Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise

Amsterdam will take on a completely different look again this winter. From 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, the fifteenth edition of Amsterdam Light Festival will take place across the city. Along a completely new route, you will see 20 light artworks created by local, national and international artists.

From our open boat, you are right in the middle of the experience. There are no windows around you, just uninterrupted views of the artworks, Amsterdam’s canals and the reflections on the water. Wrap up in a warm coat, snuggle under one of our blankets and discover how each artist invites you to see Amsterdam in a different way.

Experience Amsterdam Light Festival from the water

As evening falls, Amsterdam Light Festival really comes to life. The light artworks appear along and above the water, while the canals provide the backdrop for a special evening in the city. From an open boat, you cruise quietly through the festival with an unobstructed view of everything around you.

Along the way, the skipper will tell you more about the artworks, the artists and the ideas behind their work. Because you are sitting low on the water, you experience the art from a completely different perspective than from the dock. You can see details up close, look up at artworks along the route and watch the art reflected in the dark water.

20 light artworks and different perspectives

For the first time, Edition 15 has no single overarching theme. Instead, artists from Amsterdam, the Netherlands and around the world have been asked what they would like to show the city’s residents and visitors. The result is not one fixed story, but a conversation with Amsterdam from many different perspectives.

During this edition, you will discover 20 unique light artworks in total. The route is also completely new. This year, Amsterdam itself takes centre stage as the setting for the art. You may pass parts of the city you already know, but the artworks invite you to look at them again with fresh eyes.

Amsterdam Light Festival from an open boat

An open boat makes the experience just that little bit different. You are not sitting behind glass and have a clear view of everything happening around you, making it perfect for taking great photos. You can feel the crisp winter air, hear the sounds of Amsterdam and watch the next artwork slowly come into view as you cruise through the canals.

You can choose between two different open boat cruises. Go for the regular Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise or make your evening even more enjoyable with the option that includes unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks on board.

Worried about the cold? Warm blankets are waiting for you on board. Wrap yourself up and enjoy Amsterdam in winter. Would you prefer to stay warm and covered throughout the cruise? Then you can also choose our covered Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise.

Practical information about the open boat cruise

Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The 20 light artworks can be admired daily from 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm. The new sailing route is approximately 5 kilometres long and runs through the eastern part of the city centre.

Our Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes and departs from the dock at Stadhouderskade 501, opposite the Hard Rock Cafe. Warm blankets are available on board.

In the event of extremely bad weather, the open boat may not be able to sail. If this happens, we will contact you and arrange a suitable alternative.

Please note that the open boat is not wheelchair accessible. If you use a wheelchair and would still like to experience Amsterdam Light Festival from the water, please take a look at our covered Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise for wheelchair accessible options.

Want to see more of Amsterdam?

Amsterdam Light Festival only takes place for a few weeks each year, but you can enjoy Amsterdam from the water with Amsterdam Canal Cruises throughout the rest of the year too. See the city by day on our City Canal Cruise or watch Amsterdam slowly light up after sunset on our Evening Cruise.

Visiting Amsterdam with children? Our Kids Cruise is a fun way to explore the canals together. And if you would like to experience the festival with the whole family this winter, you can also choose our special Amsterdam Light Festival Kids Cruise.

Book your Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise

Ready to see Amsterdam from a fresh perspective? Book your tickets for the Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise easily online. After booking, you will receive a digital ticket that you can show on your phone at the ticket office.

Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. Would you like to cruise on a specific evening or at a particular time? Reserve your tickets in advance to secure your place on board.