Amsterdam light festival

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Amsterdam Light Festival, a dazzling annual event that transforms the city’s canals into a glowing art exhibition from November 26, 2026, through January 17, 2027. Aboard a 100% electric canal boat, admire unique light artworks by international artists, illuminating the eastern part of Amsterdam’s city centre in spectacular fashion. This 90-minute cruise follows a beautiful route across the IJ and along the Amstel river, offering wonderful views of illuminated historic buildings, bridges and contemporary art installations.

Enhanced by live commentary from your local skipper in both Dutch and English, and supplemented with an informative brochure, this tour reveals the stories behind the artworks and the city’s iconic sites, such as NEMO and the Maritime Museum. As an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival, this cruise promises a magical experience filled with art, light and Amsterdam’s winter charm.

Join our magical Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with drinks.

Join the best Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise. Listen to live commentary from the captain or enjoy an audio guide while admiring the illuminated city centre, its canals and 27 beautiful light artworks.

Hop on board an electric canal boat and see the artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival up close. We are an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival. See the city from the water while listening to live commentary or browsing through a brochure with information about the artworks, artists and themes. An audio guide is also available in 3 languages: English, German and Dutch.

We sail across the IJ towards the light artworks in the city. Along the way, you pass sights such as NEMO and the fully restored Maritime Museum. We cruise through the canals of Amsterdam to see the various artworks.

Admire the 27 light artworks along the route, both in and around the city’s canals. Discover the story behind each artwork while listening to live commentary from your local skipper. Alternatively, read the informative brochure provided on board.

Enjoy Amsterdam’s iconic winter cityscape, with many illuminated bridges and historic buildings. Drinks are available on board. Cheers!

Itinerary

Your journey into the heart of the Amsterdam Light Festival begins at the futuristic Overhoeksplein, where our welcoming host guides you onto a modern, eco-friendly electric boat, setting the scene for an unforgettable evening. In the warmth of the boat’s heated interior, you set off as the city slowly moves from daylight into twilight, ready to embrace the illuminated spectacle.

As the cruise continues across the IJ and towards the Amstel, every turn of the canals reveals a new and impressive light artwork. Your local skipper provides live commentary, sharing the stories behind the installations and the centuries-old cityscapes that form their backdrop. The informative brochure on board serves as your personal guide, with more details about the inspiration, artists and creation of the 27 artworks that make this festival so special.

Along the way, you pass historic sights such as the Skinny Bridge, the Maritime Museum and the area near Artis. The carefully selected route ensures you do not miss any of the highlights. These locations not only provide the setting for the festival’s artworks, but also shine beautifully against the winter evening sky, offering a unique view of Amsterdam’s rich heritage and architectural beauty.

With drinks available on board, you can raise a glass to an evening of culture, history and creative light art as Amsterdam’s canals and skyline shine in celebration. As an official partner of the festival, this cruise not only offers a spectacular experience, but also supports the future of this much-loved Amsterdam tradition.

What you'll see

Watch Amsterdam’s city centre light up during the dark winter months
Live commentary from a local skipper in Dutch and English
Learn about the artworks from your captain and a brochure
Relax in a covered, heated boat powered by electric energy, with drinks available on board
Follow a route specially designed to pass all 20 artworks
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival up close on a cruise, as an official partner

Tour type

Amsterdam canal cruises

Tour duration

90 minutes

Departure time

Multiple departure times

Departure location

This is Holland

Return location

Same as departure location

Inclusive

Free information leaflet in multiple languages

Canal cruise through the canals

Exclusive

Meals and drinks

Personal expenses

Reservation details

Experience the enchanting beauty of the Amsterdam Light Festival on a special canal cruise, complete with insightful live commentary and a comprehensive guide to the artworks. From November 26, 2026, through January 17, 2027, Amsterdam is transformed into an open-air light art museum. Secure your spot on this special cruise, as capacity is limited. With no hidden costs or booking fees, this official partner cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the splendour of the festival while supporting its future. Book now and let the lights of Amsterdam brighten your winter evenings.

Departure location:

The departure location of the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise is at Badhuiskade in Amsterdam. It is easily accessible from Central Station. Take the ferry F3 “Buiksloterweg” behind Central Station. From the ferry, walk immediately to the left towards the A’dam Tower, the tower with the swing on the roof. After 250 metres, on the right after the bridge, you will see the departure jetty of Amsterdam Boat Cruises. A host will welcome you on board.

Important information

Enjoy our free 24-hour cancellation policy.
Unfortunately, our boats and buses are not wheelchair accessible.
Pets are not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs.
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQ section.