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Amsterdam Light Festival

2024 marks the thirteenth year of the well-known Amsterdam Light Festival. It’s not difficult to understand why this festival is so popular. It’s literally and figuratively a light in the dark days of winter. During the months of December and January, beautiful light art is exhibited in and around the Amsterdam canals and city center. These incredible pieces of art are created by international artists. Visitors can walk along the works or choose to buy a canal cruise ticket to see the art from the water.

At Amsterdam Canal Cruises, you can of course book a ticket for an Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise so you can admire all the light artworks.

History of the Amsterdam Light Festival

For decades, the GEB (the municipal energy company of Amsterdam) made sure that the canals would light up every year, until privatization of the company in the late 1990s put an end to this. Suddenly the canals were dark during the winter and locals considered this a real loss. In the following years, Amsterdam citizens organised multiple initiatives to light up the city, such as Yule and the Christmas Canal Parade with illuminated boats. In 2010, the Winter Magic Amsterdam was organised, during which the boat parade got combined with fun things to do and see. For the Winter Magic Amsterdam, light artist Rogier van der Heide turned the famous sight the Skinny Bridge into a true light artwork.

In 2012, the Amsterdam Light Festival was organised for the first time. The festival focused on the art and worked together with international light artists. During the winter months, people could walk along the canals to see the works, but they could also follow a route with a boat.

12 years later and the Amsterdam Light Festival is bigger and more popular than ever. Every year, there’s a new interesting theme that makes everyone ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’; whether you follow the walking route or admire the light works from the water.

Amsterdam Light Festival 2024-2025

For over 12 years, the Amsterdam Light Festival has illuminated the city during the darkest months of the year. This year is extra special because the festival coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th birthday. Residents, neighborhoods, and organizations will come together to celebrate the unique character of the city. What better way to mark this festive occasion than with a ritual?

Rituals

Rituals have always been connected to various transitions: from past to future, from winter to summer, from youth to adulthood. Light plays a crucial role in many forms of rituals, as a symbol of joy, energy, and life. We use fireworks to ring in the New Year, candles to commemorate, and midsummer fires to welcome the solstice. Light adds something mystical and sacred to a ritual like no other element can. And rituals connect. Rituals bring people together.

The festival takes place from November 28, 2024 until January 19, 2025. 

The Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruises

Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise
During this 90 minute canal cruise, you’ll sail along the beautiful artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival in a covered and heated boat. This is especially nice during the cold Amsterdam evenings! Put in your earphones and listen to the explanation about the light artwork through our handy audio guide (available in Dutch and English). This cruise is fun for young and old!

Amsterdam Light Festival open boat canal cruise
We also offer an open boat cruise for those that would like to view the light artworks in a slightly more intimate circle. After all, you’re in a boat with a maximum of 25 people. Please make sure to dress warmly for this Amsterdam Light Festival cruise because this open boat is not heated. We do have some blankets ready for you to keep you warm. During this cruise, your captain will also be your tour guide and tell you all about the artworks that you see.

Amsterdam Canal Cruises Service

Do you have any questions about our Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruises? Then contact us; we’d love to help you.

Even outside of the period of the Amsterdam Light Festival you can book the best canal cruises in Amsterdam with us. You can also score tickets for museums and tours at Amsterdam Canal Cruises.