Tickets Amsterdam

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Drinks

4.7(14,283)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Amsterdam canal cruise passing illuminated star sculpture during Light Festival.
See the festival lights in toasty comfort

Cruise Amsterdam’s canals in heated boats with unlimited drink upgrades. Enjoy sparkling artworks, warm blankets, and cozy vibes during the Amsterdam Light Festival, running November 27, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

Traditional canal boat cruising during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise boat under illuminated arches at night.
People enjoying the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise, taking photos through the boat's glass roof.
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with illuminated fountains and light display.
Guests viewing illuminated art installation on Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise.
Illuminated art installation resembling mushrooms along Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.
Cruise boat under illuminated arch at Amsterdam Light Festival.
Colorful light installation over Amsterdam canal during Lights Festival.
Amsterdam canal cruise passing through illuminated tunnel during Light Festival.
Amsterdam canal bridge with illuminated figures during Light Festival cruise.
Sightseeing Cruises
NaN

Amsterdam Light Festival: 75-min Traditional Cruise With Optional Unlimited Drinks

Capture festival installations clearly without outdoor crowds from your heated sightseeing boat.

  • Boat type: Traditional sightseeing cruise boat with a large glass roof and warm interiors.
  • Everything you get: The cruise runs 75-mins along the official Light Festival route. You can board near Centraal Station or the Anne Frank House. Onboard, expect heating, wide glass views, a toilet, and both multilingual audio commentary and personal stories from the skipper.
  • Why choose this: Winter weather does not interfere, since the heated glass-roof boat keeps the festival experience comfortable while showcasing the artworks clearly.
  • Upgrades: Choose unlimited beer, wine, and soda to enjoy on the ride, use free Wi-Fi to share photos instantly, or a back deck lounge for open-air perspectives.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. 15 min.
Audio guide

Capture festival installations clearly without outdoor crowds from your heated sightseeing boat.

  • Boat type: Traditional sightseeing cruise boat with a large glass roof and warm interiors.
  • Everything you get: The cruise runs 75-mins along the official Light Festival route. You can board near Centraal Station or the Anne Frank House. Onboard, expect heating, wide glass views, a toilet, and both multilingual audio commentary and personal stories from the skipper.
  • Why choose this: Winter weather does not interfere, since the heated glass-roof boat keeps the festival experience comfortable while showcasing the artworks clearly.
  • Upgrades: Choose unlimited beer, wine, and soda to enjoy on the ride, use free Wi-Fi to share photos instantly, or a back deck lounge for open-air perspectives.

Inclusions

  • 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

  • Board from near Centraal Station or Anne Frank House (as per option selected)

  • Heated & covered boat with a glass roof

  • Audio guide in Dutch and English

  • Friendly skippers with unique stories

  • Unlimited drinks (beer, wine & soda) (as per option selected)

  • Free Wi-Fi (as per option selected)

  • Lounge on the back deck (as per option selected)

  • Restroom on board

What to bring

  • Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
  • Pack earphones for your audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed

  • Sharp metallic tools or objects, and non-folding wheelchairs and baby strollers are not permitted on this experience.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility

  • This experience is difficult for people with reduced mobility, since there are a few steps that you would have to climb to board the boat.

Additional information

  • The boat is heated and 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.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Amsterdam canal cruise boat passing under illuminated bridge at dusk.
Boat approaching illuminated Skinny Bridge in Amsterdam at night.
Guests enjoying the Happy Valentine Evening Cruise on Amsterdam's illuminated canal.
Boat passing under illuminated bridge at Amsterdam Light Festival.
Evening canal cruise in Amsterdam with passengers enjoying the view.
Passengers using audio guides on a canal cruise.
Amsterdam canal boats with illuminated historic buildings at night.
Wine glass and Dutch cheese with flags on a wooden board, Amsterdam canal cruise.
Amsterdam canal view with illuminated buildings and boats at dusk.
Sightseeing Cruises
NaN

