Official Amsterdam Light Festival Partner

About Amsterdam Light Festival 2026

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What is the Amsterdam Light Festival

Every winter, Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city into an open-air gallery of light. International artists create spectacular installations along, above and even on the canals, bringing contemporary art together with Amsterdam’s historic waterways.

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 marks Edition 15, featuring around 20 light artworks along a 5-kilometre route through the city. But the experience goes beyond the artworks themselves: illuminated bridges, canal houses, houseboats and reflections on the water make Amsterdam itself part of the exhibition.

Explore the festival on foot along the canals or from the water by boat, where the artworks can be experienced from an entirely different perspective.

Edition 15 · ±20 Artworks · 5 km Route · 26 Nov – 17 Jan

Copy of Rederij de Nederlanden - Batch 2-224 (1)

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 Dates & Opening Times

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 starts on 26 November 2026 and runs until 17 January 2027. For 53 winter evenings, the artworks illuminate Amsterdam every day from 16:30 until 23:00, giving you plenty of opportunities to experience the city after dark.

Opening: 26 November 2026
Final day: 17 January 2027
Lights on: 16:30
Lights off: 23:00
Open: Every day

View all Amsterdam Light Festival date & Opening Times

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 Route

The Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 route stretches for approximately 5 kilometres through Amsterdam’s historic waterways, with around 20 light artworks installed along, above and beside the canals.

The route takes you through areas including the Amstel, Plantage and Oosterdok, where the artworks become part of Amsterdam’s nighttime scenery. Along the way, you’ll also pass illuminated bridges, historic canal houses, houseboats and iconic sights such as the Skinny Bridge and NEMO.

Explore the route on foot or experience it from the water, where the artworks, reflections and illuminated city come together.

Book a boat tour

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 Artworks

Edition 15 brings around 20 new light artworks to Amsterdam, created by Dutch and international artists. While previous editions revolved around a central theme, this year the artists have been given greater creative freedom, resulting in a diverse mix of ideas, styles and installations.

Expect everything from large-scale works that transform their surroundings to more subtle pieces hidden along the waterways. We won’t reveal too much, discovering the artworks as you make your way through Amsterdam is part of the experience.

Want to hear the stories and ideas behind the artworks? Experience them with a guide on an Amsterdam Light Festival boat cruise →

Book your cruise

Experience Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 from the Water

Amsterdam Light Festival was made for the canals. From the water, light artworks, reflections, historic canal houses and illuminated bridges become part of one continuous winter experience.

Choose a shared 75-minute cruise from Singel 359 or charter your own historic boat for a private evening with drinks, dining and your own group.

See the Festival by Boat

Reason to book a Light Festival Cruise

Spectacular light art from the water

Covered & heated boats with toilet

Diverse historic Amsterdam fleet

Drinks & bites on board

No walking through the winter cold

charter an entire boat or simply book tickets

Official Amsterdam Light Festival partner

Rated 4.8 GOOGLE & 4.9 on GYG

Private Cruise Packages

Choose a Private group cruise

Perfect for large groups, corporate & Christmas parties
Including boat rental, crew, drinks and food
Walking dinner, buffets or just drinks
min 1.5h cruise

From : €47.50 p.p.

View Packages

or click here to explore all packages

Shared Tickets

Amsterdam Light Festival Tickets

Perfect for couples & small groups (max 6)
Official 1 hour and 15 min Amsterdam Light Festival Route
With English speaking guide
Three departures every day on shared boat

From €32 p.p.

Book direct

or click here for more information

Or build you tailored amsterdam light festival experience

create bespoke private cruise

The History of Amsterdam Light Festival

The story of Amsterdam Light Festival began on the water. In 2009, Rederij de Nederlanden, Rederij Prinsengracht and Canal Company were among the creative forces behind the Christmas Canal Parade, with illuminated boats sailing together through Amsterdam’s canals.

“Proud Co-Creators of the Amsterdam Light Festival”

In 2010, the parade became part of Winter Magic Amsterdam, where light also started appearing around the city, including the illumination of the iconic Skinny Bridge. This inspired the idea of moving the light from the boats to the canals and quays, creating an event centred around light art.

In 2012, Felix Guttmann of Canal Company (now Stromma) established the foundation, and the first Amsterdam Light Festival was held.

From a parade of illuminated boats to an international light art festival, the event has always remained closely connected to Amsterdam’s canals. In 2026, that story continues with Edition 15.

See the Festival by Boat

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam Light Festival 2026

For one of the best experiences, visit around 17:00. The sun has just set, the artworks have come to life and the canals are generally quieter than during the busiest evening hours.

December weekends and the Christmas period are particularly popular, so booking your cruise well in advance is recommended.

More info

Practical Information for Amsterdam Light Festival 2026

Planning your visit? Here are the most important Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 details at a glance:

Dates: 26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
Opening hours: 16:30 – 23:00 daily
Festival period: 53 days
Edition: 15
Route: Approximately 5 km
Artworks: Around 20
Shared boat cruise: Approximately 75 minutes
Shared cruise departure: Singel 359
Private cruises: 150+ boarding locations throughout Amsterdam

Whether you explore the festival on foot or from the water, plan ahead during weekends and the Christmas period, when Amsterdam Light Festival is at its busiest.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam Light Festival 2026

When is Amsterdam Light Festival 2026?

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 starts on 26 November 2026 and runs until 17 January 2027. The 2026–2027 festival marks Edition 15 and takes place over 53 days during Amsterdam’s winter season.

What are the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 opening hours?

The light artworks are illuminated every day from 16:30 until 23:00 throughout the festival period.

