For a visit to the Amsterdam Light Festival, it’s best to dress in warm, layered winter clothing. Think of a good base layer, a sweater or fleece, and a wind-resistant winter jacket. The festival takes place from November through January, and evenings in Amsterdam can be quite cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below five degrees Celsius. In this article, we answer the most important clothing questions, so you or your group will be fully prepared.
How cold is it during the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place during the winter months, typically from late November through January. In the evenings, temperatures in Amsterdam average between zero and seven degrees Celsius. With wind chill, rain, or high humidity, it often feels colder than the thermometer indicates. So expect conditions to be cool to cold, and sometimes damp as well.
Amsterdam has a typical maritime climate: winters are rarely extremely cold, but the combination of wind and moisture means you feel it quickly. Especially when standing outside or walking along the water, the perceived temperature is considerably lower than what the weather station reports. An evening of two to three hours outdoors calls for serious winter clothing, not a light autumn jacket.
Are you taking a boat tour with a group during the Amsterdam Light Festival? Then it’s good to know that our boats are fully covered and heated. On board, you don’t need to worry about the cold. However, when boarding and disembarking you’ll be outside briefly, and some groups deliberately choose to head up on deck for a better view of the light artworks.
Which layers of clothing work best on a winter evening?
The layering system works best for a cold winter evening outdoors. The three layers you want to combine are a heat-retaining base layer, an insulating middle layer such as a sweater or fleece, and an outer layer that keeps out wind and rain. Together they keep you warm without having to choose between comfort and freedom of movement.
- Base layer: a thermal shirt or merino wool undershirt retains warmth and wicks away moisture. Cotton is less suitable, as it holds moisture.
- Middle layer: a thick sweater, fleece vest, or body warmer provides insulation. This is the layer that retains the most heat.
- Outer layer: a wind-resistant and preferably water-repellent winter jacket. Along the canals, there is regularly a considerable breeze.
The advantage of layers is that you can adjust them to the situation. Are you moving from outside to inside, or stepping aboard a heated boat? Then you can remove a layer without immediately feeling cold. That makes the system more practical than one extra-thick jacket.
It’s also advisable to wear thermal or woollen trousers, or at least lined trousers. Jeans look fine, but offer very little insulation, and when they get damp, they cool down quickly.
What shoes are suitable for the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The best shoes for the Amsterdam Light Festival are waterproof, well-insulated walking boots or winter boots with a non-slip sole. The quaysides and pavements along the canals can be slippery due to rain, moss, or frozen moisture, and you can easily walk a few kilometres if you follow the walking route.
Avoid flat leather soles, high heels, or sneakers without water resistance. These are not only uncomfortable in the cold, but also less safe on wet cobblestones or slippery quay steps. Instead, opt for:
- Lined ankle boots or winter boots with a rubber sole, which are both warm and waterproof
- Waterproof walking shoes with good grip, ideal if you want to walk the walking route
- Thermal boots that are stylish enough for a group evening, yet still keep you warm
Do you still want to look dressed up for a business dinner or Christmas drinks on board? Then opt for smart boots with a wide, low heel and a rubber sole. These combine style with safety on wet surfaces.
Are there clothing differences between a boat cruise and a walking route?
Yes, there are clear clothing differences between the walking route and a boat cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival. On the walking route, you are outside all evening and need to be fully winter-ready. On a heated and covered boat, it is comfortably warm on board, meaning you need less heavy outerwear for the majority of the evening.
Clothing for the walking route
On the walking route, you walk two to three hours outside along the canals. You will need all the winter layers: thermal base layer, thick middle layer, heavy winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and sturdy waterproof shoes. Good socks, preferably woollen or thermal socks, also make a big difference. Comfort and warmth take priority over style here.
Clothing for a boat cruise
On a covered, heated boat such as those of Rederij De Nederlanden, it is pleasantly warm on board. You can take off your jacket and sit or walk around comfortably. Nevertheless, it’s smart to bring your winter jacket, scarf, and hat for boarding and disembarking, or if you want to step up on deck for a better view of the light artworks. Choose clothing that also looks neat when you take your jacket off, especially for a company outing, Christmas dinner, or drinks on board.
Which accessories should you not forget at the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The accessories you don’t want to forget at the Amsterdam Light Festival are a hat, scarf, gloves, and possibly an umbrella or rain poncho. Your head, neck, and hands are the areas where you lose the most heat, and these are precisely the easiest to protect with the right accessories.
- Hat or beanie: a large portion of your body heat is lost through your head. A well-fitting hat makes a noticeable difference.
- Scarf or neck warmer: protects against the wind along the canals and is easy to remove when you’re inside.
- Gloves: at temperatures below five degrees, cold hands quickly become a problem, especially if you want to use your phone for photos. Touchscreen gloves are handy.
- Umbrella or rain poncho: Amsterdam in winter means a chance of rain. A compact umbrella fits easily in a bag.
- Small backpack or shoulder bag: handy for an extra layer of clothing, your umbrella, and other items you don’t want to wear all evening.
Are you planning to photograph or film the light artworks? Then also bring a spare battery or power bank. Cold temperatures drain phone batteries faster than you’re used to.
How Rederij De Nederlanden helps you enjoy the festival warmly and comfortably
Do you want to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival without standing out in the cold all evening? Then a private cruise on the Amsterdam Light Festival is an excellent option. Our boats are covered and heated, allowing you to admire the approximately twenty light artworks along the official festival route in comfort, with food and drinks on board.
- Covered and heated boats: no cold, no rain, with a full view of the light artworks
- Exclusive to your group: the boat is fully reserved for your party, whether it’s a Christmas drinks event, company outing, or family celebration
- Private Cruise Packages: fixed arrangements with a clear price per person, including catering, from €47.50 per person, suitable for groups from 15 persons
- Custom Private Cruise: fully tailored, with your own choice of catering, drinks, boarding location, and timing, ideal for larger groups or groups with specific wishes
- Shared Tickets: for couples, individual visitors, and small groups of up to six persons, bookable directly online from €32 per person for a 75-minute cruise
- Official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival
Would you like to know which option best suits your group or occasion? View our arrangements for groups or contact us for personal advice. We are happy to help you put together an evening that matches your wishes, group size, and budget.