Amsterdam: 1.5 Hour Evening Canal Cruise

  • Cruise along the illuminated UNESCO-listed canal belt of Amsterdam at night and gain a different perspective of the Venice of the North.
  • Take in the fresh air as the boat is equipped with sliding windows and panoramic rooftops, for a mindblowing open-air experience.
  • Drift past some of the city’s most fascinating sites like the charming Grachtengordel area and the iconic Amstel hotel, and see how they look at night.
  • Gain valuable insights from a multilingual audio guide and upgrade your tickets to include a snack box or a wine and cheese box.
  • Experience the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise! Sip Glühwein or hot chocolate while enjoying Dutch treats and twinkling lights in Amsterdam’s festive canals.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. 30 min.
Audio guide
  • Cruise along the illuminated UNESCO-listed canal belt of Amsterdam at night and gain a different perspective of the Venice of the North.
  • Take in the fresh air as the boat is equipped with sliding windows and panoramic rooftops, for a mindblowing open-air experience.
  • Drift past some of the city’s most fascinating sites like the charming Grachtengordel area and the iconic Amstel hotel, and see how they look at night.
  • Gain valuable insights from a multilingual audio guide and upgrade your tickets to include a snack box or a wine and cheese box.
  • Experience the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise! Sip Glühwein or hot chocolate while enjoying Dutch treats and twinkling lights in Amsterdam’s festive canals.

Inclusions

  • 90-min Amsterdam canal cruise

  • Boarding from Hard Rock Cafe Pier

  • Audio guide in English, French, Russian, Spanish, German, Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, Polish, Czech, Croatian, Indonesian, Cantonese, Korean, and Hindi

  • Earphones

  • Snack box (as per option selected)

  • Wine and cheese box (as per option selected)

Happy Holidays Evening Cruise

  • Boarding from Heineken Experience Pier

  • Choice of Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) or hot chocolate

  • Slice of boterkoek (buttery cake)

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

  • Most boats have a roof that can close fully and have central heating on board. So even if it is cold outside, you will be warm inside the boat. The boats mostly sail within the city centre, where the water stays very calm, so they can sail in almost any weather.
  • If a cruise cannot take place due to extreme weather circumstances, the company will contact you to reschedule your ticket to another date.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Boat passing under illuminated bridge at Amsterdam Light Festival.
Illuminated bridge over canal during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Evening cruise boat on Amsterdam canal with illuminated building during Light Festival.
Illuminated swan sculptures on water during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Amsterdam canal cruise boat during the Light Festival at dusk.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation with canal houses and boats at night.
Person capturing Amsterdam Light Festival installation from a boat during a canal cruise.
Illuminated art installation resembling mushrooms at Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Man viewing illuminated art installation during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise boat passing illuminated canal bridge and light sculpture.
Sightseeing Cruises
NaN

Amsterdam Light Festival: 90-min Extended Traditional Cruise with Optional Wine & Snackbox

Take a 90-min Light Festival journey with an official festival guide in Dutch, English or German.

  • Boat type: Traditional sightseeing cruise boat with large glass roof and heated interiors.
  • Everything you get: Spend 90-mins gliding through Amsterdam Light Festival artworks on a glass-roof sightseeing boat with heating, multilingual audio guide, boarding from either Hard Rock Cafe or A’DAM Tower, and access to onboard toilet facilities.
  • Why choose this: Offering a longer journey than standard options, this 90-min cruise ensures you have more time to enjoy illuminated artworks.
  • Upgrades: Add a snackbox, cheesebox, or wine upgrade to your cruise for a more flavorful, relaxed, and enjoyable 90-minute sightseeing experience.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. 30 min.
Audio guide

Take a 90-min Light Festival journey with an official festival guide in Dutch, English or German.

  • Boat type: Traditional sightseeing cruise boat with large glass roof and heated interiors.
  • Everything you get: Spend 90-mins gliding through Amsterdam Light Festival artworks on a glass-roof sightseeing boat with heating, multilingual audio guide, boarding from either Hard Rock Cafe or A’DAM Tower, and access to onboard toilet facilities.
  • Why choose this: Offering a longer journey than standard options, this 90-min cruise ensures you have more time to enjoy illuminated artworks.
  • Upgrades: Add a snackbox, cheesebox, or wine upgrade to your cruise for a more flavorful, relaxed, and enjoyable 90-minute sightseeing experience.

Inclusions

  • 90-minute cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

  • Board from near Hard Rock Cafe or A'dam Tower (as per your selection)

  • Covered and heated boat

  • Official Amsterdam Light Festival audio guide (Dutch, English & German)

  • Toilet on board

  • Snackbox (as per option selected)

  • Wine & Cheesebox (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Snack box (chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, nuts, water or soft drink) and drinks (available for purchase)

What to bring

  • Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.
  • Pack earphones for your audio guide experience.

What’s not allowed

  • 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.

Accessibility

  • This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users, but you must make a prior reservation to let the providers know.

