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This new light artwork by OSSO encourages visitors to find a quiet calm in this work when we live in a world of constant pace of movement.
- Moco Museum Amsterdam
- Van Gogh Museum Tickets
- Rijksmuseum Tickets
- Amsterdam Heineken Experience Tickets
- Johan Cruijff Arena
- AMAZE Amsterdam
- The Upside Down Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Fabrique des Lumières
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Anne Frank Tours
- Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
- Boom Chicago Tickets
- WONDR Experience Tickets
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- NEMO Science Museum Tickets
- Amsterdam Dungeon Tickets
Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise 2024-2025
Enjoy a guided cruise with optional food & drink upgrades
- Prepare for a magical night celebrating the historic Amsterdam Light Festival on a salon or covered boat, and opt to indulge in unlimited drinks and snacks.
- Discover 27 breathtaking light installations created by artists from around the world, each a unique reflection of the theme Rituals, illuminating the canals.
- Delve into the fascinating stories behind the art pieces and uncover the city's rich history with an English-speaking skipper host.
- Celebrate life's journey through fixtures that pay tribute to the changes of life, and be awed by the art piece nestled in the heart of the city.
- Upgrade to make your evening extra special with unlimited drinks on board. Choose from wine, beer, sodas, and more.
Enjoy a guided cruise with optional food & drink upgrades
- Prepare for a magical night celebrating the historic Amsterdam Light Festival on a salon or covered boat, and opt to indulge in unlimited drinks and snacks.
- Discover 27 breathtaking light installations created by artists from around the world, each a unique reflection of the theme Rituals, illuminating the canals.
- Delve into the fascinating stories behind the art pieces and uncover the city's rich history with an English-speaking skipper host.
- Celebrate life's journey through fixtures that pay tribute to the changes of life, and be awed by the art piece nestled in the heart of the city.
- Upgrade to make your evening extra special with unlimited drinks on board. Choose from wine, beer, sodas, and more.
Inclusions
- 75-min canal cruise in a luxury salon boat or a covered electric boat (as per option selected)
- Experienced host/guide
- Small group (as per option selected)
- Unlimited snacks and drinks like mulled wine, wine, beer, and soft drinks (as per option selected)
- Warm blankets (as per option selected)
- Tip: Dress warmly as it can be chilly at night in Amsterdam, especially during winter.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- The Amsterdam Light Festival begins on November 30, 2024, and runs until January 19, 2025.
- Waiting time can occur even with a timeslot due to large crowds.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Choose from four boarding piers & two cruise durations
- Witness the magical Amsterdam Light Festival from aboard a heated boat cruising down the Amstel River, and be awed by the captivating display.
- Hop aboard from one of three convenient boarding points, cruise for 75 or 90 mins, and tune in to the audio guide sharing insights about the light displays.
- Cozy up on the heated boat and soak in the mesmerizing views of 27 unique light artworks celebrating the theme 'Rituals' from the open deck.
- Join the celebration of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary by viewing the five unique permanent light artworks scattered throughout the Greater Amsterdam Region.
Choose from four boarding piers & two cruise durations
- Witness the magical Amsterdam Light Festival from aboard a heated boat cruising down the Amstel River, and be awed by the captivating display.
- Hop aboard from one of three convenient boarding points, cruise for 75 or 90 mins, and tune in to the audio guide sharing insights about the light displays.
- Cozy up on the heated boat and soak in the mesmerizing views of 27 unique light artworks celebrating the theme 'Rituals' from the open deck.
- Join the celebration of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary by viewing the five unique permanent light artworks scattered throughout the Greater Amsterdam Region.
Inclusions
- 75/90-min Amsterdam Lights Festival canal cruise (as per option selected)
- Boarding from Anne Frank House, Hard Rock Cafe, or Central Station (as per option selected)
- Experienced skipper host
- Audio guide
- Headphones (as per option selected)
- Free WiFi onboard (as per option selected)
- Open deck
- Heated boat (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Tip: Indulge in some delicious Dutch food and drinks before boarding your cruise from the canal-side shops.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- The Amsterdam Light Festival begins on November 30, 2024, and runs until January 19, 2025.
- Waiting time can occur even with a timeslot due to large crowds.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Indulge in local cheeses from Kaasbar with paired wines
- Cruise Amsterdam's glowing canals for 75 mins, feasting on unlimited specially curated wines, and three local cheeses while marveling at the sparkling city.
