Light Festival Amsterdam
November 26, 2026 @ 4:00 pm – January 17, 2027 @ 11:00 pm
The Light Festival Amsterdam is a unique event in the canal district of Amsterdam. From 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, you can admire many beautiful works of light art on, above and along the Amsterdam canals. It makes your visit during the Winter Festival Amsterdam even more special. We’ve put together a list of tips to make the most of this great event.
About Light Festival Amsterdam
Edition 15 of the Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. It is the anniversary edition: fifteen years of light art on the canals. The works can be seen for free from the quays and the bridges, but they are made to be looked at from the water, which is why the festival cruises sell out first.
| Edition | The 15th — the anniversary edition |
| Dates | 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 |
| Cost | Free to see from the quays and bridges |
| Best way to see it | By boat. The works are placed and lit for a view from the water |
| Theme | Not yet announced by the organisers |
| Route | Not yet published for edition 15 |
A word of caution about what you will read elsewhere: several guides already list a number of artworks, a route length and a theme for this edition. None of that comes from the organisers, who state only that more information will follow. We will update this page as soon as they publish.
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises
During the Light Festival, special canal cruises sail through Amsterdam’s canals. These boats sail a custom route so that you can optimally view all the works of light art. During the canal cruise, the works of art are explained through an audio tour or a live guide.
| Light Festival Cruise | Departure | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise with audio guide | Central Station | € 29.75 | Book now |
| Cruise with local guide | Amsterdam North | € 29.75 | Book now |
| Luxury cruise with local guide | Oosterdokskade | € 29.75 | Book now |
Which cruise, and when to book
Tickets for the dedicated Light Festival cruises of edition 15 usually go on sale in the autumn. Until they do, the evening cruises below run all year and pass most of the same water.
- The Light Festival cruise — the dedicated festival sailing, the one that sells out first.
- Amsterdam by night — the standard evening cruise, running year-round.
- An evening cruise with a live guide — someone on board telling you what you are looking at.
- A dinner cruise — the longest time on the water, and the warmest.
Light Festival map and route
The Light Festival Amsterdam’s light artworks are located in the eastern part of the canal belt. The Light Festival map below shows the Light Festival route and departure locations of the various Light Festival Cruises and bike tours.
See the works of light with a bicycle tour
See the works of light art in Amsterdam in the most Dutch way with the Light Festival bike tour. This 2 hour guided Light Festival bike tour takes you to the most beautiful locations in wintery Amsterdam. Your guide speaks Dutch and English. The tour departs at 4.45 pm every day during the Light Festival. The tour starts and ends at Flagship Bike Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 101, Amsterdam.
| Tickets | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Light Festival Bike tour | € 21.90 | Buy now |
Hotels during Winter Festival Amsterdam
Would you like to enjoy the Light Festival Amsterdam and the other winter activities in Amsterdam? Then book a hotel in Amsterdam. The winter period is popular every year so book your hotel in time.
Booking.comAftermovie Light Festival Amsterdam
Map of the canal district in Amsterdam
You will never be bored in the canal district of Amsterdam. The many shops, restaurants, hotels, attractions and museums ensure that both young and old are entertained. There are also many activities to undertake on or along the canals. Use the map below to explore the canal area. What are you going to do in Amsterdam?
