Amsterdam Light Festival: Cruise past Light Art

Highlights

Admire light art from the water on a cruise with an official partner of Amsterdam Light Festival.

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Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Amsterdam Light Festival, a sparkling 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 cruise boat, you'll admire unique light artworks by international artists, spectacularly illuminating the eastern part of Amsterdam's city centre. This 90-minute cruise follows a beautiful route across the IJ and along the Amstel, offering wonderful views of illuminated historic buildings, bridges, and modern art installations.

The journey is enhanced with live commentary from your local skipper in Dutch and English, supplemented by an informative brochure. This way, you'll discover the stories behind the artworks and iconic spots in the city, such as NEMO and the National Maritime Museum. As an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival, this cruise offers a magical experience full of art, light, and winter charm in Amsterdam.

Join our magical Amsterdam Light Festival cruise

Join the best Amsterdam Light Festival cruise. Listen to live commentary from the captain or use the audio guide while enjoying the illuminated city centre, the canals, and 20 beautiful light artworks.

Step aboard an electric canal cruise boat and admire the Amsterdam Light Festival artworks up close. We are an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival. View 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'll pass sights such as NEMO and the fully restored National Maritime Museum. We sail through Amsterdam's canals to view the various artworks.

Admire the 20 light artworks featured 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. You can also read the informative brochure on board.

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

Itinerary

Your journey to the heart of the Amsterdam Light Festival begins at This is Holland, Overhoeksplein 51, Amsterdam-Noord. There, our friendly host will guide you to a modern, eco-friendly electric boat, ready for an unforgettable evening. In the warmth of the heated interior, you'll depart as the city slowly transitions from daylight to dusk, preparing for the illuminated spectacle.

As the cruise sails across the IJ and towards the Amstel, every bend in the canals reveals a new, impressive light artwork. Your local skipper provides live commentary, sharing stories behind the installations and the centuries-old cityscapes that form the backdrop. The informative brochure on board serves as your personal guide, offering more information about the inspiration, artists, and execution of the 20 artworks that make this festival so special.

Along the way, you'll sail past historic sights such as the Skinny Bridge, the National Maritime Museum, and near Artis. The carefully chosen route ensures you won't miss a single highlight. These locations not only form the backdrop for the festival's artworks but are also beautifully lit against the winter evening sky, giving you a unique view of Amsterdam's rich heritage and architectural beauty.

With drinks available on board, you can toast to an evening full of culture, history, and creative light art, as Amsterdam's canals and skyline shine in the light. As an official partner of the festival, this cruise not only offers a spectacular experience but also supports the continuation of this beloved Amsterdam tradition.

What you will see

See Amsterdam's city centre light up during the dark winter months
Live commentary from a local skipper in Dutch and English
Learn more about the artworks through your captain and a brochure
Relax on 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

Cruises

Tour duration

1 hour and 30 min

Departure time

Multiple departure times

Departure location

Badhuiskade, Amsterdam-Noord

Return location

Same as departure location

Included

Free information leaflet in multiple languages

Canal cruise through the canals

Live commentary on board during the cruise, with interesting stories about the surroundings, sights and history along the route

Audio guide in Dutch, English and German

Not included

Meals and drinks

Personal expenses

Reservation details

Experience the enchanting beauty of the Amsterdam Light Festival during a special canal cruise, including live commentary and a comprehensive guide to the artworks. From November 26, 2026 through January 17, 2027, Amsterdam transforms into an open-air museum full of light art. 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 and support its future. Book now and let the lights of Amsterdam illuminate your winter evenings.

Departure location:

The departure location for the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise is at Badhuiskade in Amsterdam. This location is easily accessible from Central Station. Take ferry F3 "Buiksloterweg" behind Central Station. From the ferry, walk directly left towards the A'DAM Tower, the tower with the swing on the roof. After 250 metres, you'll see the Amsterdam Boat Cruises departure jetty on the right, after the bridge. A host will welcome you on board.

Important information

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.

What people say about Amsterdam Light Festival: Cruise past Light Art

FAQ

1. Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from This is Holland, Overhoeksplein 51, Amsterdam-Noord. You can reach This is Holland with the free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station (Buiksloterweg).

2. What time does the tour depart?

This tour has several departure times. You can see the available times when you book.

3. How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 1 hour and 30 min.

4. What is included?

Included in this tour:

Free information leaflet in multiple languages
Canal cruise through the canals
Live commentary on board during the cruise, with interesting stories about the surroundings, sights and history along the route
Audio guide in Dutch, English and German

5. What is not included?

Not included:

Meals and drinks
Personal expenses

6. Can I cancel for free?

Yes, you can cancel this tour free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

7. Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Unfortunately, our boats and buses are not wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or +31 (0)20 3300 684.

8. Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs.