Amsterdam Light Festival covered canal cruise

Amsterdam takes centre stage once 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 can discover 20 light artworks created by local, national and international artists, each sharing their own perspective on Amsterdam.

On our covered Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise, you can admire the artworks comfortably from the water. While it may be cold outside, you can sit back in the warmth and watch Amsterdam pass you by. Take your seat, listen to the stories behind the artworks and experience a side of Amsterdam you may never have seen before.

Experience Amsterdam Light Festival from the water

As darkness falls, Amsterdam’s canals become the setting for light art from the Netherlands and around the world. From the canal boat, you cruise straight through the heart of the festival, with the artworks appearing one by one along the route.

During the cruise, you will learn more about the artworks, the artists and the ideas behind their creations. This means you will not only see what is happening outside, but also discover the stories behind the art. At the same time, you will cruise through Amsterdam’s famous canals and see the city from perhaps its most beautiful perspective: from the water.

Discover 20 different perspectives on Amsterdam

There is no single theme for the 15th edition. Instead, local, national and international artists have each been invited to share their own perspective on Amsterdam. The result is a route filled with different stories, ideas and ways of looking at the city.

The new route features a total of 20 unique light artworks. This year, Amsterdam itself takes centre stage. Even if you have explored the canals before, the combination of art and the city invites you to look at your surroundings in a completely new way.

Stay warm while enjoying the light art

Winter evenings in Amsterdam can get quite chilly. Fortunately, you will hardly notice the cold during this cruise. From our heated and covered canal boat, you can enjoy Amsterdam Light Festival in comfort while the illuminated artworks pass by outside.

This makes the cruise a great choice for a winter evening as a couple, with friends or with the family. Would you rather feel the fresh air and enjoy completely unobstructed views? Choose our Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise instead.

Practical information about the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise

Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The 20 light artworks can be seen every day from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The official sailing route is approximately 5 kilometres long and runs through the eastern part of Amsterdam city centre.

Our covered Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes and departs from the dock at Stadhouderskade 550, opposite the Heineken Experience. From the comfort of our heated canal boat, you will cruise past the artworks of the 15th edition and discover Amsterdam from the water.

Visiting Amsterdam Light Festival with a wheelchair

You can also experience Amsterdam Light Festival from the water if you use a wheelchair. Wheelchair accessible departures are available from our dock at Stadhouderskade 550, with departure times at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Please book in advance and indicate during the booking process that someone in your group will be using a wheelchair, so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Want to see more of Amsterdam?

There is plenty to discover from the water outside Amsterdam Light Festival too. During our City Canal Cruise, you can explore Amsterdam’s canals, historic buildings and famous sights during the day. Prefer to see the city after sunset? Join our Evening Cruise.

Families can also explore the canals together. On the Kids Cruise, children can enjoy their own adventure on the water. During Amsterdam Light Festival, we also offer a special Kids Cruise dedicated entirely to the festival.

Book your Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise

Ready for a winter evening filled with light art in Amsterdam? Book your tickets for the covered Amsterdam Light Festival canal 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 only takes place from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. If you would like to cruise on a specific evening or at a particular time, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to secure your place on board.