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Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise 2025-2026

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Last minute availability.
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Best deals & discounts
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Amsterdam Light Festival I The 14th edition is here

At the Amsterdam Light Festival, canals, bridges, and historic streets become a canvas for creative light artworks. From floating sculptures to interactive installations, every corner has something to catch your eye. Read on to plan your visit and get your Amsterdam Light Festival tickets.

Overview:

  • When: November 27th to January 18th
  • Timings: Lights on from 4:30-5pm and lights off by 10-11pm
  • Viewing options: Via cruise or walking tour
  • Boarding points: Hard Rock Cafe, Damrak, Anne Frank House, A'DAM Tower, Starboard Dock or Oudezijds Voorburgwal
  • Boat types: Luxury saloon boat, traditional sightseeing boat or semi-open sloep boat

What to expect at the festival?

Canal houses and tour boats along Damrak in Amsterdam.
Canal boat cruising under illuminated bridge during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Canal houses along Herengracht in Amsterdam illuminated at night.
Interiors of a canal cruise boat in Amsterdam with tables set for dining.
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise boat under illuminated arches at night.
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Boarding points

You can board the festival cruise at multiple convenient locations, including Hard Rock Cafe, Damrak, Anne Frank House, A'DAM Tower, Starboard Dock, or Oudezijds Voorburgwal, making it easy to start your canal journey.

Boat type

Experience the festival on luxury saloon boats, classic sightseeing boats, or semi-open sloeps. Many boats offer heated interiors, washrooms, blankets, and occasionally an open bar, making your canal ride comfortable and magical.

Cruise route

Watch festival lights sparkle along the official cruise route, likely passing Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, while iconic spots like the Royal Palace and Westerkerk appear in a fresh, glowing perspective

Inclusions and add-ons

Cruises include blankets, multilingual guides, and festival entry. Optional drinks, snacks, or private group upgrades make your experience warmer, more personal, and extra festive.

Viewing options of the festival

Whether you prefer a quiet stroll along the canals or a warm, relaxed boat ride, the Amsterdam Light Festival lets you choose your own perfect viewing style.

Things to know before you book Amsterdam Light Festival tickets

  • Ticket options: Choose from 75 to 90 minute traditional, small-group, or luxury cruises. There are also private and combo ticket options, which include extras like museum entry, drinks, and snacks.
  • Cruise boat types: Pick from luxury saloon boats fully enclosed with glass walls for warmth, sightseeing boats covered on top but open along the sides, or semi-open sloeps with partial cover letting you feel the fresh air.
  • Inclusions & add-ons: Enjoy blankets, heated seating, audio guides, or upgrade for unlimited drinks and snacks. Some tickets include museum combos or walking tours for a full-day experience.
  • Meet your crew: The host takes care of comfort, blankets, and service, while the guide gives commentary, explains festival highlights, and shares interesting stories about Amsterdam and its canals.
  • Cruise benefits: A guided cruise explains each installation, shares hidden details, and ensures you never miss a highlight. Most departures run in the evening with minimal waiting.
  • Transfers & combos: Board from Hard Rock Cafe, Anne Frank House, A’DAM Tower or many other departure points. Combine your festival cruise with museums like the Rijksmuseum or Moco Museum for a complete Amsterdam outing. You can add a walking tour to see the lights from all different perspectives.
  • Accessibility info: Most cruises offer wheelchair and stroller accessibility with prior reservation. Electric and luxury boats provide comfort, while some small-group options may have boarding steps.

