Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Drinks

4.7(12,891)

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

Canal boat passing illuminated art installation during Amsterdam 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.

























































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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amstel River

Sail down the Amstel River, noticing arched bridges and canal houses lit by golden festival lights. Wide water reflections add depth, while occasional illuminated artworks punctuate the riverbanks.

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.

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.

Tickets Amsterdam
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX