blue boat light festival cruise

Home Rondvaarten Amsterdam Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise

Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise

About this activity

Important information.

During our Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise, you’ll explore the route of the Amsterdam Light Festival from an open boat, with a maximum capacity of 25 people. The open boat can sail close to the artworks, which will provide you an unobstructed view.

In addition, the captain is your live guide: he or she will tell you everything about the artworks along the route. If you want to experience the beauty of the light artworks in a more intimate way, our open boat cruise for the Amsterdam Light Festival is ideal! For those that get cold easily there are blankets on board.

The theme of the twelfth edition of Amsterdam Light Festival is “LOADING…Revealing Art, AI and Tech. Experience the many works of light art from the water and get swept up in the developments of AI and technology.

NB; some of the photos used show artworks from previous editions.

What can you expect from our Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise?

Would you like to sail through the historic canals of Amsterdam in a small open boat when the night falls? Then our open boat cruise is the way to go. Amsterdam gets a completely different vibe when it’s dark.

The city is just a little bit quieter and the illuminated bridges provide a different atmosphere. Add to that some impressive light artworks and you’ll be amazed!

During this private boat tour your captain will not only sail you through the most beautiful canals, but will also tell you in detail about the city and the impressive light artworks along the route. We have a nice warm blanket ready for you that you can wrap around yourself to keep warm during the cruise.

When does Blue Boat offer the Amsterdam Light Festival open sloop cruises?

During the period of the Amsterdam Light Festival (from November 30, 2023 to January 21, 2024), we sail with our open sloop every day, weather permitting.

Our open boat departs from our dock opposite Hard Rock Cafe at Stadhouderskade 501. You can buy drinks and snacks for your cruise at the ticket office.

Please note: We do not offer cruises on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise will be canceled in extreme weather conditions. We will then contact you and give you the option to join the covered, regular Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise or to move your ticket to another date.

Is the Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, our open boat is not wheelchair accessible. However, our regular Amsterdam Light Festival cruise is wheelchair accessible. Since we are one of the official partners of the Amsterdam Light Festival, this cruise has handy audio in English or Dutch and the canal boat is heated!

Where can I book tickets for the Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise?

You can easily book your tickets on this page. You’ll receive your tickets in your email as a PDF file after your booking. You don’t have to print your tickets, but you can simply show the code on your mobile phone when boarding. Which is also better for the environment!

Of course you can also buy tickets at our box office but to be sure of your place on our open boat, we always recommend buying your tickets online. After all, only 25 people can enjoy our open boat cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival at a time.

Where do I get on for my Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

Our Light Festival open boat cruise departs at Stadhouderskade 501, opposite Hard Rock Cafe. Interested in our open boat cruise? Buy your cruise tickets now! Our Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour is something you don’t want to miss.

Customer service

• The collection
• Permanent art
• Light Stories
• Inspiration
• Organization
• Sustainability

FAQ: Cruise

On this page you can find more information about a cruise during Amsterdam Light Festival Edition 12.

Where can I purchase cruise tickets?

In our ticket shop . Here you can also find the availability and departure locations of the cruise companies.

What are the departure times?

In our ticket shop you can find the departure times. Between 4:30 and 9:30 p.m. cruises depart every 30 minutes.

What is the duration of a cruise?

Cruises take about 75 min. An exception is Blue Boat Company, which departs from the Stadhouderskade and takes about 90 minutes.

How many people can fit on a boat?

This depends on the type of boat and cruise company: canal cruise boats usually have a capacity of 60 to 80 persons. Open boats and historic boats can fit somewhere between 12 to 50 people. With a private cruise you can of course pick the number of people yourself.

How long before departure should I be present?


You are expected to be present at the departure location 15 minutes in advance.

Can I go on another date than the one stated on my ticket?

No, you have booked a ticket for a specific date and time slot. It is only possible to go there and then.

Where do I go on board?

Departure locations differ per boat company. Please find the departure locations of our Official Partners in our ticket shop.

How do I make sure a boat company is an Official Partner of Amsterdam Light Festival?

Official partners can be recognized by the 'Official Partner logo’, see below. Next to that, there are festival flags on the departure jetties and most boats have recognizable stickers/flags. Book a ticket via our ticket shop if you want to make sure you’re cruising with an Official Partner that takes you past all the artworks.

CRUISE EXPERIENCE

What type of cruise experiences do you offer.

