What to Bring to the Amsterdam Light Festival in the Cold?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

For the Amsterdam Light Festival, it’s best to wear warm, layered clothing: a thermal base layer, a thick sweater or fleece, a wind- and waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. Don’t forget a hat, scarf, and gloves either. The festival takes place during the Amsterdam winter, when temperatures regularly hover around or below freezing. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about how to prepare well for an evening at the festival.

How cold is it during the Amsterdam Light Festival?

The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from late November through early February, the coldest period of the year in Amsterdam. Temperatures average between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius, but due to the wind chill along the canals, it often feels considerably colder. Rain, fog, and an icy wind are more the rule than the exception.

What makes it extra challenging is that during the festival you are largely standing or walking outside, or sitting on the water. Without movement, the body cools down quickly. Even if the thermometer reads 5 degrees, a cold wind along the Amstel or the IJ can make it feel like minus 3. Always account for this and dress warmer than you think you need to.

Good news: if you visit the festival by boat, the covered and heated space on board makes a big difference. But even then, warm clothing is wise, especially if you want to step outside occasionally or get on and off the boat.

What clothing is best for the Amsterdam Light Festival in the cold?

The best approach for the Amsterdam Light Festival is the layering principle: multiple thin layers retain heat better than one thick sweater, and you can peel off layers if you get warmer inside or on a heated boat. Choose materials that retain warmth even when damp.

Base layer: thermal underlayer

Start with a snug thermal base layer, also known as a baselayer. Wool or synthetic materials such as polypropylene retain heat and wick away moisture. Cotton T-shirts are less suitable, as cotton holds moisture and causes you to get cold more quickly.

Mid layer: fleece or thick sweater

Add a fleece vest, wool sweater, or a down gilet as an insulating layer. This is the layer that keeps you warm. Fleece is lightweight and dries quickly; a wool sweater is slightly heavier but insulates excellently, even when damp.

Outer layer: wind- and waterproof jacket

A good winter jacket that keeps out wind and rain is essential. Preferably choose a jacket with a hood. There is almost always wind along the canals, and a rain shower can come out of nowhere. A softshell or hardshell jacket works well; a quilted jacket without water resistance is less ideal in wet conditions.

Lower body and feet

Thick wool socks and sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots are a good choice. Choose shoes with good grip, as cobblestones can be slippery in frost or rain. Thermal leggings or fleece-lined trousers keep the legs warm while walking or standing.

What should you absolutely not forget to bring?

In addition to warm clothing, there are a few accessories that make the difference between a pleasant evening and a cold, uncomfortable experience at the Amsterdam Light Festival.

  • Hat: you lose a lot of heat through your head. A good hat that covers the ears is not an unnecessary luxury.
  • Scarf or neck warmer: a scarf fills the gap at your jacket collar and keeps the neck and throat warm.
  • Gloves: cold hands quickly make an evening less enjoyable. Choose lined gloves; touchscreen gloves are handy if you want to use your phone for photos.
  • Hot water bottle or hand warmers: disposable hand warmers are cheap and extremely practical. Pop them in your jacket pockets for extra warmth.
  • Powerbank: cold temperatures speed up the discharge of phone batteries. Handy if you want to take photos along the light artworks.
  • Umbrella or rain poncho: a compact umbrella fits in most bags and can be unfolded quickly when it starts to rain.

Don’t forget to arrange your Amsterdam Light Festival tickets or booking in advance. During the busy winter period, popular evenings and cruises fill up quickly.

What do you bring if you visit the festival by boat?

If you visit the Amsterdam Light Festival by boat, the preparation changes slightly. The covered and heated space on board means you suffer less from the cold than if you were walking outside all evening. Still, a few things are handy to bring along.

At the very least, bring an extra layer of clothing, even if you think you’ll be warm enough on board. If you want to step outside for a moment to get a good look at the light artworks or take photos, you’ll quickly notice that the wind along the water feels cold. A light but warm jacket that you can easily put on and take off is ideal.

Wear comfortable shoes that are also suitable for getting on and off the boat. Quaysides and gangplanks can be slippery in wet or cold weather. Sturdy shoes with grip are wiser than smooth soles.

Want to experience the festival by boat with your own group? At Rederij De Nederlanden we sail along the official Amsterdam Light Festival route past approximately 20 light artworks. Our historic salon boats are fully covered and heated, so you can enjoy the experience in comfort without standing out in the cold all evening. You can choose a Private Cruise Package with a fixed price per person, or a Custom Private Cruise if you want a fully tailored experience, with your own catering, drinks, and boarding location.

What tips help you enjoy the festival comfortably?

Good preparation makes an evening at the Amsterdam Light Festival considerably more enjoyable. Below are the most practical tips at a glance.

  • Eat warm before you leave: a warm meal helps your body retain heat. If you combine the festival with dinner or drinks on board, that’s of course already taken care of.
  • Choose the right moment: the earliest cruises and walks begin shortly after sunset. It’s just getting dark and the light artworks are at their most beautiful, but it’s also the busiest time. Consider a later cruise for a more relaxed experience.
  • Don’t walk too fast: the festival is an experience, not a race. Take the time to properly admire each artwork. Walking too fast causes perspiration, after which you cool down quickly when you stop.
  • Combine the festival with food or drinks: the Jordaan and the city centre have many good restaurants and bars near the festival route. Book in advance if you want to eat before or after the festival, as popular spots fill up quickly in winter.
  • Book early: both popular restaurants and private cruises during the Amsterdam Light Festival fill up quickly during the busy winter months. Plan your evening well in advance.

How Rederij De Nederlanden helps with a warm and comfortable festival evening

Want to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival without standing out in the cold all evening? Then a private cruise with us is a logical choice. Our boats are covered and heated, so the winter temperatures won’t put a damper on your evening.

  • Private Cruise Packages: fixed arrangements with a clear price per person, including catering and drinks. Suitable for groups from 15 persons who want to easily arrange a complete evening, from drinks and snacks to an extensive dinner on board.
  • Custom Private Cruise: fully tailored, with a choice of your own boat, catering, drinks, entertainment, and boarding location. Ideal for larger groups or companies with specific wishes around a Christmas drinks event, Christmas dinner, or year-end party.
  • Shared Tickets: for couples, individual visitors, and 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.
  • We are an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival and sail along the complete official route past approximately 20 light artworks.
  • More than 150 possible boarding locations in Amsterdam, so you can board close to your location.

Want to know more about the options or reserve a cruise? View our offering for groups during the Amsterdam Light Festival or contact us for a tailored quote.

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