Additional information

  • Food and additional drinks are available for purchase on board.
  • The boat is heated and 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.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Amsterdam canal cruise passing under illuminated rainbow arch during Light Festival.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation glowing over canal during small-group cruise.
Couple enjoying mulled wine on Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Sculpture and illuminated platform on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.
Canal view of illuminated fish sculpture during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Small group on a boat capturing Amsterdam Light Festival bridge lights.
Small-group cruise viewing illuminated art installation during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Small-group cruise passing illuminated art installation during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Sightseeing Cruises
NaN

Amsterdam Light Festival: 75-Min Small-Group Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

Sail the canals quietly on an electric boat designed for small, cozy groups of up to 30 guests.

  • Boat type: Luxury modern boat running on 100% electric power with covered roofs
  • Everything you get: Settle into a fully electric boat for 75-mins with an intimate group of just 30 fellow travellers. Your experienced captain navigates while the guide explains festival artworks. Blankets keep you warm & the Amsterdam Light Festival fee is included.
  • Why choose this: An exclusive small-group cruise with only 30 guests allows you to get clear views of the festival lights and an overall personalised commentary.
  • Upgrades: Choose unlimited beer, glühwein, hot chocolate & soft drinks, enjoy a snack, or transform your trip into a private, intimate cruise with only 10 guests.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. 15 min.
Guided tour

Sail the canals quietly on an electric boat designed for small, cozy groups of up to 30 guests.

  • Boat type: Luxury modern boat running on 100% electric power with covered roofs
  • Everything you get: Settle into a fully electric boat for 75-mins with an intimate group of just 30 fellow travellers. Your experienced captain navigates while the guide explains festival artworks. Blankets keep you warm & the Amsterdam Light Festival fee is included.
  • Why choose this: An exclusive small-group cruise with only 30 guests allows you to get clear views of the festival lights and an overall personalised commentary.
  • Upgrades: Choose unlimited beer, glühwein, hot chocolate & soft drinks, enjoy a snack, or transform your trip into a private, intimate cruise with only 10 guests.

Inclusions

  • 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

  • Board from City Centre or Starboard Dock (as per option selected)

  • Fully modern, electric boat with covered roof

  • Experienced guide and professional captain

  • Up to 30 guests on-board

  • Amsterdam Light Festival fee

  • Blankets on-board

  • Unlimited beer, glühwein, hot chocolate, and soft drinks (as per option selected)

  • Welcome snack (as per option selected)

  • Private cruise (as per option selected)

  • Up to 10 guests on-board (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Food & drinks (unless specified in your chosen ticket option)
  • Personal expenses

  • Transportation to and from the meeting point

What to bring

  • Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.

What’s not allowed

  • 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.

Accessibility

  • For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.

Additional information

  • 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.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guests enjoying wine on Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with cityscape view.
Amsterdam canal with illuminated boat during Light Festival cruise.
Guests enjoying wine on an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with illuminated art outside.
Amsterdam canal cruise with illuminated bridges and passengers enjoying the view.
Guests toasting with wine glasses on an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Luxury boat cruising under a bridge during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Sightseeing Cruises
NEW

Amsterdam Light Festival: 90-min Extended Luxury Cruise with Optional Drinks or Prosecco

Relax on a longer-than-usual 90-minute luxury cruise with table snacks like nuts included.

  • Boat type: Classic, enclosed, heated boat.
  • Everything you get: Enjoy a 90-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route, boarding from Singel 9. Onboard, a friendly guide shares festival stories, while the heated covered boat offers several comforts like restroom access and table bites like nuts.
  • Why choose this: This extended 90-minute cruise offers heated comfort, letting you savor illuminated artworks without winter chills or rushing.
  • Upgrades: Enhance your cruise with optional unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, or mulled wine, or enjoy a chilled Prosecco bottle per two guests.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour

Relax on a longer-than-usual 90-minute luxury cruise with table snacks like nuts included.

  • Boat type: Classic, enclosed, heated boat.
  • Everything you get: Enjoy a 90-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route, boarding from Singel 9. Onboard, a friendly guide shares festival stories, while the heated covered boat offers several comforts like restroom access and table bites like nuts.
  • Why choose this: This extended 90-minute cruise offers heated comfort, letting you savor illuminated artworks without winter chills or rushing.
  • Upgrades: Enhance your cruise with optional unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, or mulled wine, or enjoy a chilled Prosecco bottle per two guests.

