Amsterdam Festival of Lights—
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Amsterdam Festival of Lights—

1.4(5 reviews)
1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
english
Amsterdam, Netherlands

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  • **Explore Amsterdam’s canals** illuminated by light displays
  • Small group cruise with fun and informative storytelling
  • **100% electric boat** for rain or shine comfort
  • **First-class view** of the light art and Amsterdam’s beauty
Amsterdam Lights Festival Transforms Canals into Floating Art Gallery


Amsterdam is preparing to welcome visitors to one of Europe’s most celebrated winter spectacles as the Amsterdam Light Festival returns from 27 November to 18 January 2026. During this period, the city’s historic canals are reimagined as an illuminated outdoor gallery, showcasing large-scale light installations created by international artists.


A 90-minute evening canal cruise offers one of the most immersive ways to experience the festival. Guests travel through the city’s waterways aboard a fully electric boat, designed for comfort and quiet operation in all weather conditions. As the boat moves beneath illuminated bridges and alongside glowing canal houses, passengers are surrounded by reflections of light art shimmering across the water.


Onboard, visitors can enjoy warm seasonal drinks such as mulled wine or hot chocolate, adding a cozy element to the winter journey. The relaxed atmosphere allows guests to take in the installations at a gentle pace while passing through some of Amsterdam’s most scenic and historic districts.


Throughout the cruise, a knowledgeable captain and host provide commentary on the artworks, artists, and the cultural significance of the festival. Their insights help frame the experience as more than a sightseeing tour, turning it into an introduction to Amsterdam’s creative identity and winter traditions.


Recognized internationally as one of Europe’s standout winter events, the Amsterdam Light Festival combines public art, architecture, and waterway travel into a single seasonal experience. The result is a nighttime journey that highlights the city’s historic charm while showcasing contemporary artistic expression in a uniquely urban setting.

What's Included
  • Evening cruise aboard historic boat
  • Live guide in English
  • Complimentary warm drinks onboard
  • Front-row Light Festival views
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Price start from

$ 50.66

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Activity Provider: Captain Dave Amsterdam

Customer Reviews

1.4
Poor
Based on 5 reviews
V
Video t.Google
January 20, 2025

Very disappointed from this light festival!! Can't believe that some artist do such ugly art work and other bay big money they display it! Very overrated. As a dutch citizen told me- we advertise big but the product does not exist! The boat trip was standard, nothing different than other boat trips. Don't go, don't waist your money.

M
Marta B.Google
January 03, 2025

Its a pure scam. Extremely poor selection of artwork which anyway is close to invisible if one decides to travel by boat…. And on the boat its impossible to see anything- windows are continuously covered in FOG. Take it in account when uou decide to pay close to 30eurofor a ride. Waste of money.

F
Frank G.Google
January 20, 2024

It's not worth the extra trip. The boat trips are organized chaotically in winter. In the summer it is much better managed. The departure points for Floating Amsterdam Tours and Amsterdam Boat Experience are described inaccurately in the ticket. There is no exact name on the pier on site. Boarding is chaotic. Amsterdam Boat Experience sends its passengers back and forth. Everything is so unprofessional. There are tickets online with a QR code and glow sticks on the pier that assign the boat. The glow stick was retracted during boarding. The choice of boat is lottery. If it's half open, it'll rain and you'll be partially wet. When it's dry, the boat has windows that are smeared and it's like being in a sweat lodge inside. You can forget about taking photos. The paths on the pier are not prepared for winter. Danger of accidents. The usual explanations on board. Some Stewarts are very frugal with drinks. Passengers must serve themselves. The motto and the artwork are a matter of taste, but art is okay. Overall, the Light Festival wasn't a big hit for us. You can take a look. The problems on the boat detract from the already charmless atmosphere.

Explore More Amsterdam Festival of Lights—#14
Explore More Amsterdam Festival of Lights—#14
Explore More Amsterdam Festival of Lights—#14
Explore More Amsterdam Festival of Lights—#14
+1
Day In a City

Explore More Amsterdam Festival of Lights—#14

Discover the wonders of Amsterdam, Netherlands with this unforgettable experience. Experience the Amsterdam Festival of Lights (27 November–18 January 2026) on a cozy 90-minute evening cruise. Glide through canals glowing with dazzling light art while enjoying mulled wine or hot chocolate. A magical winter experience in one of Europe’s top festivals! Highlights of your tour include: Explore Amsterdam’s canals illuminated by spectacular light displaysEnjoy a small group cruise with fun, informative storytelling from your captainRelax on a 100% electric boat, comfortable in any weather — rain or shineGet a first-class view of the light art and the sparkling beauty of Amsterdam at. At **4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM**, we sail with the **Sailing Heritage® Jonckvrouw** from 1928 –Amsterdam’s floating legacy.At **5:00 PM, 7:00 PM**, we cruise with the **360° saloon boat James Bond**.Cruise the canals and enjoy light displays with mulled wine and hot chocolateEach cruise offers a fir. This tour includes: 90-minute evening cruise aboard the Jonckvrouw or James Bond boatLive tour in easy English with engaging commentaryComplimentary mulled wine and hot chocolate served on boardFront-row view of the Amst. Experience the magic of Amsterdam during the Festival of Lights — from 27 November to 18 January 2026, the city’s canals are transformed into a glittering open-air gallery of light art and creativity.Join us for a 90-minute evening cruise through this stunning display, where dazzling light installations illuminate the bridges, canal houses, and waterfronts. Sip on warm mulled wine or hot chocolate. Duration: 1 hours 30 minutes. Book your Amsterdam...