We classify the Amsterdam Light Festival cruises into four main categories:

• Canal cruises : these are covered canal cruise boats, where you sit warm and dry. All the information about the light artworks will come to you via the festival audio guide on board.
• (Semi) Open Boat : in this category we have (semi) open boats, which are larger open sloops, where you’re in an intimate group setting. The skipper or guide will tell you all about the artworks.
• Private/Group Cruise : there are many cruise companies with different specialties in this category. You can make a request with the company directly for, for instance, a company event or a romantic private cruise including dinner.
• Own boat : for everyone who plans to visit the festival with their own boat we recommend downloading our app; the app contains the nautical rules and the route with the artwork locations and descriptions. Please take into consideration that during festival hours the nautical rules are different than usual.

What will I get to see on a cruise?

The route consists of more than twenty light artworks that are placed on or along the canals. Every artwork has its own subject and together they tell the story of this year’s festival theme: LOADING… Revealing Art, AI and Tech.

Is it possible to cruise with my own boat?

Yes, it is. With our festival app you can purchase the route map, with all artwork information. The app also contains the nautical rules, which are adjusted during the festival, due to increased traffic on the water. The app can be downloaded soon. NOTE: a part of the route is forbidden for unmotorized vehicles (e.g. rowing boats, canoes, SUP boards).

Can I experience the route by SUP/rowing boat/canoe?

Yes, it is, but please note two things: (1) a part of the route is prohibited for these types of boats, (2) we strongly advise against visiting the festival on busy days (weekends and holidays). You can find all the nautical rules and measures in the app and on our website, both are coming soon).

Does every boat have heating?

Most canal and historic boats have heating on board. The open boats have blankets available. Check the specifications in our ticket shop.

Isn’t an open boat too cold?

No, but in case of extreme cold, the boats can be (partially) covered. There are always blankets on board, making the cruise still very much enjoyable.

What about (unexpected) extreme weather conditions?

It is almost always possible to sail on the canals. If a cruise cannot take place, the cruise company will get in touch with you directly to reschedule.

Is there a guide on board?

On board the open boats and historic boats there is a live guide and/or skipper who tells all about the artworks. The canal cruises have the official festival audio guide on board.

What languages are available?

The audio guide on the canal cruises is available in Dutch and English. Blue Boat Company and Amsterdam Circle Line also offer the audio in German. The guide/skippers can speak both Dutch and English.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

This is unfortunately not allowed on board any cruise.

Is it possible to purchase snacks and drinks before or during the cruise?

This is possible with most boat companies, either on the dock or on board.

Can I get off during the cruise?

No, this is not possible. The route is set and takes about 75 minutes. The cruise will begin and end at the same location.

Are there toilets available?

Most canal boats have toilets on board, most open boats do not. Check the specifications with the boat company.

Are there life vests on board?

Yes, for sure. There are also special vests for children.

Are there wheelchair accessible boats?

Yes, Blue Boat Company has some wheelchair accessible boats. Contact them a day before your cruise, so they can inform you about the times. Blue Boat can be reached via +31 206791370.

Am I allowed to bring my dog on board?

Only a few boat companies allow this. Check the website of the boat company to see their policy or contact the company directly via the contact information provided on your ticket.

Can I bring a stroller?

This is not possible with most cruises. Please check with the boat company for details.

Is it possible to become seasick on a cruise?

That is very unlikely. The boats cruise through the canals of Amsterdam, where the water is usually very calm.

CAN’T FIND YOUR QUESTION?

Click on one of the subjects below for more frequently asked questions: DIRECTIONS GENERAL INFO PARTICIPATE TICKETS WALK

• Amsterdam Attractions
• Amsterdam Tours
• About Amsterdam Canals
• Sightseeing Cruises
• Dinner Cruises
• Canal Cruise Combos
• Harbor Cruises
• Blue Boat Cruises
• Hop-On Hop-Off Cruises
• Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
• Keukenhof Gardens Tickets
• Amsterdam Heineken Experience Tickets
• Amsterdam Canal Cruises
• Johan Cruijff Arena
• Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum Tickets
• Anne Frank Tours
• WONDR Experience Tickets
• Moco Museum Amsterdam
• AMAZE Amsterdam
• NEMO Science Museum Tickets
• Amsterdam City Cards
• Boom Chicago Tickets
• Amsterdam Dungeon Tickets
• Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
• Van Gogh Museum Tickets
• Rijksmuseum Tickets
• National Maritime Museum Tickets
• Body Worlds Amsterdam Tickets
• Walking Tours
• Guided Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Bikes & Segway
• Travel Guide