Inclusions

  • 90-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

  • Boarding from Singel 9

  • Expert guide

  • Heated and covered boat

  • Some table bites (nuts)

  • Restroom on board

  • Amsterdam Light Festival fee

  • Unlimited beer, wine, soda, and Gluhwein (mulled wine) (as per option selected)

  • Ice-cold bottle of Prosecco (per two persons) (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Tea & coffee

What to bring

  • Ensure your entry ticket and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.

What’s not allowed

  • 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.

Accessibility

  • This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.

Additional information

  • Alcohol will not be served to guests under 18 years of age.
  • Drinks can still be purchased onboard if not included in your ticket option.
  • The boat is heated and 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.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Canal boat cruising under illuminated bridge during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Colorful light installation over Amsterdam canal during Light Festival.
Friends toasting on a cozy Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with festive decor.
Amsterdam canal with illuminated art installation during Light Festival.
Guests enjoying the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with neon lights outside.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation of illuminated fish sculpture by the waterfront.
Cruise boat passing illuminated building during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Amsterdam Light Festival installations illuminating the canal at night.
Skipper steering boat during Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise, pointing at illuminated canal bridge.
Guests toasting with wine during Amsterdam Light Festival cheese tasting tour.
Sightseeing Cruises
NaN

Amsterdam Light Festival: 75-min Luxury Cruise with Optional Unlimited Drinks & Snacks

Admire glowing artworks while staying warm aboard luxury enclosed boats & with an expert host by your side.

  • Boat type: Cozy enclosed saloon boat with plush seating, large windows and wooden interiors.
  • Everything you get: Board near Centraal Station and relax on a heated, enclosed boat. Your experienced skipper navigates the canals while a friendly host shares stories about Amsterdam’s monuments, light artworks, and the city’s winter charm for 75-mins.
  • Why choose this: This cruise gives you confidence and context, as your knowledgeable skipper & host shares inside stories that make the festival magical.
  • Upgrades: Opt for unlimited mulled wine, beer, sodas, and tasty snacks, making your cruise cozy, indulgent, and perfect for winter evenings.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

1 hr. 15 min.

Admire glowing artworks while staying warm aboard luxury enclosed boats & with an expert host by your side.

  • Boat type: Cozy enclosed saloon boat with plush seating, large windows and wooden interiors.
  • Everything you get: Board near Centraal Station and relax on a heated, enclosed boat. Your experienced skipper navigates the canals while a friendly host shares stories about Amsterdam’s monuments, light artworks, and the city’s winter charm for 75-mins.
  • Why choose this: This cruise gives you confidence and context, as your knowledgeable skipper & host shares inside stories that make the festival magical.
  • Upgrades: Opt for unlimited mulled wine, beer, sodas, and tasty snacks, making your cruise cozy, indulgent, and perfect for winter evenings.

Inclusions

  • 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

  • Heated and fully-enclosed boat

  • Board from near Centraal Station

  • Unlimited mulled wine, beer, and sodas (as per option selected)

  • Snacks (as per option selected)

  • Experienced skipper

  • Host providing detailed explanation of the city, monuments, and artworks

Exclusions

  • Drinks (for packages without drinks included)
  • Transportation to/from the meeting point

  • Cruises on New Year’s Eve

What to bring

  • Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.

What’s not allowed

  • Sharp metallic tools or objects, smoking and drugs are not permitted on this experience.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility

  • For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Additional information

  • The boat is heated and covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during 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.
  • Guests showing signs of intoxication before boarding will not be allowed to join the cruise.
  • If a guest becomes disruptive due to intoxication during the cruise, the journey may be ended immediately and they may be asked to leave the boat.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise boat on canal and Rijksmuseum art gallery interior.
Small-group cruise on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival with illuminated art and historic buildings.
Couple enjoying mulled wine on Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Rijksmuseum facade with visitors, Amsterdam, part of Skip The Line Combo tour.
Visitors exploring exhibits in the Rijksmuseum library, Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation glowing over canal during small-group cruise.
Canal view of illuminated fish sculpture during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Sculpture and illuminated platform on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.
Visitors viewing a large painting at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Visitors viewing Rembrandt's "Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul" at a museum exhibit.
Combos
NaN

Combo (Save 10%): Amsterdam Light Festival Small Group Cruise + Access to Rijksmuseum

Pair world-famous Rijksmuseum treasures with the sights of Amsterdam Light Festival’s 14th edition.

