Light art along the canals for the 15th edition, seen by boat or on foot
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027: 26 Nov – 17 Jan
Amsterdam Light Festival's 15th edition runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. Artists from the Netherlands and abroad show light artworks along a brand-new route through the city's canals. The art is free to see from the street; this page is for visitors who want to see it from the water on a canal cruise.
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Updated Mon 19 Oct
Cruises and tickets during the event
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Amsterdam Light Festival
Sail past 20 illuminated artworks on Amsterdam's canals aboard a brand-new electric boat, gliding from Amsterdam-North through the lit Amstel past iconic landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and Artis Zoo.
Why here: The festival cruise: 1 hour 30 minutes on a 100% electric boat from Amsterdam-North to the lit Amstel.
Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise with live Guide
Discover Amsterdam by night on a 75-minute evening canal cruise with live commentary from a local skipper. You'll glide past illuminated bridges, historic canal houses, and famous landmarks.
Why here: 75-minute evening cruise with live commentary from a local skipper.
Evening Canal Cruise & A’DAM Tower Skybar
Enjoy a evening canal cruise past Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks before visiting the MA’DAM Skybar in the A’DAM Tower for breathtaking views, live DJ music, and 1 complimentary drink.
Why here: Evening cruise plus the MA'DAM Skybar in A'DAM Tower, one drink included.
Premium ChoiceCocktail Cruise Amsterdam
Sipping cocktails while cruising through the world-famous canals, sounds like a night to remember! The Amsterdam night tour with cocktail bar is the perfect nighttime activity.
Why here: Cocktails on a 75-minute evening canal cruise, for ages 18 and over.
Plan your visit
Departure points
Meet at Amsterdam-North departure point. · Badhuiskade 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam · Damrak
18+
Some experiences are 18+
Highlights of this edition
- The 15th edition runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 (source: Amsterdam Light Festival).
- For the anniversary edition, local and international artists were asked what they want to show residents and visitors (source: Amsterdam Light Festival).
- The edition follows a brand-new route through the canals (source: Amsterdam Light Festival).
- The light art is free to see; paid tickets are for cruise or walk experiences (source: Amsterdam Light Festival).
- The festival is run by an independent non-profit foundation (source: Amsterdam Light Festival).
Good to know
- Dress warmly: winter evenings on the water are cold.
- Book ahead for the Christmas holidays, when the lights stay on until 23:00 every day (source: I amsterdam).
- Pick an early evening slot so you can have dinner in the city afterwards.
- The art is free: combine your cruise with a walk along part of the route.
- Check the official festival website for the route and hours before you go.
Plan your Amsterdam Light Festival evening
The artworks are lit after dark, so an early evening cruise is a good way to start. Dress warmly, because it is winter on the water. Around Christmas and New Year the city is busy, so book your cruise in advance and check availability on the product page. For the full route and opening hours, check the official Amsterdam Light Festival website.
Every product page shows what is included and the operator's cancellation terms.
Frequently asked questions
When is Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027?
The 15th edition of Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. Check the official festival website for the latest information before you go.
Is Amsterdam Light Festival free?
Yes, the light artworks are free to see from the street. Paid tickets are for cruise and walk experiences.
What time are the lights on?
The artworks are lit in the evening, from around 17:00 or 17:30 until 22:00 or 23:00, depending on the day and period (source: I amsterdam). On New Year's Eve the lights go out earlier. Check the official website for the exact hours.
Where does the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise depart?
The cruise departs from Badhuiskade 1 in Amsterdam-North, opposite This is Holland.
How long is the Light Festival cruise?
The cruise takes 1 hour and 30 minutes on a 100% electric canal boat. Available languages are Dutch, English and German.
Can I cancel my Light Festival cruise?
Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. The product page shows the exact terms.
Who organises Amsterdam Light Festival?
The festival is run by an independent non-profit foundation (source: Amsterdam Light Festival).