- Indulge in an exquisite cheese and wine tasting, featuring three locally sourced cheeses like truffle cheese and unlimited wines for your sensory pleasure.
- Your magical adventure begins at Central Station, from where you'll sail down the UNESCO-listed canals of Amsterdam, being dazzled by the lights of the festival.
- Revel in the comfort of a heated boat equipped with an exterior deck, perfect for capturing the best views and memorable snapshots.
- Soak in the rich historical history of Amsterdam, narrated by a friendly skipper, and an audio guide available in Dutch and English.
Indulge in local cheeses from Kaasbar with paired wines
- Cruise Amsterdam's glowing canals for 75 mins, feasting on unlimited specially curated wines, and three local cheeses while marveling at the sparkling city.
- Indulge in an exquisite cheese and wine tasting, featuring three locally sourced cheeses like truffle cheese and unlimited wines for your sensory pleasure.
- Your magical adventure begins at Central Station, from where you'll sail down the UNESCO-listed canals of Amsterdam, being dazzled by the lights of the festival.
- Revel in the comfort of a heated boat equipped with an exterior deck, perfect for capturing the best views and memorable snapshots.
- Soak in the rich historical history of Amsterdam, narrated by a friendly skipper, and an audio guide available in Dutch and English.
Inclusions
- 75-min Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise
- Three local cheeses from the Kaasbar Amsterdam, find the menu here
- Three wines selected by the Grapedistrict, find the menu here
- Accompanying garnishes
- Experienced skipper and host
- Audio guide in Dutch and English
- Heated boat
- Open rear deck
- Tip: Listen to the truffle cheese's backstory; it's aged for just four weeks but packs a punch of flavor.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- The Amsterdam Light Festival begins on November 30, 2024, and runs until January 19, 2025.
- Waiting time can occur even with a timeslot due to large crowds.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Leisurely 2-hour walking tour through the Light Festival
- Discover Amsterdam's enchanting transformation during the 13th edition of the Light Festival through a 2-hour guided walking tour of the city.
- Explore the hidden gems of the city like Dam Square and Nine Streets with an experienced local guide, and choose the language of your choice.
- Beat the winter chills in style as your walking tour includes complimentary winter hats ensuring you remain warm and comfortable throughout.
- Warm up with a winter treat as your tour ends at Noordermarkt where you get to savor a traditional glühwein or hot chocolate, along with a local delicacy.
- Prepare for a magical spectacle as the UNESCO-listed Canal District is illuminated by 27 dazzling light fixtures celebrating the theme of rituals.
Leisurely 2-hour walking tour through the Light Festival
- Discover Amsterdam's enchanting transformation during the 13th edition of the Light Festival through a 2-hour guided walking tour of the city.
- Explore the hidden gems of the city like Dam Square and Nine Streets with an experienced local guide, and choose the language of your choice.
- Beat the winter chills in style as your walking tour includes complimentary winter hats ensuring you remain warm and comfortable throughout.
- Warm up with a winter treat as your tour ends at Noordermarkt where you get to savor a traditional glühwein or hot chocolate, along with a local delicacy.
- Prepare for a magical spectacle as the UNESCO-listed Canal District is illuminated by 27 dazzling light fixtures celebrating the theme of rituals.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Amsterdam Light Festival walking tour from Dam Square to Noordermarkt
- Local English, French, German, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Gluhwein or hot chocolate, and a treat
- Winter hat
- Rain poncho (only in case of rainy weather)
- Tip: Even if you're not a fan of wine, give the traditional Glühwein a try. It's a winter staple in Amsterdam!
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- The Amsterdam Light Festival begins on November 30, 2024, and runs until January 19, 2025.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks
Sip on unlimited drinks. Perfect for our German-speaking guests!
- Get ready for a fascinating journey through Amsterdam's rich culture on a 75-min cruise viewing the Light Festival, with insights from a German audio guide.
- A magical night awaits you as you take in the expert artistry of the 27 light displays while sipping on unlimited beverages like wine, beer, and soft drinks.
- Immerse in the theme 'Rituals' that celebrate the different phases and transformations of life through both permanent and temporary light displays.
- Listen to your German audio guide as it unravels the fascinating stories behind the light installations, and discover Amsterdam's rich history and culture.
- Experience absolute comfort during the cold winter night, within the heated boat, with the option to go to the open deck for the best views.