Book Blue Boat Amsterdam Cruise Tickets

Select Your Experience

Amsterdam Canal Sightseeing Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Fall in love with Amsterdam with this glass-roofed boat cruise sailing past iconic landmarks of the city.
• Get to know more about every attraction you see during the cruise via the audio guide. It’s available in 19 languages!
• Catch sight of popular landmarks like the Westerkerk church, Nine Streets, and Skinny Bridge, and admire the canal's Baroque architecture.
• You can board the cruise from various boarding points like Central Station, Hard Rock Cafe and more, choose yours in the next step.
• Amsterdam Canal cruise
• Audio guide in Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian

This is Holland Pier

• 2-min walk from A'DAM Lookout and Eye Film Museum

Central Station

• 2-min walk away from Basilica of St Nicholas and Park Plaza Victoria

Heineken Experience Pier

• 1-min walk from Heineken Experience and Amsterdam, Weteringcircuit

Hard Rock Cafe

• 1-min walk from Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience

Anne Frank House Pier

• 2-min walk from Anne Frank House and Anne Frank Monument

Click here for a detailed map of the boarding points.

• Tip: Notice small gardens and green spaces along the canals. These hidden oases add to the city's charm and provide a refreshing touch of nature amidst the urban setting!

Amsterdam Canal Evening Sightseeing Cruise

• Board your cruise and explore the canals of Amsterdam in the warm glow of the city illuminated at night.
• You will be welcomed onboard the comfortable boat by the cruise staff and can kick off your journey by ordering a cold drink.
• As you explore the UNESCO-listed canal belt, listen to the onboard audio guide with your free headphones, available in up to 21 different languages.
• The cruise will also drift past the canals that run through the district where most day cruises do not go - the infamous De Wallen or De Walletjes.
• Upgrade your cruise to the luxury boat for cozy blankets and live guides. Depart from Central Station or Anne Frank House Pier for an enhanced experience.
• 1-hour or 90-min canal cruise
• Evening cruise with bar service
• Multilingual audio guide in 21 languages
• Snackbox (optional)
• 1-hour luxury boat cruise from Central Station/Anne Frank House Pier (optional)

Central Station Pier

Hard rock cafe pier.

Click here for the detailed map of the boarding points.

• Tip: Amsterdam is known for its vibrant street art scene. As you cruise along the canals, keep an eye out for colorful murals and graffiti artwork adorning the walls near the water.
• The audio guide is available in the following languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish, German, Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, Thai, Polish, Czech, Croatian, Indonesian, Cantonese, Swedish, Korean, and Hindi.

Amsterdam Canal Open Boat Cruise with Optional Wine & Cheese

• Catch unobstructed views of the Amsterdam skyline on this open-boat cruise as you learn intriguing facts about the city from your guide!
• This cruise takes you past landmarks like Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), one of the most beautiful bridges in Amsterdam.
• Choose your boarding point, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or Central Station, from where an open boat will you away from the city crowds.
• Wait there’s more! You can choose to elevate your cruising experience by choosing the ticket option with unlimited drinks and cheese.
• Live guide and local skipper
• 60-minute canal cruise
• Cheese delights (optional)
• Unlimited drinks: beer, wine, and soft drinks (optional)
• Drinks (see the menu here )

Rijksmuseum Pier

• 2-min walk fromRijksmuseum
• Tip: Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty of Amsterdam's canals. You'll have stunning photo opportunities throughout the cruise!
• The cruise is suitable for pram/stroller users.
• Buggy is available on prior request.
• Pets are allowed.

Amsterdam Canal Dinner Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Date idea: an evening dinner cruise through the canals of Amsterdam. You get just that with this ticket!
• Enjoy a world-class 4-course dinner prepared by gourmet chef Frans Kelders, with vegetarian, meat and fish options.
• It gets dreamier than this, you also get drinks of your choice, from beer, wine and soft drinks, to make the experience even better.
• 2-hour evening cruise
• 4-course dinner (menu here )
• Complimentary drinks: beer, wine, soft drinks
• Hotel transfers

LOVERS Canal Cruises Amsterdam

• 5-min walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible.

Amsterdam Canal Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

• Unlimited drinks? You saw that right! Enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and soda on a cruise through the world-renowned canals of Amsterdam.
• A professional skipper and host will let you in on the city's secrets, making this experience both fun and informative.
• This cruise is an ideal choice to spend quality time with friends and family and witness city landmarks like Seven Bridges and the Dancing Houses.
• Starting at the Red Light District, the cruise takes you past the NEMO Science Museum, The VOC Ship, and many more iconic spots.
• Choose from the ticket options for your preferred type of boat, and upgrade to include a nightclub entry ticket!
• Amsterdam canal cruise
• Covered boat/luxury boat (as per option selected)
• 2 or unlimited drinks: beer, wine and soda (as per option selected)
• Professional skipper and local host
• Night club entry (optional)
• Tip: Keep a look out for the dancing houses, locally known as De Dansende Huizen. Due to the soft clay soil, these houses are slightly tilted, giving them a quaint appearance.
• Only guests aged 18 and above are allowed to drink.
• Outside food and drinks are allowed.