  • Everything you get at Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: Spend 75-mins on an eco-friendly covered boat, relax with blankets, admire 20 contemporary light artworks, & listen to fascinating commentary by your guide, knowing your festival entry fee is already covered.
  • Everything you get at Rijksmuseum: Your admission includes entry to the Rijksmuseum with access to all exhibitions, featuring Dutch Golden Age paintings, masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid & more than 8,000 other objects.
  • Why choose this combo: This ticket combines evening lights and daytime art, giving you two distinct Amsterdam highlights without any planning stress.


Check availability
Guided tour

Pair world-famous Rijksmuseum treasures with the sights of Amsterdam Light Festival’s 14th edition.

  • Everything you get at Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: Spend 75-mins on an eco-friendly covered boat, relax with blankets, admire 20 contemporary light artworks, & listen to fascinating commentary by your guide, knowing your festival entry fee is already covered.
  • Everything you get at Rijksmuseum: Your admission includes entry to the Rijksmuseum with access to all exhibitions, featuring Dutch Golden Age paintings, masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid & more than 8,000 other objects.
  • Why choose this combo: This ticket combines evening lights and daytime art, giving you two distinct Amsterdam highlights without any planning stress.

Inclusions Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

  • 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

  • Fully modern, electric boat with a covered roof

  • Experienced guide and professional captain

  • Up to 10 guests

  • Amsterdam Light Festival fee

  • Blankets on-board

Rijksmuseum

  • Entry to the Rijksmuseum

  • Access to all exhibitions

Exclusions Amsterdam Light Festival Small-Group Cruise

  • Food & drinks

  • Personal expenses

  • Transportation to and from the meeting point

What to bring Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Rijksmuseum

  • Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.

What’s not allowed Amsterdam 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.

Accessibility Amsterdam 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 information 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.

Rijksmuseum

  • Your ticket allows you to enter the museum up to 15 mins after the time mentioned on the ticket.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Boat in illuminated tunnel, Amsterdam, Netherlands; women in colorful mirrored room.
Small-group cruise on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival with illuminated art and historic buildings.
Couple enjoying mulled wine on Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Exteriors of Moco Museum in Amsterdam with historic architecture and pink banners.
Banksy artworks displayed at Moco Museum, Amsterdam, featuring police figures with smiley faces.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation glowing over canal during small-group cruise.
Canal view of illuminated fish sculpture during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Sculpture and illuminated platform on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.
Padded pink room installation at Dreams by Andrés Reisinger, Moco Amsterdam.
Tourists viewing colorful light installation at Moco Museum, Amsterdam, with Banksy artworks.
Combos
NaN

Combo (Save 26%): Amsterdam Light Festival Small Group Cruise + Access to Moco Museum

Skip-the-line & save 30-mins at Moco Museum, then enjoy a cozy small-group Light Festival cruise.

  • Everything you get at Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: Unwind on a 75-min eco-friendly electric boat cruise with a covered roof, warm blankets, expert guidance from your guide and captain, and admission to the Festival with 30 other guests.
  • Everything you get at Moco Museum Amsterdam: Enter Moco Museum without waiting in long lines, explore contemporary art including Banksy, Warhol, Kusama, and rotating exhibitions, and use your multilingual audio guide for added insight at your own pace.
  • Why choose this combo: This combo gives small-group festival views and skip-the-line museum access, so you maximize your day enjoying Amsterdam effortlessly.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Audio guide
Guided tour

Skip-the-line & save 30-mins at Moco Museum, then enjoy a cozy small-group Light Festival cruise.

  • Everything you get at Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: Unwind on a 75-min eco-friendly electric boat cruise with a covered roof, warm blankets, expert guidance from your guide and captain, and admission to the Festival with 30 other guests.
  • Everything you get at Moco Museum Amsterdam: Enter Moco Museum without waiting in long lines, explore contemporary art including Banksy, Warhol, Kusama, and rotating exhibitions, and use your multilingual audio guide for added insight at your own pace.
  • Why choose this combo: This combo gives small-group festival views and skip-the-line museum access, so you maximize your day enjoying Amsterdam effortlessly.

Inclusions Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

  • 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

  • Fully modern, electric boat with a covered roof

  • Experienced guide and professional captain

  • Up to 10 guests

  • Amsterdam Light Festival fee

  • Blankets on-board

Moco Museum

  • Skip-the-line entry to Moco Museum

  • Access to all exhibitions

  • Audio tour via your smartphone in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese & Spanish

Exclusions Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

  • Food & drinks (unless specified in your chosen ticket option)

  • Personal expenses

  • Transportation to and from the meeting point

What to bring Amsterdam 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 allowed Amsterdam 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

Accessibility Amsterdam 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 information 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.

