Behind the Scenes of the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the highlights of our year. Hundreds of thousands of people enjoy the light installations on and around the canals, and as a partner of the festival, we take our guests on an intimate cruise through the illuminated city.
Preparing for the season
Months before the festival opens, preparation begins. Tickets go on sale, and questions start coming in by email and phone. Meanwhile, our crew studies the stories behind each artwork and artist, so they can share them with guests in an engaging way.
The boats are decorated with warm lighting. Supplies are ordered. Schedules are made. And then it begins.
When the guests arrive
Before each departure, litres of gluhwein and water for hot chocolate are heated in large kettles. The pier host distributes thermoses to each boat. As guests arrive, they are checked in and divided across the boats. While waiting, the host keeps spirits high with a joke or even a song to take the edge off the cold.
All aboard
Names are called out to prevent crowding at the gangway. Each guest boards to a warm welcome from the captain and host. The boats depart one after the other, and the pier host waves them off before immediately preparing the next round of gluhwein.
During the light cruise
The captain welcomes everyone and begins the tour. The host serves drinks: gluhwein, hot chocolate with or without cream, beer, wine or soft drinks. Seasonal snacks are passed around. As the boat glides past each installation, the captain explains what you are seeing, with the occasional joke thrown in.
Blankets are offered to anyone who wants extra warmth. The atmosphere on board is intimate and cheerful. Guests are captivated by the light artworks reflected in the water.
The end of the tour
As the cruise comes to an end, everyone is thanked. Often the crew receives applause. Guests step off the boat, and the team immediately begins cleaning and resetting for the next group. Fresh thermoses, neatly arranged cushions and blankets, and the cycle starts again.
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual exhibition of light artworks by international artists, displayed along the canals for approximately 53 days in November, December and January. A professional jury selects the works based on their artistic quality and connection to the year's theme.
Walking or sailing
There are two ways to enjoy the festival: a walking route or a canal cruise. The walking route sometimes includes a few extra works not visible from the water. The cruise lets you sail through installations built on or above the water itself. Both options have their own unique magic.