Amsterdam Light Festival tickets explained

Cruise TypeGuideDurationUpgradesBoarding PointBoat TypePrice
Longer canal cruise

Multilingual audio guide

90-mins

Snackbox, wine, cheesebox, unlimited drinks like beer, soda, Gluhwein or Ice-cold bottle of Prosecco

Hard Rock Cafe / A’DAM Tower

Traditional sightseeing boat with heated interiors and optional covered roof

From €22.31 to €29
Traditional cruise

Multingual audio guide

75-mins

Unlimited drinks like beer, wine, or soda, free Wi-Fi, back-deck access

Centraal Station / Anne Frank House / Damrak

Covered, heated, glass-roof sightseeing boat

From €24.44
Small-group cruise

Expert live guide

75-mins

Unlimited beer, glühwein, hot chocolate, and soft drinks, welcome snack, private cruise with up to 10 guests on-board

City Centre / Starboard Dock

Fully electric boat with a covered roof

From €26.39
Luxury cruise

Expert live guide and a host that manages onboard comfort and service

75-mins

Unlimited beer, wine, soda, and Gluhwein, ice-cold bottle of Prosecco, snacks

Centraal Station / Singel 9

Luxury saloon boat with enclosed windows / Covered, heated, historic boat

From €29
Private cruise

English-speaking guide

75-mins

-

Starboard Dock / Oudezijds Voorburgwal

Semi-covered sloep with canopy cover

From €510.94
Museum combo

Expert live guide on the cruise and multilingual audio guide at Moco Museum

75-mins + flexible museum access

-

City Centre

Fully electric boat with a covered roof

From €40.23 to €48.82
Walking tour combo

Expert live guide

75-mins + 120 mins

-

City Centre

Fully electric boat with a covered roof

From €55.95

Boarding points

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.

Address: Stromma, Damrak 22, 1012 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Getting there:

  • 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.

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 150, 1012 Amsterdam

Getting there:

  • By tram: Take lines 4, 9, or 14 to Nieuwmarkt or Spui, both a short walk away.
  • By taxi/car: Closest parking at central garages; most nearby streets are pedestrian-only.

Famous for: Amsterdam’s historic canal district known for its lively nightlife, old-world charm, and picturesque bridges lining the water.

What to see at the Amsterdam Light Festival?

Permanent installations

Experience year-round light art across Amsterdam through works like Today I Love You at Amsterdam UMC, 178 Bottles, 1 Message, The Light Kite at Sloterplas, and Campfire at Uilenstede campus. Each installation keeps the city’s creative spirit glowing long after the festival ends.

Temporary installations

Each edition showcases global artists' creativity. Past highlights include Edwin Baruch’s "Light Gate," Janet Echelman’s "1.26 Amsterdam," and Gali May Lucas's "Absorbed by Light." This year, expect installations inspired by the festival's theme of legacy, adding fresh perspectives to the canals.

Special events

The festival often features live performances and interactive experiences. Previous events have included concerts at the Muziekgebouw and pop-up lectures, adding music, movement, and seasonal festivities along the illuminated waterways.

Theme of the 14th edition

The 2025 Amsterdam Light Festival theme, “Legacy,” transforms the city into a reflection of memory and meaning. Through art illuminated by light, it explores how traditions, technology, and the environment shape what we leave behind. Each installation becomes a storyteller, weaving together personal histories, cultural identity, and our shared responsibility to the future, creating a luminous dialogue between past and present.

Plan your visit

Amsterdam canal boat during Light Festival evening cruise.
  • When: November 27 to January 18, 2026
  • Lights on: 4:30pm from November 27 to January 4; 5pm from January 5 to January 18
  • Lights off: 11pm (Wednesday to Saturday) and 10pm (Sunday to Tuesday)
  • Exceptions: During the christmas season from December 20 to January 4, the lights stay on till 11pm. On December 31, the lights shut down at 9pm.
  • Note: Timings are subject to change, so keep a close eye on this page for more information near the start of the festival.
  • Cruise durations: 75-90 mins
Skipper steering boat during Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise, pointing at illuminated canal bridge.
  • 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.
Guide dog assisting person in wheelchair at Disneyland Paris.
  • 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 smoking sign on a pole in an outdoor setting.
  • 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.
People enjoying Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with blankets on a canal boat at night.
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise tickets

The festival runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Lights switch on at 4:30pm until January 4, and from 5pm afterward. They turn off at 11pm (Wednesday–Saturday) and 10pm (Sunday–Tuesday).