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.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise under illuminated bridge and people skating on frozen canal.
Small-group cruise on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival with illuminated art and historic buildings.
Couple enjoying mulled wine on Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Winter snowfall over a canal with traditional Dutch houses in Amsterdam.
Guests enjoying hot chocolate and Gluhwein during a festive tour.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation glowing over canal during small-group cruise.
Canal view of illuminated fish sculpture during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Sculpture and illuminated platform on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.
Tour guide speaking to group near statue during Amsterdam winter walking tour.
National Monument in snowy Dam Square, Amsterdam at sunset.
Combos
NEW

Combo (Save 9%): Amsterdam Light Festival Small Group Cruise & Walking Tour

See Amsterdam’s Light Festival on a small-group cruise & from the lively streets on a 2-hour walking tour.

  • Everything you get on the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: Hop on a comfortable electric boat for 75-mins, blankets included, and listen as your knowledgeable host and captain guide you and 30 other guests through Amsterdam’s Light Festival with included entry fees.
  • Everything you get on the Amsterdam Light Winters Walking Tour: Wander Amsterdam streets for two hours with a local English-speaking guide, enjoy a glühwein or hot chocolate with a treat, wearing a cozy winter hat & staying dry with a poncho if needed.
  • Why choose this combo: Get two ways to experience festival lights, on canals and streets, while staying cozy, guided, and stress-free from start to finish.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Guided tour

See Amsterdam’s Light Festival on a small-group cruise & from the lively streets on a 2-hour walking tour.

  • Everything you get on the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise: Hop on a comfortable electric boat for 75-mins, blankets included, and listen as your knowledgeable host and captain guide you and 30 other guests through Amsterdam’s Light Festival with included entry fees.
  • Everything you get on the Amsterdam Light Winters Walking Tour: Wander Amsterdam streets for two hours with a local English-speaking guide, enjoy a glühwein or hot chocolate with a treat, wearing a cozy winter hat & staying dry with a poncho if needed.
  • Why choose this combo: Get two ways to experience festival lights, on canals and streets, while staying cozy, guided, and stress-free from start to finish.

Inclusions Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

  • 75-min cruise along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route

  • Fully modern, electric boat with a covered roof

  • Experienced guide and professional captain

  • Up to 30 guests on-board

  • Amsterdam Light Festival fee

  • Blankets on-board

Amsterdam Light Winters Walking Cruise

  • 2-hour Amsterdam Light Festival walking tour from Dam Square to Noordermarkt

  • Local English guide

  • Gluhwein or hot chocolate, and a treat

  • Winter hat

  • Rain poncho (only in case of rainy weather)

Exclusions Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

  • Food & drinks (unless specified in your chosen ticket option)

  • Personal expenses

  • Transportation to and from the meeting point

What to bring Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Walking tour

  • Ensure your entry ticket and ID are on hand for a smooth experience.

Walking tour

  • Wear comfortable shoes and layer up warmly for this outdoor winter tour.

What’s not allowed Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise + Walking tour

  • Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on this experience.

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

  • Outside food & beverages and sharp metallic tools or objects are not permitted on this experience.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience, except for the private cruise option.

Walking tour:

  • Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are not permitted on this experience.
  • Your pets are not permitted on this experience.

Accessibility Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise

  • For detailed accessibility information, please contact the operator in advance at sail@starboardboats.nl or +31 6 19909425.
  • This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.

Additional information 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.

Walking tour

  • Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Why choose an Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour with drinks?

✔️ Heated boats keep you warm all evening

✔️ Optional unlimited drinks add a festive touch

✔️ Multiple departure points across the city

✔️ Full 75-minute ride on the official festival route

✔️ Skippers and hosts share engaging local stories

Luxury canal cruise under illuminated red art installation at Amsterdam Light Festival.

What to expect on an Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour with drinks?

Amsterdam Central Station illuminated at night, reflecting in the canal, Netherlands.
Canal cruise boat passing by Montelbaanstoren tower in Amsterdam during evening.
Boat crew guiding Amsterdam Light Festival private cruise.
Friends toasting drinks on Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise.
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Warm welcome and easy boarding

Meet at the selected dock near Centraal Station, Anne Frank House, or Starboard Dock, show your ticket, and settle into a heated boat with clear canal views.

Comfortable 75-minute cruise

Cruise the official festival route and admire the creativity and detail behind each glowing artwork. Blankets and heating keep the chill away while you enjoy optional unlimited drinks and snacks.