What time does Amsterdam Light Festival start?

The Amsterdam Light Festival lights are switched on at 16:30 each day. This means you can experience the festival from late afternoon until 23:00.

What is the best time to visit Amsterdam Light Festival 2026?

We recommend visiting around 17:00, shortly after sunset. Amsterdam is already dark enough to experience the light artworks at their best, while the canals are generally less crowded with boats than later in the evening.

Where is Amsterdam Light Festival 2026?

Amsterdam Light Festival takes place along the canals and waterways of central Amsterdam. The approximately 5-kilometre route passes areas including the Amstel, Plantage and Oosterdok.

How long is the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 route?

The Amsterdam Light Festival route is approximately 5 kilometres long, with artworks positioned along, beside and above Amsterdam’s waterways.

How many artworks are there at Amsterdam Light Festival 2026?

Edition 15 features around 20 light artworks created by Dutch and international artists. The installations vary from large-scale artworks to more subtle pieces integrated into Amsterdam’s waterways and surroundings.

What is the theme of Amsterdam Light Festival 2026?

Unlike previous editions built around a central theme, Edition 15 gives participating artists greater creative freedom. This creates a diverse collection of artworks, ideas and perspectives throughout the route.

Can you walk the Amsterdam Light Festival route?

Yes. Amsterdam Light Festival can be explored on foot along the canals. Walking allows you to stop at individual artworks and explore the surrounding neighbourhoods at your own pace.

Can you see Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 by boat?

Yes. Experiencing Amsterdam Light Festival from the water gives you a completely different perspective on the artworks. You can choose between a shared ticket cruise or book your own private boat.

How long is an Amsterdam Light Festival boat cruise?

Our shared Amsterdam Light Festival cruise takes approximately 75 minutes. During periods of heavy canal traffic, the journey can take up to approximately 15 minutes longer.

Where do Amsterdam Light Festival boat cruises depart from?

Our shared Amsterdam Light Festival ticket cruises depart from Singel 359 in central Amsterdam. Private cruises offer much more flexibility, with 150+ boarding locations throughout Amsterdam available depending on the selected vessel.

How much are Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 boat tickets?

Our shared Amsterdam Light Festival boat tickets start from €29 per person. Different ticket options are available, including tickets with drinks available for purchase, an open bar, or an open bar with Prosecco.

What is included in an Amsterdam Light Festival boat ticket?

Our shared tickets include a 75-minute guided cruise and table bites aboard a covered and heated boat. Drinks depend on your chosen ticket type. The ticket price already includes applicable VAT, festival fees and entertainment tax.

Do I need tickets to visit Amsterdam Light Festival?

The artworks are installed throughout Amsterdam’s public space, so you can explore parts of the festival on foot without purchasing a boat ticket. A ticket is required if you want to experience the festival on one of our guided boat cruises.

Are Amsterdam Light Festival boat cruises guided?

Yes. Our shared cruises include an enthusiastic guide who tells you more about the artworks, artists and Amsterdam along the way.

What else will I see during an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

The city itself is a big part of the experience. Besides the light artworks, you’ll cruise past historic canal houses, houseboats, illuminated bridges and Amsterdam landmarks such as the Skinny Bridge, NEMO and the historic VOC ship.

Are Amsterdam Light Festival boats covered and heated?

Yes. Our Amsterdam Light Festival boats are covered and heated, with regular and infrared heating on board. We still recommend dressing warmly for the short wait at the outdoor boarding location.

Do the Amsterdam Light Festival boats have toilets?

Yes. The boats used for our shared Amsterdam Light Festival cruises have toilet facilities on board.

Are the Amsterdam Light Festival boats electric?

Yes. Our fleet is fully electric, allowing you to experience Amsterdam’s canals and light artworks quietly from the water.

Does Amsterdam Light Festival take place during Christmas?

Yes. Amsterdam Light Festival continues throughout the Christmas period. Christmas is one of the most popular periods for both shared and private cruises, so we recommend booking at least three weeks in advance if you have a specific date or departure time in mind.

Is Amsterdam Light Festival open on New Year’s Eve?

The festival also takes place on 31 December, but New Year’s Eve operates differently. The artworks are switched off earlier, before 22:00, as boats are not permitted to remain on Amsterdam’s waterways during the New Year’s celebrations.

Does Amsterdam Light Festival continue when it rains or snows?

Yes. The festival and our boat cruises normally continue during rain, snow and cold weather. Cruises are only cancelled when conditions make sailing unsafe, such as an official Code Red weather warning or unsafe canal conditions.

Can I book a private Amsterdam Light Festival boat in 2026?

Yes. Private Amsterdam Light Festival cruises are available for couples, families, groups and corporate events. A private cruise gives you greater flexibility over the boat, departure time, boarding location, drinks and catering.

Can a private Amsterdam Light Festival cruise start before 16:30?

Yes. A private cruise can start before the official lights-on time. Your itinerary can be planned so you enjoy the first part of your cruise through Amsterdam before joining the illuminated festival route once the artworks are switched on.

Should I book Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 in advance?

Yes, particularly if you want to experience the festival by boat. Weekends, Friday evenings and the Christmas period are especially popular, and preferred departure times or private boats can sell out.

When did Amsterdam Light Festival start?

The festival has its roots in Amsterdam’s illuminated boat events. The Christmas Canal Parade began in 2009, became part of Winter Magic Amsterdam in 2010, and in 2012 the first Amsterdam Light Festival took place. The event has since developed into an annual international light-art festival closely connected to Amsterdam’s canals.