Sip on unlimited drinks. Perfect for our German-speaking guests!
- Get ready for a fascinating journey through Amsterdam's rich culture on a 75-min cruise viewing the Light Festival, with insights from a German audio guide.
- A magical night awaits you as you take in the expert artistry of the 27 light displays while sipping on unlimited beverages like wine, beer, and soft drinks.
- Immerse in the theme 'Rituals' that celebrate the different phases and transformations of life through both permanent and temporary light displays.
- Listen to your German audio guide as it unravels the fascinating stories behind the light installations, and discover Amsterdam's rich history and culture.
- Experience absolute comfort during the cold winter night, within the heated boat, with the option to go to the open deck for the best views.
Inclusions
- 75-min Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise
- Audio guide in German
- Local host
- Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, and sodas)
- Heated boat
Exclusions
- Food
- Tip: Try taking your photos of the light festival with a slower shutter speed for some fascinating light effects.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- The Amsterdam Light Festival begins on November 30, 2024, and runs until January 19, 2025.
- Waiting time can occur even with a timeslot due to large crowds.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Amsterdam
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) offers a unique chance to see a fusion of art and technology. Renowned artists come together to create mesmerizing light installations showcased along the historic canals. The festival creates a warm atmosphere during the winter months, making it an ideal time to experience the city's hospitality and culinary delights. This annual art festival has been taking place at the heart of Amsterdam since 2012. From several hundred submissions, only around 20 of them are displayed along the canals.
Why take the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise
- Scenic beauty: Booking a canal cruise is the most picturesque way to experience the city's iconic Light Festival. It offers a unique vantage point to look at the installations and other historical landmarks along the waters with a sweeping 360-degree view of the art installations.
- Guided cruises: Most canal cruises include an audio guide or a live guide who shares anecdotes and stories about the city's landmarks. You can listen to them while floating along the waters.
- Evening ambiance: The Amsterdam Light Festival begins at 5pm and continues until 11pm. In addition to the art installations, you can also experience the illuminated city, making for a memorable experience.
- Family-friendly: A canal cruise is suitable for all ages, making it an ideal family activity that everyone can participate in. You can enjoy the art installations from a warm space. You can also rush back inside in case it rains.
Your Amsterdam Light Festival tickets explained
Standard cruises
- Book a standard 75-min or 90-min cruise with a multilingual audio guide in Dutch and English.
- See over 27 light artworks in a heated boat with an open deck and free Wi-Fi onboard and board from Anne Frank House, Hard Rock Cafe, or Central Station.
Recommended tickets:
- Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise
- 1.5-Hour Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise from Hard Rock Cafe
Cruises with unlimited drinks
- Go on a 75-min Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German audio guide.
- Enjoy unlimited drinks, including beer, wine, and soft drinks.
- These heated boat cruises with an open deck also have a local host to guide you and point out important installations along with insights about each.
Recommended tickets:
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks
Cruises with snacks and drinks
- Go on a 75-min cruise with an English-speaking guide or a multilingual audioguide in English or Dutch.
- You can also choose between a luxury salon boat or a closed boat.
- Choose between drinks & snacks or wine & local cheese.
Recommended tickets:
- Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine
Walking tours
- Go on a guided 2-hour walking tour with an English, French, German, or Italian-speaking guide and see the light installations from Dam Square to Nine Streets.
- These tours also offer hot chocolate and a local treat, complimentary winter hats, and a rain poncho in case of rainy weather.
- These tours are also wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Recommended tickets:
Amsterdam Lights Winter Walking Tour
What to see at the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is organized with installations of artworks that are created especially for the festival. Along with all that, special education projects in which primary students and Breitner Academy take part, are installed. The artworks are displayed in public spaces all over Amsterdam near the canals, making them easily accessible.
Permanent light art installations
As the festival spreads from the Sloterplas to the city district South, several light art installations displayed on the different editions of the Amsterdam Light Festival also find their place in the permanent collection. It includes works of artists like Tijdmakers and collaborators like Uilenstede University Campus.
International light art collection
The light art displayed at the Amsterdam Light Festival is too good to be stored away once the festival is over. So to ensure that they receive their due recognition, most of the light artworks become part of an international collection that is temporarily displayed all over the world, managed by the Light Art Collection, illuminating cities, and exhibitions worldwide.