Stories and sights

Listen to commentary from your host or skipper, who shares insider details about the installations, historic bridges, and landmarks along the canals.

Flexible upgrades

Depending on the cruise, you can add mulled wine, beer, soft drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, or a private boat experience for a more intimate festival night.

Things to know before booking your tour

  • Festival dates: The Amsterdam Light Festival runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026, giving visitors nearly eight magical winter weeks of evening cruises.
  • Cruise duration: Each sailing lasts about 75 minutes and operates multiple times nightly, allowing you to choose a departure that best suits your schedule.
  • Accessibility: Some boats require climbing steps to board and may not be suitable for guests using wheelchairs or those with significant mobility limitations.
  • Optional upgrades: Unlimited drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and private cruise experiences are available only when selected during booking, so review ticket inclusions carefully beforehand.
  • Age restrictions: Alcoholic drinks are served strictly to guests of legal drinking age, and valid identification may be requested before or during the cruise.
  • Special dates: New Year’s Eve sailings are not offered on luxury cruises, and intoxication policies apply to most cruises.

Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour with drinks vs standard canal cruise tour

FeatureBoat tour with drinksStandard canal cruise

Atmosphere

Warm, festive, cozy

Basic sightseeing

Drinks & snacks

Optional unlimited upgrades

Usually not included

Festival coverage

Official light route

General city canals

Personal stories

Hosts share local insights

Pre-recorded commentary

Best for

Couples, friends, night fun

Quick daytime sightseeing

Highlights of your tour

NEMO Science Museum illuminated at night, viewed from Amsterdam canal during boat tour.

NEMO Science Museum

Float past NEMO’s bright green rooftop, glowing against the night sky. The sloped architecture reflects in the canal while festival lights nearby shimmer, highlighting the contrast between modern design and historic waterways.

Amsterdam Central Station illuminated at night, reflecting in the canal, Netherlands.

Amsterdam Central Station

Glide in front of Central Station’s neo-Renaissance facade, each architectural detail highlighted by warm lights. Crowds on the quay fade into the background as reflections dance across the canal’s surface.

Magere Brug illuminated at night over the Amstel River in Amsterdam.

Magere Brug

Approach the Magere Brug, elegantly outlined with strings of lights. The narrow wooden bridge arches over the canal, mirrored perfectly in the water, creating a romantic, storybook setting at night.

Canal houses along Herengracht in Amsterdam illuminated at night.

Herengracht

Sail along Herengracht, lined with historic merchant houses. Warm festival lights illuminate facades, bridges, and gables while their reflections shimmer in the water, giving a sense of Amsterdam’s Golden Age charm.

Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam at night with illuminated buildings and reflections.

Prinsengracht

Float past Prinsengracht, where narrow bridges frame brightly lit canal houses. Festival installations peek from windows and facades, creating a cozy, intimate streetscape reflected in the water below.

VOC ship docked at the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam.

VOC Ship Amsterdam

Pass the moored VOC Ship, its tall masts lit subtly. The wooden hull and rigging reflect in the canal as guides share stories of the Dutch East India Company’s historic voyages.

Amsterdam cityscape view from Lookout with boats on the IJ River.

IJ River

Reach the open IJ River, where the city skyline glows behind you. Reflections from nearby festival installations ripple across the wide water, creating expansive views of Amsterdam’s winter charm.

Amsterdam's Negen Straatjes at sunset with historic canal houses.

De Negen Straatjes

Cruise through De Negen Straatjes, with its boutique windows, bridges, and narrow canals aglow. Colored lights and art installations give each street a festive, picturesque ambiance perfect for evening photos.

Anne Frank House and Westerkerk tower along Amsterdam canal at dusk.

Anne Frank House

Pass the Anne Frank House quietly, its somber facade bathed in soft light. The surrounding canal mirrors the glow, creating a reflective, intimate scene as guides offer historical context.

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam greenhouse by a canal, showcasing its glass architecture.

Hortus Botanicus

Pass the Hortus Botanicus gardens, where subtle festival lighting traces winding pathways and greenhouse glass panels, casting soft green reflections on the canal while lanterns and trees sparkle gently.

