What Clothing Is Most Practical for the Amsterdam Light Festival?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

For the Amsterdam Light Festival, it’s best to dress in warm, layered clothing: a thermal base layer, a fleece or sweater, and a windproof and water-resistant outer jacket. The festival takes place during the winter months (November through January), so temperatures between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius are perfectly normal. Further on in this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about clothing, shoes, and accessories for an evening at the Amsterdam Light Festival.

How cold is it during the Amsterdam Light Festival?

During the Amsterdam Light Festival, which runs annually from late November through January, temperatures in Amsterdam average between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius. In the evening hours, when the light artworks are best viewed, wind chill and humidity often make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. So be prepared for it to feel quite biting.

Amsterdam has a maritime climate, which means winters are rarely extremely cold, but they are wet and raw. Rain, fog, and a cold wind off the water are more the rule than the exception. Anyone planning to walk along the canals or take a boat tour would do well to prepare for an evening that feels colder than the weather app suggests.

A handy rule of thumb: dress as if it’s two degrees colder than the forecast. That way you’ll never be caught off guard, and you can always remove a layer if you end up feeling warmer than expected.

Which layers work best on a canal cruise boat?

On a canal cruise boat during the Amsterdam Light Festival, the best approach is to use three layers: a thermal base layer that wicks moisture, an insulating mid-layer such as a fleece or wool sweater, and a wind- and water-resistant outer layer. This layering system keeps you warm and gives you the flexibility to quickly adapt to changing conditions.

Base layer: thermal and moisture-wicking

The base layer is the layer that sits directly against your skin. Choose merino wool or a synthetic material that wicks moisture. Cotton is a poor choice here: it absorbs moisture and holds onto it, quickly making you feel cold and clammy. Thermal long underwear is certainly not a luxury if you know you’ll be spending a few hours outside or on the water.

Mid-layer: insulation

The mid-layer provides warmth. A thick fleece, a wool sweater, or a light down jacket worn under your outer jacket works excellently. The thicker this layer, the more warmth you retain. Just make sure you can still move comfortably and that the layer isn’t so thick that your outer jacket no longer fits over it.

Outer layer: windproof and waterproof

The outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and the damp air above the water. A good winter jacket that is windproof and water-resistant makes a big difference. Have you booked a covered boat? Then the outer layer is slightly less critical, but the moment you’re standing or walking outside, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

Want to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water? With us, the boats are fully covered and heated, so you’re sheltered throughout the cruise. That makes the layering system a little less strict than for an evening of outdoor walking, but a good jacket is always a wise choice for boarding and disembarking.

What shoes are suitable for a winter boat cruise?

For a winter boat cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival, waterproof, warm shoes with good grip are the best choice. Quaysides and boarding areas can be slippery from rain or frost, and your feet get cold quickly if your shoes don’t insulate.

Good options include:

  • Waterproof walking shoes or boots with a thermal lining
  • Winter boots with a non-slip sole, preferably ankle-height or higher
  • Chelsea boots or ankle boots made of leather or synthetic material, provided they have a good sole

What you’re better off avoiding: sneakers without water resistance, open shoes, high heels (unsafe on a moving boat and on wet quaysides), and thin slip-on shoes. Your feet are one of the body parts that get cold the fastest, so invest in well-insulating socks made of wool or thermal material.

If you plan to walk along the light artworks in the city centre after the cruise, also consider the walking distance. Comfortable shoes you can walk a few kilometres in will be far more pleasant than beautiful but impractical ones.

What accessories should you not forget at the Amsterdam Light Festival?

At the Amsterdam Light Festival, a hat, gloves, and a scarf are the three accessories you don’t want to be without. You lose most of your body heat through your head, neck, and hands, and you’ll notice that immediately on and around the water.

A practical accessories checklist:

  • Hat or beanie: choose a style that also covers your ears
  • Scarf or neck warmer (buff): a buff is versatile and easy to wear under a hood
  • Gloves: waterproof gloves are most practical if it rains; mittens are warmer than fingered gloves
  • Thermal socks: wool or thermal socks make a big difference for your feet
  • Hot water bottle or hand warmers: disposable hand warmers are inexpensive and work well if you tend to get cold quickly
  • Compact umbrella or rain poncho: handy if you’re also walking outside

If you’re visiting the festival as part of a group outing or corporate event, also take the dress code of the evening into account. A luxury dinner on board calls for a slightly smarter jacket and shoes than an informal drinks cruise. You can be warm and stylish at the same time: a beautiful wool coat, ankle boots, and an elegant scarf combine perfectly.

Is there a difference in clothing advice for a covered versus an open boat?

Yes, there is a clear difference. On an open boat you are fully exposed to wind, cold, and any rain, meaning you need the heaviest winter gear. On a covered and heated boat, the situation is considerably more comfortable: you’re sheltered and don’t need to focus your clothing as much on surviving the cold.

For a covered boat:

  • A good jacket for boarding and disembarking is sufficient as an outer layer
  • You can dress a little more smartly, even when it’s cold outside
  • Gloves and a hat are handy for getting there, but you don’t need to keep them on the whole time on board
  • Warm shoes remain important, even if the boat itself is heated

For an open sloop or open canal cruise boat:

  • Dress as if you’re going on a winter walk of several hours
  • Extra layers, windproof clothing, and waterproof gloves are not a luxury but a necessity
  • Make sure your head, neck, and hands are well protected

Our boats for the Amsterdam Light Festival private cruise are covered and heated, which means you can spend the evening in comfort without having to dress like a polar explorer. You can enjoy snacks and drinks on board in a warm setting while the light artworks glide past you. This makes it an attractive option even for people who don’t normally spend a winter evening outdoors.

How Rederij De Nederlanden helps you have a comfortable evening at the Amsterdam Light Festival

A large part of the clothing advice for the Amsterdam Light Festival depends on how you visit the festival. If you opt for a covered, heated private cruise, you’ll be considerably less affected by the cold than if you spend the entire evening outside. We make the festival accessible and comfortable, even in the coldest winter months.

  • Covered and heated boats: our historic salon boats are fully covered and heated, so you’re sheltered during the cruise past approximately 20 light artworks on the official festival route
  • Private Cruise Packages: fixed packages from €47.50 per person (minimum 15 persons), including catering and exclusive use of the boat for your group
  • Custom Private Cruise: fully tailored for larger groups or groups with specific wishes regarding catering, drinks, timing, or boarding location, from €250 per hour
  • Shared Tickets: for couples, individual visitors, and small groups of up to 6 persons, 75 minutes, including an English-speaking guide, three departures per day, bookable directly online from €32 per person
  • Official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival: we sail the official festival route and know it inside out
  • 150+ boarding locations in Amsterdam: board close to your location, so you don’t have to stand in the cold for long

Want to know which cruise option best suits your group or occasion? View our Amsterdam Light Festival packages for groups or contact us for personal advice. We’d love to help you put together an evening that is comfortable and unforgettable for everyone.

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