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Top things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises

Don't miss the magic! The 14th annual Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the city from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Glide through the canals on a boat tour or wander the streets on foot to see breathtaking light art by international artists. Get your tickets now and experience Amsterdam like never before!

4.7/5

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Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises
Canal boat cruising under illuminated bridge during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Guests toasting with champagne on the German Guided Light Festival Cruise.
Amsterdam canal cruise passing illuminated art installation during Light Festival.
Skipper steering boat during Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise, pointing at illuminated canal bridge.
Guests toasting with wine during Amsterdam Light Festival cheese tasting tour.
Colorful light installation over Amsterdam canal during Light Festival.
Guests enjoying the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with neon lights outside.
Boat tour on Amsterdam canal with Light Festival installations.
Amsterdam Light Festival installations illuminating the canal at night.
Cruise boat passing illuminated building during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Guests on a boat photographing illuminated installations at Amsterdam Light Festival.
Floating blue light installations on an Amsterdam canal during the Light Festival.
Amsterdam canal with illuminated art installation during Light Festival.
Guests on a boat tour enjoying Amsterdam Light Festival installations at night.
Couple enjoying Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with historic ship in background.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation of illuminated fish sculpture by the waterfront.
People enjoying Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with blankets on a canal boat at night.
Friends toasting on a cozy Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with festive decor.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 15 min
  • Experience the magic of Amsterdam's Light Festival on a 75-min boat cruise on a luxurious salon or covered boat, and admire stunning light displays.

  • Discover Amsterdam's canals illuminated by 27 light fixtures, each piece a unique reflection of the theme rituals, showcasing the artistry of global talents.

  • Marvel at the celebration of lights and culture as your experienced English-speaking host uncovers the fascinating stories behind these art pieces.

  • Upgrade your ticket to enjoy unlimited drinks on board, including local favorites like mulled wine.

  • Did you know? The Light Festival also features some permanent fixtures like The Light Kite, displayed at Sloterplas, symbolizing friendship and freedom.

More details

  • Experience the magic of Amsterdam's Light Festival on a 75-min boat cruise on a luxurious salon or covered boat, and admire stunning light displays.

  • Discover Amsterdam's canals illuminated by 27 light fixtures, each piece a unique reflection of the theme rituals, showcasing the artistry of global talents.

  • Marvel at the celebration of lights and culture as your experienced English-speaking host uncovers the fascinating stories behind these art pieces.

  • Upgrade your ticket to enjoy unlimited drinks on board, including local favorites like mulled wine.

  • Did you know? The Light Festival also features some permanent fixtures like The Light Kite, displayed at Sloterplas, symbolizing friendship and freedom.

from
€29.75
Canal boat cruising under illuminated bridges during Amsterdam Lights Festival.
Canal boat passing under illuminated bridge during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Canal cruise boat under illuminated bridge during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Amsterdam canal cruise passing through illuminated tunnel during Light Festival.
Guests viewing illuminated art installation on Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise.
Audio guides and headphones for Amsterdam evening guided cruise.
Colorful light installation over Amsterdam canal during Lights Festival.
Canal boat passing illuminated art installation during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Illuminated bicycle wheel sculpture at Amsterdam Lights Festival with canal houses in the background.
Illuminated bridge over canal during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Amsterdam canal boat passing under illuminated rainbow art during Light Festival.
Illuminated tulip sculpture on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.
Amsterdam canal with illuminated art installation during Light Festival cruise.
Amsterdam canal bridge with illuminated figures during Light Festival cruise.
Canal boat cruising during Amsterdam Light Festival with illuminated art installation.
Illuminated sculpture at Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise.
Illuminated figures on a bench during Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise.
Canal cruise boat illuminated at night during Amsterdam Light Festival.
Illuminated art installations on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.
4.7(3,089)
Sightseeing Cruises
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 15 min
1 more
  • Drift through Amsterdam's illuminated wonderland on a cozy, heated canal boat and get a front-row seat to the mesmerizing Amsterdam Light Festival.

  • Prepare for a light-filled adventure as you choose from three convenient boarding points, and sail for 75 or 90 mins, with an English and Dutch audio guide.

  • Feel the magic of the Festival from the open deck and marvel at views of 27 light displays celebrating the theme Rituals, each a masterpiece of illumination.

  • Immerse in the legacy of Amsterdam's 750th anniversary through five stunning permanent light artworks located in the Greater Amsterdam Region.

  • Did you know? In addition to the light installations, the festival often features live music performances, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

More details

  • Drift through Amsterdam's illuminated wonderland on a cozy, heated canal boat and get a front-row seat to the mesmerizing Amsterdam Light Festival.

  • Prepare for a light-filled adventure as you choose from three convenient boarding points, and sail for 75 or 90 mins, with an English and Dutch audio guide.

  • Feel the magic of the Festival from the open deck and marvel at views of 27 light displays celebrating the theme Rituals, each a masterpiece of illumination.

  • Immerse in the legacy of Amsterdam's 750th anniversary through five stunning permanent light artworks located in the Greater Amsterdam Region.