Combo: Van Gogh Museum + Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets

• Get a healthy dose of Dutch history and art thanks to this pocket-friendly combo ticket with a canal cruise and an entry ticket to the Van Gogh Museum.
• Set sail on a 75-min cruise through Amsterdam's canals, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, aboard a Blue Boat Company vessel.
• Float past top Amsterdam attractions such as the Anne Frank House and City Hall while enjoying your snack box by upgrading your ticket.
• Enjoy entry to the Van Gogh Museum, where you can admire over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters from the Dutch artist.
• Admire the famous works of Van Gogh's contemporaries such as Monet and Gauguin.
• 75-minute canal cruise
• Timed entry to the Van Gogh Museum
• Van Gogh entrance + 75-min canal cruise with snackbox (optional)

Van Gogh Museum

• Tip: Pay attention to the chronological arrangement of the artwork. The museum showcases Van Gogh's evolution as an artist, from his early dark and somber works to his vibrant and expressive later pieces.
• Your booked time slot will be your entrance time to the Van Gogh Museum.

Canal Cruise

• Tip: As you cruise through different neighborhoods, be on the lookout for street art and colorful murals adorning buildings and walls.
• The voucher for your canal cruise is an 'OPEN TICKET', which means that no time slot has been allocated and you can board any next available boat at the dock.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Combo: Rijksmuseum + Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets

• Tick off two major to-dos from your Amsterdam wishlist while saving quite a bit: The Rijksmuseum and a 75min city canal cruise.
• Skip the lines and explore Rijksmuseum at your pace, admiring Dutch masterpieces including Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait and Vermeer’s Milkmaid .
• Set off on a 75-minute-long Amstel River cruise, learning all about the iconic stops along the way in 18 languages with a trusty audio guide.
• Upgrade your tickets to add some flavor to your adventure: opt to include a snack box containing yummy bites and a drink.

Rijksmuseum

• Admission to Rijksmuseum
• Access to Permanent and Temporary exhibitions
• Access to cloakroom facilities
• Free WiFi at the museum
• Audio guide in 18 languages on board the canal boat
• Snack box (optional)
• Entry to Vermeer Exhibition
• Multimedia museum tour (available for purchase at the museum for €5)
• You need to enter the Rijksmuseum at the selected time slot, but you can stay as long as you like.
• The museum is wheelchair accessible. You can also borrow a wheelchair, rollator, pushchair, walking cane, or foldable museum stool from them.
• Guide dogs are welcome.
• The cruise must be reserved upon arrival. Please check your voucher for more instructions.
• The cruise audio guide is available in Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese & Russian.
• Your cruise ticket is an open ticket. No time slot is allocated, so just board any available 'Blue Boat' boat at the dock.
• Boats accessible by wheelchairs are available at 10:30am, 12pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm.

Combo: Heineken Experience Direct Entry + Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets

• This ticket is a brilliant combination of 2 truly Dutch experiences! Save time and money with this combo with a canal cruise and entry to the Heineken Brewery.
• Enjoy a 75-min cruise along Venice of the North and learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage site with an audio guide available in 14 languages.
• You can choose to upgrade your cruise to include a snackbox, which you'll receive before boarding the cruise.
• The ticket also gives you entry into the Heineken Experience; go on a 90-min self-guided tour of the gigantic brewery.
• Find out about the ins and outs of this massive beer producer while sipping on 2 complimentary drinks!
• 75-minute cruise down the Amsterdam Canal
• Skip-the-line Heineken Experience ticket
• 90-minute self-guided tour of the Heineken brewery
• A snackbox containing chips, popcorn, cheese biscuits, salted peanuts, and a soft drink of your choice (optional)
• Wheelchairs will be provided at the Heineken Experience once a reimbursable €100 fee is deposited.
• The cruise is also wheelchair accessible.

Home Canal cruises Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise

Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise

• Family friendly

About activity

Important information.

During the dark winter months, Amsterdam is transformed into a beautiful city lit up with the most beautiful light artworks along the canals during the Amsterdam Light Festival.

