For the Amsterdam Light Festival, it’s best to dress in warm, layered clothing that protects you against the Amsterdam winter cold. Think of a thermal base layer, a fleece or sweater, and a windproof outer jacket. Good shoes are just as important as your clothing: the walking route is long and the quaysides can be slippery. Whether you walk or sail also determines how many extra layers you need. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about clothing and preparation for the festival.
How cold is it during the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from November through January, the coldest months of the year in Amsterdam. Temperatures typically range between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius, but the wind chill can make it feel significantly colder due to wind and humidity. Rain and fog are very common during this period, and evenings along the water feel extra chilly.
Amsterdam has a maritime climate, which means winters are rarely extreme but are wet and harsh. The combination of wind along the canals and evening temperatures makes you feel colder than the thermometer indicates. If you’re planning an evening outdoors, genuinely warm clothing is not a luxury but a practical necessity.
Also take the duration of your visit into account. The walking route along the light artworks is several kilometres long and easily takes one and a half to two hours. Anyone who stops to look at an artwork will cool down quickly. Prepare for a long evening outside and dress accordingly.
Which layers work best in the Amsterdam winter cold?
The layering principle works best for an evening at the Amsterdam Light Festival: a thin thermal base layer close to the skin, a warmer middle layer such as a fleece or thick sweater, and a wind- and waterproof outer jacket on top. This way you can adjust layers depending on how you feel and whether you’re walking or standing still.
The base layer regulates your body temperature and keeps moisture away from your skin. Choose wool or a synthetic material; cotton retains moisture and makes you cold quickly. The middle layer provides warmth, and a fleece or woollen sweater is ideal for this. The outer layer protects you against wind and rain: a padded or well-lined jacket is the best choice.
Don’t forget your lower body either. A thin thermal legging under your trousers makes a big difference on cold evenings. Those not used to this will notice after half an hour outside that the legs cool down quickly. Thermal leggings are compact and easy to bring along as a backup.
What shoes are suitable for the Amsterdam Light Festival?
Choose waterproof shoes or boots with a good grip. The quaysides and streets along the Amsterdam canals can be slippery in winter due to rain, cold, or frozen moisture. Sturdy walking shoes or short boots with an anti-slip sole are the most practical choice for the walking route.
Avoid smooth soles, high heels, or thin sneakers. Not only because of the slippery surfaces, but also because you’ll quickly be walking several kilometres on the walking route. Comfort is just as important as warmth here. Woollen or thick socks also make a big difference: cold feet quickly make an evening outside less enjoyable.
Are you planning to sail rather than walk? Then slightly different considerations apply. On a boat, the surface is often slippery and sometimes wet. Shoes with a rubber sole that provide good grip are then ideal. High heels on a boat are really not a good idea, not even on a fancy dinner cruise.
Which accessories should you not forget at the festival?
The most useful accessories for the Amsterdam Light Festival are a hat, scarf, and gloves. A large part of your body heat is lost through your head and hands, and a good scarf also protects your neck and throat against the cold wind along the water. These are small additions that make the difference between a pleasant and a cold evening.
Other handy accessories to bring along:
- A rain poncho or compact umbrella for when it starts to drizzle
- A small backpack or crossbody bag so your hands remain free
- Hand warmers for inside your gloves or shoes, available at most drugstores
- A power bank for your phone, as cold temperatures drain batteries quickly
- A thermos flask with warm tea or hot chocolate if you’re doing the walking route
Do you wear glasses? Bear in mind that lenses fog up when you go from a warm environment to the outdoors. A microfibre cloth in your pocket is then a small but useful addition.
Should you dress differently for a boat trip than for the walking route?
Yes, there is a clear difference. On a boat you stand still, which means you don’t generate body heat through movement. This calls for extra warm clothing, although that applies less if you’re sailing on a covered and heated boat. On the walking route you’re constantly moving, so you’re less likely to get cold but you are exposed to wind and rain.
Dressing for the walking route
For the walking route along the light artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival, the rule is: dress warmly but with freedom of movement. Wearing too many layers can become uncomfortable if you walk at a good pace. A good jacket, sturdy shoes, and the basic accessories are sufficient for most people. Allow for one and a half to two hours of walking outside.
Dressing for a boat trip
For a boat trip, it depends greatly on the type of vessel. On an open boat or tender, you’re fully exposed to wind and cold and should dress at least as warmly as for the walking route, if not warmer. A boat trip during the Amsterdam Light Festival on a covered and heated salon boat is a very different story: inside it’s comfortably warm, but when you step outside briefly to photograph an artwork, you feel the cold immediately.
Our boats are covered and heated, so you don’t need to worry about the winter cold during the trip itself. You can therefore come on board in slightly smarter clothing, which is nice if you’re combining the festival with dinner or drinks. We do always recommend bringing a warm jacket for when you want to stand on the outdoor deck to view the light artworks up close.
How Rederij De Nederlanden helps you enjoy a warm and carefree festival evening
Would you like to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival without worrying about the cold, the route, or the logistics? Then a private cruise with us is a great option. We offer three possibilities:
- Custom Private Cruise: a fully tailor-made private cruise for your group, with your own choice of boat, catering, drinks, and boarding location. Suitable for larger groups or groups with specific wishes. From €250 per hour, minimum 2 hours.
- Private Cruise Packages: pre-arranged packages with a fixed price per person, including boat hire, skipper, crew, and catering. Easy to book and clearly priced, from €47.50 per person with a minimum of 15 persons. The boat is always exclusively for your group.
- Shared Tickets: a shared cruise for couples, individual visitors, or small groups of up to 6 persons. The cruise lasts 75 minutes, follows the official festival route, and departs three times a day. Book directly online from €32 per person.
Our boats are covered, heated, and equipped with an on-board toilet. You sail past approximately 20 light artworks on the official Amsterdam Light Festival private route while enjoying snacks, drinks, or an extensive dinner, depending on the package you choose. We are an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival and work with more than 150 boarding locations throughout the city.
Would you like to know more or plan a cruise for your group right away? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you with a suitable proposal.