise + Access to Moco Museum
What to bringAmsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Moco Museum Amsterdam
Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
Moco Museum Amsterdam
Pack earphones for your audio guide experience.
What’s not allowedAmsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Moco Museum Amsterdam
Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, and large bags and luggage are not permitted on this experience.
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Your pets are not permitted on this experience, except for the private cruise option.
Moco Museum Amsterdam
Drones and hats are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited at the venue
AccessibilityAmsterdam Light Festival Cruise
For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.
Moco Museum Amsterdam
This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Additional informationAmsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Cruises are conducted in English.
The boat is covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.
The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
Moco Museum Amsterdam
Available facilities: restroom and free Wi-Fi.
Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests without guardians under the age of 16 years.
Children under 7 years old do not have to pay a ticket and can visit the museum for free. However, reserve a free child (0-6) ticket for them.
Combo (Save 5%): Amsterdam GVB Public Transport Pass + 75-Min Amsterdam Light Festival Small-Group Cruise
What’s not allowed
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, and large bags and luggage are not allowed on this experience.
Due to cruise restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Accessibility
Amsterdam GVB Pass
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.
Additional information
Amsterdam GVB Pass
Children up to 4 years old travel for free on public transport.
For questions about bookings, visit the Help Centre.
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Cruises are conducted in English.
The boat is covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during the winter months.
The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.
Combo (Save 5%): Amsterdam Light Festival Covered Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Tickets
Pair the world’s most famous brewery tour with a front-row seat to Amsterdam’s annual Light Festival.
What you get on the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise: A 75-minute evening cruise through the official festival route, passing 20+ illuminated artworks with heated seating and audio commentary.
What you get at the Heineken Experience: Entry into the 1867 brewery with a 4D ride, live English presentation, and two chilled Heinekens in the social tasting room.
Why choose this combo: Booking a major seasonal highlight with the Heineken Experience saves you 5% and streamlines your planning for an afternoon at the brewery, followed by a night on the water.
Sip drinks at –10°C in Amsterdam's coldest bar, then enjoy the world-famous seasonal winter light festival on a cruise.
Everything you get at Icebar Amsterdam: Fast-track priority access to one of Amsterdam's top attractions, 3 complimentary drinks served in ice glasses, and thermal clothing to keep you warm.
Everything you get on the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: A 75-minute cruise through the city’s illuminated canals, with boarding from the City Centre, guided commentary, and the festival fee included.
Why choose this: Save 12% with a ticket to two unique experiences: a frosty Icebar visit and Amsterdam's limited-time Light Festival, in one day.