The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from November 30, 2023 until January 21, 2024. Would you like to see these beautiful works a little closer? Then the Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise that we offer is ideal. The open boat is smaller than a regular canal cruise boat which means that you can get closer to the artworks. Your view will be unobstructed so you can take the most beautiful pictures. During the Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise, your captain will also tell you more about the artworks.

Don’t forget your warm beanie and gloves when you book this cruise because it can get really cold at night. Of course, we also have a nice warm blanket ready for you to keep warm.

NB; some of the photos used show artworks from previous editions. This year there will be new light artworks.

The artworks of Edition #12 during the Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise

For Amsterdam Light Festival 2023-2024, artists were asked to consider the effects of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on our everyday lives. The ways in which we communicate, engage and create are all impacted by technology and AI. What is the impact on the human condition? How does society change because of this digital evolution? And where are the boundaries? The different perspectives will be highlighted during Edition 12, with the theme: LOADING… Revealing Art, AI and Tech. Book your tickets for an Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise now and discover the canal ring and its artworks at night!

A cruise in a small setting through the canals

The Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise is a 90-minute cruise in a beautiful small open boat which seats a maximum of 25 people. This creates a cozy and intimate feeling. During the cruise, the captain will tell you all about the light artworks and light installations you see in the historic canal ring.

Not sure if you’d like to be out in the open (cold)? No worries! You can also book tickets for our heated and covered Amsterdam Light Festival cruise !

Practical information about the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise

Bad weather conditions The weather is often quite unpredictable in the Netherlands. Of course you don’t want to be in the biggest downpour ever during an open boat cruise. In the event of extreme weather conditions, all our boat tours will be canceled. We’ll contact you and give you the option to exchange your ticket for a regular (heated and covered) cruise or to move your ticket to another date.

Departure times Our open boats sail daily during the Light Festival period (November 30, 2023 to January 21, 2024). There are no canal cruises on Christmas Day and New Years Eve.

We recommend booking your cruise tickets in advance when planning your trip to Amsterdam, to make sure you have a spot on our cosy, small boat. The Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour is worth planning ahead a bit!

Departure location This cruise departs from the Blue Boat dock at Stadhouderskade 501, opposite Hard Rock Cafe.

Wheelchair accessibility

Unfortunately, our open boat is not wheelchair accessible; but our regular Amsterdam Light Festival cruise is. Read more about how to book a canal cruise on a wheelchair accessible boat on that page!

Please note: we would like to request our visitors to book tickets online in advance, so that we can avoid crowds at the ticket office.

Customer service

Blue Boat Company

• See all photos

75-minute Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Blue Boat Company

90-minute Amsterdam Canal Evening Cruise by Blue Boat Company

Blue Boat Company 75 min. Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Moco Museum

Heineken Experience Amsterdam + 75 minute Blue Boat Canal Cruise

Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam + 75 min Blue Boat Canal Cruise

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Blue Boat Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

How to see the Amsterdam Light Festival: Boat cruise, walking tour or app

The Amsterdam Light Festival is a highlight during the winter months and one of my favourite times to visit Amsterdam. From late November to late January, the city transforms, with enchanting displays of light and colour.

I’ve visited the Amsterdam Light Festival twice; once in 2014 and again in 2023 for the festival’s 12th edition.

When I visited in early December 2023, I wanted to see what would be the best way to experience the lights, so I tried three ways of seeing the festival; a boat cruise, a walking tour and using the Amsterdam Light Festival’s own app for a self-guided trip.

This post contains affiliate links – all that means is that if you buy something as a result of clicking on a link in the post, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me with the costs of running this site. Thanks!

About the Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival first took place in 2012. Each year, the festival has a unique theme, adding an exciting twist to the experience.

The artworks spread around the historic canals are not just pretty to look at; they often carry meaningful messages or stories, making your light festival experience both beautiful and thought-provoking.

For the Amsterdam Light Festival 2023-2024 the theme is LOADING… Revealing Art, AI and Tech . Across more than 20 light installations, artists explore how technology and AI shape how we talk, connect, and express ourselves in the digital world.

The festival happens at around the same time every year, from late November to late January, brightening up the darkest time of year. The first time I visited was in 2014, when I caught them purely by accident!

I was really excited to come back to Amsterdam and see this year’s lights, and this time I decided I’d try out three ways to experience the festival.

Let’s start with the most popular way to see the festival light installations; taking a canal boat cruise.

Canal boat cruise

Pros: Lots of boat cruise options, relaxing and scenic, no walking Cons: You won’t be able to experience the interactive installations, can be difficult to take photos

The most popular and relaxing way to see the Amsterdam Light Festival is by taking a canal cruise. Quite a few of the artworks are designed to be seen from the water, so if you want the full Amsterdam Light Festival experience, it’s a good idea to take a trip on a canal boat.