  • Did you know? In addition to the light installations, the festival often features live music performances, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

from
€27.50
Boat passing under illuminated bridge at Amsterdam Light Festival.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation with canal houses and boats at night.
People viewing illuminated arches during Amsterdam Light Festival on Blue Boat Company cruise.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation with illuminated building and reflections on canal.
Amsterdam bridge illuminated during evening light festival cruise.
Amsterdam canal bridge illuminated during Light Festival evening cruise.
Amsterdam canal with illuminated arches during Light Festival evening cruise.
Family enjoying Amsterdam Light Festival from a boat during Water Colors Cruise.
Amsterdam Light Festival installation along canal during Blue Boat Company evening cruise.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 min
1 more
  • Go on an enchanting 90-minute evening cruise with spectacular views of the enchantingly lit up city during the Amsterdam Light Festival, which takes place during the city's darkest and coldest months of the year.

  • With pieces of art from select artists, architects, and designers from all over the world, this is the perfect opportunity to take some stunning photographs of this unique festival.

  • Onboard, you will be able to gather information about the displays as you take in one masterpiece after another with an audio guide available in multiple languages.

More details

  • Go on an enchanting 90-minute evening cruise with spectacular views of the enchantingly lit up city during the Amsterdam Light Festival, which takes place during the city's darkest and coldest months of the year.

  • With pieces of art from select artists, architects, and designers from all over the world, this is the perfect opportunity to take some stunning photographs of this unique festival.

  • Onboard, you will be able to gather information about the displays as you take in one masterpiece after another with an audio guide available in multiple languages.

from €27.50
€20.62

25% off

Winter snowfall over a canal with traditional Dutch houses in Amsterdam.
Tour guide speaking to group near statue during Amsterdam winter walking tour.
People ice skating on a frozen canal in Amsterdam with Westerkerk in the background.
Guests enjoying hot chocolate and Gluhwein during a festive tour.
National Monument in snowy Dam Square, Amsterdam at sunset.
Bicycles covered in snow along an Amsterdam canal with historic buildings in winter.
Amsterdam canal bridge with illuminated figures during Light Festival cruise.
Colorful light installation over Amsterdam canal during Lights Festival.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr
  • Discover a world of lights and colors during this 2-hour walking tour which takes you through the 13th edition of the famous Amsterdam Light Festival.

  • Join a knowledgeable local guide in the language of your choice and explore the city, from the bustling Dam Square to the charming Nine Streets. 

  • Stay cozy as you explore Amsterdam with the complimentary winter hats, ensuring a comfortable and memorable walking tour.

  • Indulge in some winter delicacies as your tour ends at Noordermarkt where you'll get to try a traditional glühwein or hot chocolate, paired with a local treat

  • Fun fact: The staple ingredients of glühwein or mulled wine have remained the same for a few hundred years now!

More details

  • Discover a world of lights and colors during this 2-hour walking tour which takes you through the 13th edition of the famous Amsterdam Light Festival.

  • Join a knowledgeable local guide in the language of your choice and explore the city, from the bustling Dam Square to the charming Nine Streets. 

  • Stay cozy as you explore Amsterdam with the complimentary winter hats, ensuring a comfortable and memorable walking tour.

  • Indulge in some winter delicacies as your tour ends at Noordermarkt where you'll get to try a traditional glühwein or hot chocolate, paired with a local treat

  • Fun fact: The staple ingredients of glühwein or mulled wine have remained the same for a few hundred years now!

from
€32.50

Millions love heading out with us

Jose Antonio Marin
US

Jose

United States
Dec 2023
5/5
Boat company is great and the boat captain was a great guide. The address given by headout was not correct. It was another location for blue boat light festival trip. The right location was next to the Hard Rock Cafe
Cody Chi-Yau Lee
CA

Cody

Canada
Jan 2025
5/5
Long queue but worth the wait. Great experience overall in a warm boat. Very cool artwork in the lightshow along the lovely canals of Amsterdam. Got to meet a few people on the ride along the way too
Monika Bartsch

Monika

Jan 2025
4/5
The trip started on time and the ship was pleasantly warm. During the trip, we were told something about the light objects in Dutch and English. The trip was great. Thank you very much
Emuna susan vaisman
IL

Emuna

Israel
Dec 2024
5/5
Amazing experience very well guided by sebrina ❤️ Borice our captain beautiful evening witn stuning Amsterdam history ❤️
Meghan Pagliarini
US

Meghan

United States
Dec 2024
4/5
Seeing the lights was incredible. I wished they offered hot chocolate as a beverage, and the they wouldnt over crowd the boat.
Lidy Schalekamp
US

Lidy

United States
Jan 2025
5/5
We loved everything about it. Captain Abram was a champ, even with hydronic failure, which we did not know about until disembarking. Great guy with great Amsterdam humor. So kind! So was the steward, full of enthusiasm. He even fixed us a to go box for the left over cheese. The lights, with the freezing rained combined, were so beautiful. We hope to do this again in the future. Nothing but praise from us. I am from Amsterdam, but left in 1974, and an experience like this, warms my heart for my Mokum. Thank you.
Deniz Yetim
DE

Deniz

Germany
Dec 2024
5/5
The lıght ın Amsterdam ıs magnıfıcent. Wıth the rıght company package they offer, ıt wıll be an experience of a lıfetıme. I gıve ıt a 4 star. ıf ı have to do ıt agaın, ı wıll do ıt on an open and a small boat. Overall, ıts a 8/10.
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