The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event where artworks and installations are displayed along the city’s canals. Visitors can view illuminated sculptures, projections, and interactive pieces from boats or walking routes, experiencing the interplay of light, water, and architecture across central Amsterdam.
Address: Blue Boat Company, Stadhouderskade 501, 1071 ZD Amsterdam, Netherlands (opposite Hard Rock Café)
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Famous for: One of Amsterdam’s best-known canal cruise departure points, set beside the Hard Rock Café and close to the city’s main entertainment district.
Address: Badhuisweg 4, 1031 CM Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Famous for: Panoramic city views from the observation deck and vibrant nightlife at the tower.
Address: Stromma, Damrak 22, 1012 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Famous for: Amsterdam’s main transport hub surrounded by canals, historic architecture, and easy access to central attractions.
Address: Amsterdam Circle Line, Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting there:
Famous for: Historic canal-side museum, reflecting Amsterdam’s history, situated in a charming neighborhood full of classic façades.
Address: Amstel 178, 1017 AE Amsterdam
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Famous for: Quiet boarding point perfect for small and private boats, offering intimate views of festival lights.
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 150, 1012 Amsterdam
Getting there:
Famous for: Historic canal heart of Amsterdam with vibrant nightlife, classic architecture, and charming canal streets.
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Glide through illuminated waterways on special festival cruises, passing large-scale light artworks reflected on the canals for striking evening views.
Follow mapped trails along central canals to see installations up close, enjoy detailed plaques, and capture different angles of each artwork.
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture reflections, changing colors, and moving light effects from bridges, quays, and quiet canal-side corners.
Attend scheduled talks or guided tours where creators explain their concepts, construction methods, and how their installations interact with Amsterdam’s historic setting.
Look for kid-friendly installations, interactive displays, and workshops that let children engage with light-based art in a playful, hands-on way.
Pause at nearby cafés or street stalls for warm treats while enjoying changing perspectives of the glowing artworks along the festival route.
The Amsterdam Light Festival traces its roots to the Christmas Canal Parade of 2009 and earlier 1920s light events celebrating illuminated architecture. Officially founded in 2012 by Vincent Horbach, Henk Jan Buchel, Felix Guttmann, Raymond Borsboom, and Rogier van der Heide, it expanded from Winter Magic Amsterdam. With Princess Beatrix opening the first edition, the festival now draws global artists and visitors, transforming Amsterdam’s canals and streets into a seasonal showcase of light-based creativity.
No, each edition commissions new pieces from international artists, so installations change annually while a few favorites occasionally return.
Yes, all outdoor installations along the public walking route are free to view, though canal cruises require separately purchased tickets.
Expect around 90 minutes to two hours at a steady pace, depending on photo stops and time spent at each artwork.
Yes, many pieces are designed to reveal distinct patterns when viewed from moving boats compared to stationary bridges or canal edges.
Yes, all installations operate in most weather, though boat schedules may adjust for heavy winds or exceptionally icy canal conditions.
Bicycles are discouraged on narrow canal paths during festival hours for safety, but designated bike parking spots are provided near main entrances.
Most pieces include small QR markers linking to artist statements, technical details, and short audio guides accessible through a smartphone browser.
No, installations shut down at designated closing times each night, so late-night sightseeing without lights is not possible.
