What Is the Amsterdam Light Festival Exactly?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual light art festival in Amsterdam, where dozens of illuminated artworks can be seen along and on the Amsterdam canals. The festival takes place in winter and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions about the festival, from location and timing to costs and group options.

Where and when does the Amsterdam Light Festival take place?

The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place annually in Amsterdam, from late November through early January. The artworks can be seen along the Amsterdam canals and on the water, spread throughout the historic city center. In 2026, the edition is expected to run from late November 2025 to early January 2026, as is customary during the winter months.

The route winds along the city’s most famous canals, including the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht, and the Prinsengracht. Some artworks are displayed on the quaysides and can be admired on foot, while other works are specifically designed to be viewed from the water. This makes the Amsterdam canals the ideal setting for this type of festival: the water reflects the light and significantly enhances the atmosphere.

The artworks are illuminated in the evening, typically from dusk until midnight. This means the best time to visit the festival is roughly between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Keep in mind that it gets dark early in Amsterdam in December, meaning you can enjoy the illuminated installations from the late afternoon onwards.

What artworks and themes can be seen at the festival?

The Amsterdam Light Festival presents a new program of light artworks each year, curated around a central theme. The number of works varies per edition, but typically amounts to around twenty installations along the official festival route. The works are created by national and international artists and range from large, impressive structures to subtle, atmospheric installations.

Each year a new theme is chosen around which artists develop their work. That theme may address social issues, nature, technology, or human connection. The organization selects works that are both visually strong and tell a story. This makes the festival more than a spectacle: it is also an artistic experience with substance.

The artworks are spread across two routes: a water route that can be followed by boat and a walking route along the quaysides. Some works are visible from both routes, while others are specifically designed for the perspective from the water or from the shore. Anyone who truly wants to experience the festival in full ideally combines both routes.

What is the best way to see the Amsterdam Light Festival?

The Amsterdam Light Festival can be experienced in three ways: on foot along the walking route, by bicycle, or by boat along the canals. Which option suits you best depends on your group, your budget, and what kind of evening you want. Many visitors combine multiple options for a complete festival experience.

On foot or by bicycle

The walking route along the quaysides is freely accessible and offers a relaxed, self-paced way to view the artworks. You set your own pace and can stop at a café or restaurant along the way. The route can also be done by bicycle, although on busy evenings it is more pleasant to walk. Both options are low-threshold and flexible, but you will miss the works that are specifically designed for the perspective from the water.

By boat along the canals

Sailing along the canals offers a unique perspective on the light artworks and is for many visitors the most memorable way to experience the festival. From the water you see installations that are barely visible or look completely different from the shore, and the reflected light on the water makes the atmosphere extra special.

If you want to experience the festival from the water, you can choose from three options with us. The Shared Tickets are suitable for couples, individual visitors, and small groups of up to 6 people. The cruise lasts 75 minutes, follows the official Amsterdam Light Festival route, and includes an English-speaking guide. There are three departures per day and you can book directly online from €32 per person.

For larger groups or groups that want to combine a complete evening with food and drinks, the Private Cruise Packages and the Custom Private Cruise are the better choice. For these, the entire boat is reserved exclusively for your group. You can read more about this further on in this article.

What does a visit to the Amsterdam Light Festival cost?

The walking route along the quaysides is completely free. You pay nothing to view the artworks on foot, although there may be costs for transportation, food, or drinks along the way. For a boat trip, costs do apply, depending on the type of cruise you choose.

An overview of the most common options:

  • Walking route: free, no reservation required
  • Shared ticket (shared boat): from €32 per person, 75 minutes, for groups of up to 6 people
  • Private Cruise Package (private boat): from €47.50 per person, for groups of 15 or more, including catering
  • Custom Private Cruise (fully customized): from €250 per hour, minimum 2 hours, own boat and catering of your choice

Please note that a festival surcharge and VMR entertainment tax are calculated separately for boat trips. Also book in time: the festival is popular and boat availability is limited, especially in December around the holidays.

Food and drinks are an additional expense if you arrange them yourself. Those who want to combine this with the boat trip can have catering arranged on board as part of a private package, ranging from snacks to a full three-course dinner.

Is the Amsterdam Light Festival suitable for a corporate outing or group event?

Yes, the Amsterdam Light Festival is an excellent choice for a corporate outing or group event. The festival offers a unique winter setting that combines activity, atmosphere, and conviviality, making it a strong alternative to a standard Christmas drinks party or year-end celebration. Both small teams and large groups can make a complete evening of it.

For groups, there are several great ways to combine the festival with a night out. A few concrete options:

  • Walking and dining afterwards: walk together along the walking route and then reserve a table at a nearby restaurant. The Jordaan, Leidseplein, and the Nine Streets are close to the festival route and offer plenty of choice.
  • Drinks with a view: choose a café or bar along the canals with a view of the artworks and make it an informal drinks gathering.
  • Private cruise with catering: combine the festival with an evening on the water, including food and drinks on board. This is popular as a corporate outing because activity, drinks, and dinner are all included in one package.

A private cruise during the festival is for many companies the most complete solution. The Amsterdam Light Festival boat trip for groups combines the festival with an exclusive setting for your own group. We take care of the entire evening on board: from the cruise past the light artworks to the food and drinks. Groups don’t need to arrange anything themselves.

How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with the Amsterdam Light Festival

We are an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival and provide private cruises specifically for groups, companies, and events. Whether you want an informal Christmas drinks party or a fully catered dinner on the water, we have a suitable option.

  • Private Cruise Packages: fixed packages with a clear price per person, for groups of 15 or more. Including boat hire, skipper, crew, and catering. Choose from multiple packages, from a Drinks & Bites Cruise (from €47.50 pp) to a Walking Dinner Cruise (from €132.50 pp).
  • Custom Private Cruise: fully tailored, for groups with specific wishes regarding timing, catering, drinks, entertainment, or boarding location. From €250 per hour, minimum 2 hours. Suitable for larger groups or companies that want a bespoke event.
  • Shared Tickets: for couples, individual visitors, and small groups of up to 6 people. From €32 per person, 75 minutes, three departures per day, bookable directly online.
  • Historic, covered, and heated boats, so the weather is never an issue.
  • More than 150 possible boarding locations in Amsterdam.
  • Activity, drinks, and dinner in one package, without having to arrange multiple venues.

Would you like to know more about the options for a private boat during the Amsterdam Light Festival, or would you like to request a quote directly? Contact us and we will be happy to help.

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