There are lots of options to suit the size of your group and the type of cruise you want to take.

On my most recent trip to Amsterdam, 8 of us took a private dinner cruise with Smidtje Luxury Cruises , with drinks and a buffet of Indonesian food.

Our boat, the Terra Nova, was a very classy wooden saloon boat built in 1900, with heating (very important in Amsterdam in the winter), opening windows at the front of the boat (great for taking photos of the lights) and even a toilet on board. If you were travelling to Amsterdam as a group then this would be a great option.

If you don’t fancy a private cruise, most of the canal cruise companies in Amsterdam offer evening cruises to see the canals by night.

I absolutely love an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam, particularly at Christmas. On my first trip to the Amsterdam Light Festival in 2014 we took a canal cruise on one of the big tour boats that depart from Damrak.

It was the middle of December, and Amsterdam was fully into the Christmas spirit after the Sinterklaas festivities had ended on December 6th. Seeing all the Christmas trees in the windows of canals and houseboats was a brilliant way to get into the festive spirit.

One downside of taking a canal cruise is that the canals get very busy with tour boats during the light festival, so while your skipper may be able to slow down a little as they go past the installations, they won’t be able to stop. This can make taking photos a little challenging.

If taking photos is important to you, I’d recommend the self-guided walking tour option, as you’ll be able to go at your own pace to get the perfect picture.

Walking tour

Pros: The best way to see the interactive installations, local insight, no getting lost Cons: The tour concentrates on the Herengracht, so you’ll only see around half of the installations; not ideal if it’s raining

While the vast majority of the installations at the Amsterdam Light Festival can be seen from the water, in most years there are some that are best experienced on foot.

For the 2023-2024 festival, these include three interactive pieces of art; Gali May Lucas’s Absorbed by Light , VOUW’s Chairwave and Jacqueline Hen’s Light High , which can only be seen by walking into its metal box.

I took a walking tour on the first night of the 2023-24 light festival. I met my guide Enno at Torensluis and from there we set off to the Herengracht, seeing 11 of the artworks along the way, including all three of the interactive pieces.

I was on a solo trip to Amsterdam and Enno was more than happy to be my personal photographer, which I really appreciated!

Enno was very knowledgeable about the art and was able to give me a local’s insight into the places we passed along the way, including why some of the pieces had been placed in particular spots.

There’s a piece at Gouden Bocht (Golden Bend) where columns of golden light rotate, looking like stacks of shiny gold coins or a stock exchange ticker; a fitting piece of art for the area which was the most expensive part of Amsterdam in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The walking route in total was around a mile and a half (2.5km) and took 75 minutes. We stopped halfway along the route for some warming mulled wine and delicious Dutch Christmas stollen.

You can book the Amsterdam Light Festival walking tour that I took on Get Your Guide .

Self-guided tour with the Amsterdam Light Festival app

Pros: The cheapest way to have an Amsterdam Light Festival experience Cons: It can be a long-ish walk to see all the installations, not as relaxing as a boat trip, no opportunity to ask questions

The organisers of the Amsterdam Light Festival have produced a mobile app which you can use to create your own self-guided tour around the light installations.

The app, which is available for both iPhone and Android , includes some limited information for free. For €7.99 you can upgrade to buy the excellent in-app map, which you can use to see where each artwork is, and get more information about it.

If you want to see all the artworks, and have time to linger at each one, then using the paid-for version of the app will probably give you the most in-depth Light Festival experience. It’s also a good option for photographers who’ll need more time than you’ll have on a boat tour or group walking tour.

I found the paid-for version of the app really useful while I was on the canal boat cruise. With the map open, I was able to see when an art installation was coming up and which side of the boat it would be on.

While we did have a guide on our dinner cruise, the food was the main focus. It was useful to be able to have all the information about each art piece at my fingertips.

Tips for visiting the Amsterdam Light Festival

The 12th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival takes place between 30 November 2023 and 21 January 2024. The lights are switched on at 5pm each night and can be viewed until 10pm on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, and 11pm every other day. The lights will be on all over the Christmas period; the only day they’re off is on New Year’s Eve.

The only exception to these timings is Jacqueline Hen’s Light High , which is in an enclosed box rather than being out in the open. This artwork can be seen Thursday to Sunday, between 4.30pm and 9pm.

I like a canal boat tour in the early evening, when there’s a tiny bit of light left for that cosy glow, but if you want to see the lights at their most impressive, then visit after dark.