Plan your visit

Amsterdam Light Festival cruise boat under illuminated arches at night.
  • When: November 27, 2025 - January 18, 2026
  • Lights on: 4:30pm from November 27 to January 4, and 5pm from January 5 to January 18
  • Lights off: 11pm from Wednesday to Saturday, and 10pm from Sunday to Tuesday
  • Exceptions: Between December 20 and January 4, the lights remain on until 11pm daily. On December 31, the lights turn off early at 9pm.
  • Note: Timings may change, so check this page for updates closer to the festival start.
  • Cruise duration: 75-90 minutes
Canal view towards Anne Frank House and Westertoren church tower in Amsterdam at dusk.
  • Near Hard Rock Cafe: Take tram 2 or 12 to Leidseplein stop; the boarding point is just a short walk from there.
  • Near A'DAM Tower: Ride the free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg; the boarding point is right beside the tower.
  • Near Damrak: Take tram 4, 14, or 24 to Dam Square stop; the boarding point is only a few minutes away on foot.
  • Near Anne Frank House: Take tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt stop; you’ll find the boarding point close to the canal nearby.
  • Singel 9: Take tram 2, 11, or 12 to Spui stop; Singel 9 is just around the corner.
  • Starboard Dock: Take metro line 52 to Rokin station; from there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the dock.
Skipper steering boat during Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise, pointing at illuminated canal bridge.
  • Heated Seating: Stay warm inside covered, insulated boats that keep the chill away while you take in the festival’s glowing canal views.
  • Toilets Onboard: Most traditional and luxury boats have onboard restrooms, so you can sit back and enjoy the cruise without any worries.
  • Blankets Provided: Many small-group and private cruises offer cozy blankets, perfect for keeping snug as you pass the city’s sparkling light displays.
  • Wi-Fi Access: Some boats include free Wi-Fi, making it easy to share photos of Amsterdam’s illuminated canals in real time.
Guide dog assisting person in wheelchair
  • Wheelchair Access: Many boats can accommodate wheelchairs with advance notice, making it easy to board and enjoy the festival lights along Amsterdam’s famous canals.
  • Guide Dogs: Selected cruises welcome guide dogs, ensuring visitors with assistance animals can enjoy the city’s illuminated waterways comfortably.
  • Stroller Access: Families can bring prams on small-group or private cruises with prior reservation, making it simple to enjoy the festival together without space concerns.
No pets, smoking, or outside food signs against blue sky.
  • No Outside Food: Only onboard purchases or included snacks are allowed to help keep the boat clean and comfortable for everyone.
  • Pets: Pets aren’t permitted on public cruises, but private cruises may allow them with advance arrangements.
  • Safety: Anyone showing signs of intoxication may be refused boarding to ensure a safe and pleasant trip for all guests.
  • Restricted Items: Sharp objects, large bags, and drones are not allowed onboard to keep everyone safe and protect the light installations.

How to make the most of your tour?

  • Upgrade wisely: Check drink packages before booking to match your group’s preferences, ensuring enough variety without overpaying for extras you might not use.
  • Seat strategy: Arrive a little early to grab side seats near windows for the best photo angles and uninterrupted views of each illuminated artwork.
  • Quiet corners: Ask crew about lesser-used seating areas; some boats have small rear benches with surprisingly private, panoramic views away from chatter.
  • Photo readiness: Low lighting can challenge cameras, so use night mode and disable flash to capture crisp reflections on the canals.
  • Blanket trick: Use provided blankets as a soft shield to steady cameras or phones when shooting long-exposure festival images on slightly bumpy waters.
  • Artist details: Scan QR codes on onboard guides to read artist statements during the cruise, making each glowing piece more meaningful while sipping.
  • Dockside drink: Finish your last beverage just before docking so you can linger over final views while others queue for disembarkation.

Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam Light Festival boat tours with drinks

How long is each cruise?

Each sailing lasts about 75 minutes, covering the full official festival route with plenty of time to enjoy all the illuminated artworks.

Are drinks included in every ticket?

Drinks and snacks are only included if specified in the ticket option you choose. Some cruises offer unlimited beer, mulled wine, or soft drinks.

Where do the boats depart from?

Departure points vary by product and include Centraal Station, Anne Frank House, City Centre docks, or Starboard Dock. Your ticket lists the exact location.

Is the boat heated?

Yes, all boats feature heated cabins or covered seating to keep you warm during the winter evening ride. Blankets are available on certain cruises.

Can children join these tours?

Children are welcome on most cruises, but drink packages are only for adults of legal drinking age.

Are these tours accessible for wheelchairs?

Some boats require steps to board and may not suit guests with limited mobility. Check the specific cruise details before booking.

Do cruises operate in bad weather?

Yes. Boats are covered and heated, so rain or cold weather does not affect departures unless extreme conditions occur.