Is Amsterdam Light Festival worth it?

Yes. It is one of the best winter events in Amsterdam, with light artworks placed above, alongside and in the canals. Seeing them from a boat or on foot after dark is atmospheric, photogenic and suits couples, families and first-time visitors.

When is Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027?

The 15th edition runs from Thursday 26 November 2026 until Sunday 17 January 2027, a total of 53 days.

How long does it last each evening?

The lights are on every day from 4:30 pm until 11:00 pm. On 31 December the lights close at 9:00 pm.

What is the best way to see the festival?

A canal cruise gives the most complete view and is comfortable in cold weather, while walking lets you stop at each artwork and take your time. Many visitors do both on different evenings.

Should I choose a canal cruise or walking?

Choose a cruise for comfort, a complete route in about 75 minutes and the classic view from the water. Choose walking for flexibility, photography and a lower cost. See the comparison section for a full breakdown.

How long is the cruise?

A cruise along the route takes approximately 75 minutes. Current departure times are listed in the festival's ticket shop and with each cruise listing.

How long is the walking route?

The walking route is about 4.5 kilometres. You can walk the whole route or enjoy it in sections, with the festival app available from mid-November.

Is Amsterdam Light Festival suitable for children?

Yes. A cruise is easy with children, and the festival app offers a Kids Walk, recommended for ages 7 to 12, with fun facts, quiz questions and a scavenger hunt. Dress children warmly and keep evenings flexible.

How much are tickets?

Prices depend on the experience, the date and the departure time. Check the ticket section on this page and the festival's official ticket shop for current prices. Walking the route in the public space has been free in previous editions.

Dress warmly in layers, with a windproof coat, a hat, gloves and comfortable, waterproof shoes. Boats are often covered or heated, but canal air is cold, and walking in winter can feel colder than expected.

What are the best photo locations?

Bridges over the canals, canal-side corners where artworks reflect in the water, and open waterfront spots are the best. See the photo section for tips on night photography and phone settings.

Is there a theme this year?

Edition 15 has no overarching theme. The organisers chose to let the artists share the subjects that matter most to them, so the artworks are more personal and varied.

What are the Light Nights?

On 26 November, 12 December and 19 December, the route comes to life with pop-up performances, storytellers near the artworks and special workshops and talks. Check the official programme for details.

Is the route new this year?

Yes. The organisers describe a new route through the city centre, with artworks above, alongside and in the water.

Where do the cruises depart?

Departure points vary by cruise operator and are listed with each ticket. Many leave from central locations near Centraal Station and the canal belt. Always check your ticket for the exact location.

Is there an information point?

Yes. The festival has an information point inside Amstel 1 (Waterlooplein 6), open Thursday to Sunday from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm and daily during the Christmas holidays, from 19 December to 3 January, except on 25 and 31 December.

Is the festival accessible?

Parts of the route are accessible, but canal-side paths, bridges and boats can have limits. Contact the cruise operator or the festival before booking if you need specific assistance.

What is the best time to visit?

Early evening on a weekday is the best balance of darkness and fewer crowds. Weekends and December evenings are the busiest. January is usually calmer.

Do I need to book in advance?

Book cruises in advance, especially for weekends, the holiday season and prime evening departures, which sell out first. Walking does not need a ticket.

Can I combine the festival with other activities?

Yes. The route runs through the centre, so it is easy to combine with dinner, Dam Square, a museum or the A'DAM Lookout earlier in the day.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The festival takes place in all weather, and cruises usually run in rain, although conditions on the water can affect departures. Check your ticket for the operator's weather policy.

Can I bring a tripod?

A small tripod can help with night photography, but it may not be practical in crowds or on boats. Use it only where it does not block others.

Is it good for couples?

Yes. The canals at night, with glowing artworks and reflections, are very romantic, and a cruise or a slow walk with a warm drink is a classic date.

Is there food along the route?

Yes. There are restaurants, cafés and winter treats along the route, and the festival offers a culinary experience called Taste. Check the festival's information for current offers.

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027: The Complete Guide

Name: AmsterdamToursInfo.com
Address: Zeelandstraat 56, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1082 BZ, NL
Telephone: +31637229996
Price range: Free

Dates, tickets, canal cruise or walking route, photo spots and practical tips for Amsterdam's winter festival of light art.

Dates

26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027

Location

Canals of central Amsterdam

Ticket price

Varies by experience (see tickets)

Best for

Couples, families, photographers

Duration

Cruise about 75 min; walk 4.5 km

Last updated: 7 November 2026Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Book Amsterdam Light Festival Tickets

The most comfortable way to see the artworks is from the water. Choose your date and departure time below, and check the description for the duration, the language of the commentary and what is included. Walking the route in the public space does not need a ticket.

More Light Festival options

Compare other cruises and experiences, and choose the departure time and format that suits you.

What Is Amsterdam Light Festival?

Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual winter event in which the canals of the city become an open-air gallery of light art. Every year from late November to mid-January, artists from the Netherlands and abroad install illuminated artworks above, alongside and in the water. The 15th edition runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.

The idea is simple and unusual: rather than hanging art in a museum, the festival places it in the streets, on the bridges and on the canals, so that the city itself is part of the work. You can see the artworks on foot, by bike, from a boat or as part of a culinary route, and each way gives a different view of the same installations.

Light art is not a single style. It includes sculptures made of neon and LED, projections on buildings, interactive pieces, kinetic works and playful installations. International artists bring ideas from different cultures, which makes each edition a mix of humour, politics, beauty and surprise.

The festival attracts visitors from around the world because it combines three things Amsterdam does exceptionally well: canals, design and a love of winter light