Remember, Amsterdam in winter can be chilly, so dress warmly! It can be a good idea to book your boat tour in advance as they can get quite busy during the festival.

Final thoughts – is the Amsterdam Light Festival worth it?

I really enjoy visiting the Amsterdam Light Festival; I like other cities’ light festivals, but there’s something very special about the combination of Amsterdam’s characteristic architecture and the beautiful, other-worldly and thought-provoking light installations.

For the best light festival experience, I recommend taking a canal boat tour to see everything, but also buying the app so you have a better understanding of whereabouts you are in the city and the details of each piece.

Having the app also means that, once you’re back on dry land, you can retrace your steps to see any artworks you might have missed, and see the interactive pieces.

If you have a little more time in Amsterdam, I’d recommend taking the walking tour as well. I really found it gave my understanding of the light festival and of Amsterdam itself a big boost.

The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of those things that you can visit year after year, particularly if you come during those magical couple of weeks just before Christmas. I’ve loved both my visits to see the light festival and I’ve got no doubt that I’ll be back!

Read more about Amsterdam

• Cultural things to do in Amsterdam: art, film, music and architecture
• Eye Filmmuseum: A must-visit in Amsterdam
• Hotel review: Manor Hotel Amsterdam

Save for later or share with a friend

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

About Helen

12 Festive stately homes to visit at Christmas

12 dazzling light festivals around the world.

Hi! Regretfully we do not support your browser. We recommend you to upgrade to a newer version of Internet Explorer . Alternatively you can download Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome .

• Netherlands
• Göta Canal
• Birka – The Viking City
• Cinderellabåtarna
• Kristiansand
• All destinations Norway
• stromma.com
• Canal tours
• Cheese & Wine Cruise
• Pizza Cruise
• Attractions
• Heineken Experience
• THIS IS HOLLAND
• All Sightseeing
• All Dinner Cruises
• All Excursions
• Amsterdam >

Amsterdam Light Festival 2023 - 2024

Festival tickets with discount & all you need to know.

Amsterdam Light Festival 2023 -2024 has come to an end. The next edition will start in November 2024. From September ticket sales will start. Keep an eye on our website to be kept informed or subscribe to our newsletter.

Stromma’s festival canal cruises are back! Buy your ticket online with discount and secure your seat! From November 30, 2023 to January 21, 2024, the Amsterdam Light Festival sets our capital in the spotlight. 

During the dark, but cozy, months, the city glistens with light art installations. Experience it up close on a canal cruise. We are delighted to be able to once again be amazed by original works of light art during this year's Amsterdam Light Festival.

Departure times and location

All our Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruises departure from Damrak Pier 5. A 2-minute walk from the main entrance of Central Station. The first departure is at 17:00 and the last one at 21:30. On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the last departure is at 20:30 except during the Christmas Holiday.

Light Festival Canal Cruise

The popular  Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise takes you along the entire route while you sit relaxed on a heated boat with an optimal view of twenty inspiring works of art. The first departure is at 17:00 when is getting dark in the city.

Light Festival Open Boat Tour

Want to see the light installations up close? Then book an  Open Boat Tour  with Stromma where we will provide blankets to protect your from any lower temperatures. Snuggle close to your partner, friends or family member and enjoy the festival in a smaller group, in the open air on an electric boat.

Do you have something special to celebrate? Then check out our overview of our canal tours for private groups during Amsterdam Light Festival.

Where does the festival takes place?

The route of Amsterdam Light Festival is a little different from previous years. The festival used to run through the eastern part of the city but this year it will take you more through the center. 

Official Amsterdam Light Festival Route

The official route our canal cruises and boat tours take. Read everything you need to know about the route

Special Theme 2023-2024

The theme of edition 12 is very relevant: LOADING… Revealing Art, AI and Tech. The artists have been asked to think about the effect of Technology & AI on our everyday lives. It affects the way we communicate, engage and create. What is its impact on society and people? The different perspectives will be highlighted during this year's Amsterdam Light Festival.

FAQ – Amsterdam Light Festival cruises

Are you curious about all the information you need about Stromma festival tours? Then take a look at the frequently asked questions about the festival.

All tickets include the mandatory Amsterdam Light Festival surcharge that is required to sail in the festival area. So there are no extra costs!

Stromma is working to reduce use of fuel and energy as well as switching to renewable fuels and clean energy sources.

Stromma has ambitious goals for our sustainability work – one of them is to reduce CO2-emissions by 50% by 2030.

At Stromma we are continuously working to reduce our use of plastic. Our efforts reduced our plastic consumption by 1 097 kg in one year.