Nieuw-West project
This is the current project of the Amsterdam Light Festival, in which the area of Amsterdam Nieuw West will see a major change as it gets redesigned as the Municipality of Amsterdam. It will also find an installation of permanent light art, with several other artworks finding their place in public spaces in the near future.
Views from the Amsterdam Light Festival: Edition 13
Rush Hour
Plan your visit
Timings
Facilities
Rules
Visitor tips
Amsterdam Light Festival: Daily from November 28 to January 19
Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm
- Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise from Hard Rock Cafe: 5pm to 9pm | 90 mins
- Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option: 4:45pm to 9:45 pm | 75 mins
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine: 7:15pm & 9pm | 75 mins
- Amsterdam Lights Winter Walking Tour: 3pm | 2 hours
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks: 5:30pm & 7pm | 75 mins
- A live English-speaking guide is available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise, Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option, and the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine.
- An audio guide in English and Dutch is available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise, 1.5-Hour Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise from Hard Rock Cafe, and Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Cheese and Wine, while a German audio guide is available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks.
- Unlimited drinks, including beer, soft drinks, and mulled wine, are available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Luxury Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option and the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with a German Audio Guide and Unlimited Drinks.
- Although the boats are heated, blankets are available on the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Optional Drinks if you want to admire the view from the open deck.
- Pets, with the exception of guide dogs, are not allowed on the cruises.
- Adhere to safety guidelines provided by cruise operators for a secure and enjoyable experience.
- Smoking is not permitted on any cruise.
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed onboard the cruise. You can, however, purchase snacks at the operator ticket counter before boarding.
- Please carry a valid ID when boarding the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise.
- If you plan to take a walking tour to view the art installations, make sure to wear comfortable, closed shoes, as it is a 6.5 km walk along the canals.
- Keep the Festival of Lights route map handy to make the most of your visit.
- Dress warmly, layer up, and bring a coat for comfort during the chilly winter.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before to facilitate a smooth boarding process and make the most of the canal cruise. This will also let you score the best seats on the boat.
- Utilize the bilingual audio or live guide for insights into the artworks and an enriched experience. Engage with the crew for additional insights and recommendations.
- Photography is encouraged, and the illuminated art pieces make for stunning pictures. Just make sure to have a good camera or phone with low-light capabilities.
- Evening cruises, especially on weekends and holidays, can get quite busy. For a more relaxed experience, consider booking a cruise earlier in the week or during off-peak hours.
Getting there
Centraal Station
- By bus: 305, 314, 347, 397, 41
- By train: IC, ICD, SPR
- By metro: 52, 54
- By light rail: 12, 14, 17, 2, 4
Starboard dock
- By metro: Lines 52 and 54
- By tram: 4 and 14
Frequently asked questions about the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise
How can I enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival?
Tourists and visitors can enjoy the light festival in several ways. You can either choose a walking tour or book an Amsterdam canal cruise. It is a long walk, around 6.5 km. If you have limited mobility or toddlers, and infants with you, it is best to book a canal cruise. Not only are you in a warm space, protected from the rain, but you can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and multilingual audio guides on a canal cruise.
Can I bring my kids on the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly and a great way to introduce children to art and culture. Kids will love the colorful light displays, and some cruises even offer discounted family tickets.
What if the weather is bad?
The cruise operates in most weather conditions since the boats are covered and heated. However, in case of extreme weather, the cruise might be canceled, and you will be offered a rescheduled time or a refund.
Can I rent a private boat for the festival?
Yes, several providers offer private boat rentals for groups. This option is perfect for corporate events, family gatherings, or anyone looking for a more intimate experience. You can email the cruise operator to book your cruise directly.
What types of boats are used for the festival cruises?
The boats are typically glass-topped enclosed or semi-open electric boats, offering panoramic views of the light installations while keeping passengers warm and dry.
Is the cruise suitable for solo travelers?
Definitely! The Amsterdam Light Festival cruise is a fantastic option for solo travelers looking to explore the city’s culture and art scene in a relaxed and scenic setting.
Do I need to tip the crew at the end of the cruise?
Tipping is not mandatory, but if you enjoyed the service, a small tip for the crew is always appreciated.
Can I buy souvenirs related to the Amsterdam Light Festival during the cruise?
Some cruises may have small souvenir shops near the departure points. Alternatively, you can find festival souvenirs at local shops near the departure points.