Amsterdam Light Festival: What to Expect on a Light Cruise

Every winter, international artists install monumental light sculptures along Amsterdam's canals and waterways. The Amsterdam Light Festival has become one of the city's most beloved annual events, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The light cruise experience

Our Light Festival cruise takes you on a 75-minute route through Amsterdam, past the most striking light installations. The route follows the canal ring and surrounding waterways, giving you a perspective on the artworks that you simply cannot get on foot.

On board, the atmosphere is warm and intimate. The boats are decorated with soft lighting, and blankets are available to keep you comfortable on cold evenings.

What you see along the way

You cruise past illuminated bridges, beautifully lit canal houses, and the festival's light artworks. Some installations hover above the water, others are reflected in its surface. Your captain provides live commentary about each work, the artist, and the story behind the piece.

Drinks on board

Warm up with hot chocolate, gluhwein, or choose from our selection of beer, wine, soft drinks and cocktails. Depending on your ticket, drinks may be included or available for purchase. Seasonal snacks complete the experience.

Choose your ticket

The Luxury Cruise gives you the full route with drinks available on board. The Luxury Toast adds a welcome drink. The Luxury Open Bar means your glass stays full for the entire cruise. All options include live commentary and blankets.

When does it sail?

The Amsterdam Light Festival runs from late November to mid-January. Cruises depart daily from Stationsplein 11, right next to Central Station. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The route and installations vary each edition.

About the festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual exhibition of light art by international artists. A professional jury selects the works based on artistic quality and connection to the year's theme. The artworks are displayed for approximately 53 days across November, December and January.

There are two ways to enjoy the festival: a walking route or a canal cruise. Both take you past the installations. The walking route sometimes includes a few extra works not visible from the water. The cruise, however, lets you sail through installations that are built on or above the water itself.