Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour

When is the Amsterdam Light Festival?

This year, the Amsterdam light festival will take place from the 26th of November 2026 until the 17th of January 2027. This will be the 15th edition of the festival, celebrating 15 years of light art in Amsterdam. More information about the artworks and theme will be announced later.

What is included in the Amsterdam Light Festival package?

The Amsterdam Light Festival is best experienced from the water. As the city turns dark, light artworks appear along the canals and give Amsterdam a calm, cinematic glow.

From your own covered private boat, you can enjoy the festival away from the crowds on the quays. The boat is warm, comfortable and exclusively reserved for your group, with space for up to 30 guests.

Your experienced skipper navigates the illuminated canals at a relaxed pace and shares more about the artworks and the city along the way. Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks and hot drinks are included, with catering options available to make the evening feel even more complete.

What route do you take during the Amsterdam Light Festival?

During the festival, your skipper follows a special route through Amsterdam’s historic canals, giving your group a beautiful view of the light artworks from the water.

This year, the sailing route takes you along the Herengracht and around the eastern part of Amsterdam, with views of, among others:

• NEMO Science Museum

• The National Maritime Museum

• Amsterdam Central Station

• The Skinny Bridge

• Various light artworks spread across the most famous canals

Is the Amsterdam Light Festival boat open or covered?

For the Amsterdam Light Festival, we sail with a fully covered boat. That means your group can stay warm and comfortable during the winter evening, with a (hot) drink in hand and clear views of the illuminated canals.

Boarding location and duration

The boat departs close to Amsterdam Central Station, near Stationsplein 18. From there, you will enjoy a 1.5-hour private cruise along the Amsterdam Light Festival route.