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.

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.

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.