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Sightseeing Cruises

Amsterdam Light Festival Covered Canal Cruise

Friends toasting drinks on Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise.
Man pointing at illuminated canal view during Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.
Illuminated swan sculptures on Amsterdam canal during Light Festival cruise.
Silhouette of a person viewing illuminated art installation during Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise.

Duration

1 hr 15 min

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

3.7/5

(169)

Yaroslav Khort

Yaroslav

Jan 2026
Verified booking
It was an unforgettable adventure. The festival's facilities themselves are magnificent, especially the Windows, Swans, and Antennas. The Nemo Museum looks fantastic. The evening canal cruise itself was incredibly inspiring. The windows and roof of the ship provided excellent views, and it was warm and comfortable.
Peters A.J.M

Peters

Jan 2026
Verified booking
Beautiful cruise boat light festival in The Amsterdam canals. Beautiful lights to see and behold the canals and illuminations. On the evening the city is different than usual. Illuminated houses, silhouettes illuminated in different locations etc.
Carine sabella

Carine

Nov 2025
Verified booking
Amsterdam’s canals and bridges turn into a nighttime museum of glowing installations, reflections, and sculptures. The artworks blend with the historic architecture in a way that feels almost cinematic. Each year has a new theme—ideas like “Disrupt!” or “Imagine Beyond” and artists from around the world create installations that respond to it. Many pieces spark reflection about technology, climate, community, or imagination.
    • Sail for 75-mins along the official festival route, gliding past over 20 illuminated artworks that transform Amsterdam’s historic canals into glowing nighttime art.

    • Listen to an engaging audio guide in English and Dutch sharing the stories, inspiration, and creative process behind each dazzling festival installation.

    • Settle into a warm enclosed boat offering panoramic windows, complimentary WiFi, and a convenient onboard restroom for a smooth and comfortable festival journey.

    • 75-minute canal cruise on official Light Festival route

    • Audio guide in English & Dutch about art and artists

    • Heated, closed boat seating

    • Free WiFi on board

    • Restroom on board

    • Meals and drinks (hot chocolate and gluhwein available for purchase)

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    • Tips/gratuities

    • Transfers to/from departure point

  • TOTAL DURATION75 minutes
    FREQUENCYEvery 15 mins
    MODE OF TRANSFERBoat

    1 Boarding point

    Damrak 22

    Get direction

    Sights covered

    Amsterdam Centraal Station

    Amsterdam Centraal Station

    Hortus Botanicus

    Hortus Botanicus

    Magere Brug

    Magere Brug

    Herengracht

    Herengracht

    Grachtengordel

    Grachtengordel

    Brouwersgracht

    Brouwersgracht

    Haarlemmersluis

    Haarlemmersluis

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 169 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    80
    26
    26
    7
    30
    Guests from France, United Kingdom, Germany and over 24 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Barry Hoorenman

    Barry

    Feb 2026
    Verified booking
    The boat tour was enjoyable. The art was acceptable, the swans were particularly beautiful, but the rest was not particularly noteworthy. The captain made the tour much better, which is why it receives 5 stars.
    André Mauricio Catanho Correa

    André

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    Well organized, easy to arrive and easy to board. Guide with good humor and providing good information about buildings and sightseeings. My only frustration is that I was expecting more from the light festival in Amsterdam. The monuments could be more illuminated.
    Lothar Bluhm

    Lothar

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    The geese taking off and the illumination of the building as well as the children's work are particularly impressive. Thank you very much!
    Yaroslav Khort

    Yaroslav

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    It was an unforgettable adventure. The festival's facilities themselves are magnificent, especially the Windows, Swans, and Antennas. The Nemo Museum looks fantastic. The evening canal cruise itself was incredibly inspiring. The windows and roof of the ship provided excellent views, and it was warm and comfortable.
    Peters A.J.M

    Peters

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    Beautiful cruise boat light festival in The Amsterdam canals. Beautiful lights to see and behold the canals and illuminations. On the evening the city is different than usual. Illuminated houses, silhouettes illuminated in different locations etc.
  • What to bring

    • Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.

    • Carry your earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.

    What’s not allowed

    • Outside food & beverages, sharp metallic tools or objects, smoking, vaping and large bags and luggage are not allowed on this experience.

    • Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

    Accessibility

    • The experience may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Please check with the operator in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.

    • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

    Additional information

    • Hot chocolate and gluhwein are available for purchase.

    • The boat is heated and covered, but outdoor areas may still be cold during winter months.

    • The cruise operates during the Amsterdam Light Festival, with various departure times throughout the evening from November 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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