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Know all about the Amsterdam Light Festival dates

Amsterdam Light Festival seasonal/operational timings

Period/dayFirst time lights onLast time lights off / Cruise departureFrequencyNotes & seasonal exceptions

Standard (Nov to Jan)

5pm

Sun-Tue: 10pm Wed-Sat: 11pm

Every 30-mins

-

Christmas Break (21 Dec to 5 Jan)

5pm

11pm nightly

Every 30-mins

-

31 December (New Year’s Eve)

-

-

-

Lights are turned off; festival closed for NYE

Cruise & walk experience details

  • Cruises run on average 75 minutes.
  • Cruise departures typically begin shortly after the lights-on period (e.g. 5pm or shortly after) and end by 9:30pm (last departure) in many cases.
  • The walk route is 6.5 km and is accessible whenever the lights are on; it can be started any time after dark.
  • Light Garden (Hoftuin) is open daily from 4:30pm to 10pm (closed 31 Dec) for exhibitions, info, and installations.
  • Information points (Stoperaplein, Light Garden) operate roughly 4:30pm to 9pm (Thursday to Sunday, and daily over the Christmas period)
  • Official timetable & further info: For the most current schedule, visit the festival’s official “Dates & Hours” page. 

Timing notes & visitor warnings

  • Sudden rain or strong winds can disrupt or even cancel cruises, so it’s smart to check with your operator before heading out.
  • Bridges, narrow canalsides, and uneven paving can be tricky after dark, so wear sturdy shoes and carry a small torch for safety.
  • The festival takes a break on 31 December when all lights and cruises remain off for New Year’s Eve.
  • Festival information points, where you can pick up route maps, get tips, and ask questions, are not open all day. They usually operate from Thursday to Sunday and daily during the Christmas break.
  • Boat departures finish well before the lights are switched off, so missing the final cruise means walking the route or arranging other transport.
  • There is no separate night-only service beyond the normal festival schedule; boat cruises conclude before midnight.
  • Walking the route is still possible after the last cruise, while lights remain on and before the scheduled lights-off time.
  • Be aware that public transport schedules may be more limited during late evening, especially in more residential canal districts.

Best time to visit the Amsterdam Light Festival

  • Peak (late December to early January): Longest lighting hours with extended 11pm closing times, festive holiday atmosphere, and extra installations, but also the busiest nights and higher ticket demand.
  • Shoulder (late November and mid-January): Full light displays with fewer visitors, cooler but manageable weather, and easier cruise bookings for those wanting a balanced experience.
  • Low period (festival opening or closing weeks): Shorter nights and fewer cruise departures, ideal for bargain hunters or visitors looking for the quietest possible experience despite limited services.
  • Sunday to Tuesday: Lights usually switch off at 10pm and visitor numbers stay lower, making these nights ideal for quieter walks and easier cruise bookings.
  • Wednesday to Saturday: Lights are likely to stay on until 11pm and cruises run more frequently, creating livelier evenings with higher demand for boat seats.
  • Special event nights: Certain Fridays or holiday evenings feature extra programming in the Light Garden, including live music or surprise performances.
  • Early evening (5pm to 6:30pm): A perfect window to watch the installations come alive while the sky still holds a touch of twilight.
  • Prime evening (7pm to 9pm): The busiest period with steady cruise departures and the clearest views of every artwork.
  • Late night (9 to 11pm): A calmer atmosphere for walkers once the crowds thin, though the last boat departures take place well before the lights switch off.

Weather during Amsterdam Light Festival

MonthAvg. temperatureLikely conditionsCrowd levels

Late November

5 to 9°C

Cold, possible rain

Moderate crowds as festival starts

December

2 to 7°C

Chilly, winter rain/sleet possible

High crowd volumes, Christmas demand

January

1 to 6°C

Cold, occasional snow/rain

Lower crowds after New Year’s, but cold evenings

How long should you spend at the festival?

Most visitors spend one to two hours experiencing the Amsterdam Light Festival, depending on the chosen activity. A standard canal cruise along the official route lasts about 75 to 90 minutes, covering all illuminated artworks comfortably. Walking the route usually takes 90 minutes to two hours, allowing time for photos and closer views of individual installations at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam Light Festival timings

Are cruise departures adjusted when Amsterdam experiences heavy evening fog?

Cruise operators may slightly delay departures during dense fog to maintain safe navigation, but lights remain on at scheduled times.

What time are the canals least busy for photography during festival nights?

Canals are generally quietest after 9:30pm, offering clearer reflections and fewer passing boats for long-exposure photography.

Do walking route lights turn on earlier during heavy overcast days?

Lighting follows the fixed schedule and does not activate earlier, even on darker cloudy days.

When is ticket demand highest within the nightly schedule?

Tickets for departures between 7pm to 8:30pm typically sell fastest, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Are any installations illuminated past the official lights-off time?

All artworks power down simultaneously with the published closing hour, even if visitors remain along the route.

Is there a best time for families with young children to start the walk?

Starting soon after 5pm offers calmer paths, shorter queues, and an earlier finish suitable for younger visitors.

Can I join a cruise midway if I miss the first departure?

Cruises are closed-loop tours, so passengers must board at the scheduled pier and cannot join midway.

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