In Sweden and Denmark Stromma together with WWF and local partners have placed out Seabins to improve the environment in/of the Baltic Sea.

Stromma Netherlands participates in World Cleanup Day. Together we scoop the trash out of the canals from our Pedal Boats & Open boats.

Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise

Ticket for the official light festival cruise, amsterdam light festival open boat tour, enjoy the light art from the water.

• {{list.title}}

I have read and accepted Stromma privacy policy

• Sustainability
• Customer Service
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy, Cookies & Security

© 2024 Stromma Nederland B.V. | Keizersgracht 270, 1016 EV Amsterdam | Stromma Nederland is part of Stromma Group

Interested in a private cruise? Book here

AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL

Edition #11: 1 December 2022-22 January 2023

Quick Details

The 11th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival has come to an end! The theme for this year’s edition was Disrupt. From 1st of December to the 20th January 2023 Amsterdam was transformed into the stage for international light art. Thank you for joining us for a canal cruise this year, we enjoyed having you on board. Moreover, we are looking forward to welcoming you on board next year for a canal cruise during another edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival!

The Call for Concepts closed on 22 January 2023. We are excited to see what next year’s edition will feature! For more information about the development of the artworks, please visit the Amsterdam Light Festival website .

SIGN UP TO KEEP UP TO DATE

For information about events

• Information inquiry * King's day boat rental SAIL Amsterdam Pride Amsterdam Amsterdam Light Festival I would like to receive information on:
• Name * First Last
• Single tickets
• Shared boat with smaller group
• Private boat
• Other [please specify below]
• Details of your inquiry
• Read our Privacy Policy
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Chevron down Information about Edition #8

ENJOY AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL FROM THE CANALS

From the 1st of December 2022 until the 22th of January 2023, the eleventh edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) will be organised in Amsterdam. Artists from around the world create installations and artworks by making use of light. These are showcased during the winter months in the city center of Amsterdam. The best way to view these artworks is from the canals. Boat Amsterdam will, just like in the past, organise canal cruises along these mesmerising works of art. The Amsterdam Light Festival route showcases approximately 20 artworks from various artists, architects, and designers from numerous nationalities. Boat Amsterdam stands out because of our experienced and welcoming hostesses and skippers. All our boats are covered and are equipped with blankets and heated cushions, so you don’t need to worry about getting cold. Make sure to book your tickets online or call us at +31 (0) 6 46 66 10 01. We strive to have our ticketing options live as from September 2019 for this year’s edition.

The theme: ‘DISRUPT’:

‘Disruption’ usually refers to a disturbance that comes at an inconvenient time and has to do with conflict, chaos or even danger. Think of an earthquake or a financial crisis. People in general tend to try and avoid disruptions as much as possible. Both in the comfort from our home and in our society at large, we rather fall in line. However, disruption is able to provide a positive, vital element for change as well. It questions fixed assumptions, provokes new discussions, encourages people and organisations to take action, and disruption makes previously unknown possibilities visible and achievable.

• Chevron down Amsterdam Light Festival fee

What is the Amsterdam Light Festival [ALF] fee?

During the Amsterdam Light Festival, approximately 20 artworks will be showcased in the city of Amsterdam. These are designed and developed by artists and designers, whom have worked on these for months to get them to the designated location during the festival. Since the Dutch winters are infamous for their turbulent weather conditions, the maintenance of these artworks is one of the key priorities of the Amsterdam Light Festival organization. Hence, the shipping companies that are Official Partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival pay an Amsterdam Light Festival fee per guest for the maintenance of these artworks to the organization of the event. By means of these fees, the organization can ensure the quality and maintenance of the artworks in order for us to offer you a high quality cruise: in light of service, personal attention and quality of the artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival.

• Chevron down Tickets:

Tickets can be booked online until 30 minutes before the chosen departure time. The tickets for the Amsterdam Light Festival are now on sale. If you would like to have assistance or personal advice as to which tour suits your needs best, please reach out to us via: +31 (0)6 46 66 10 01 or via [email protected]

• November 30th - January 21st

WINTER WONDERLAND CRUISE

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 75 minutes
• Ticket Tour type: Shared
• Cruise Ship Departure Location: Oosterdokskade 8, 1011 AE, Amsterdam

Enjoy a Canal Cruise during the Light Festival!

The evenings in Amsterdam get a special touch with all the lights that turn off as soon as the sun goes down.

The tour’s highlight is the dazzling city lights of Amsterdam at night. As we glide along the canals on our semi-covered boat, you’ll have the best view to witness the mesmerizing light decoration on the many bridges all around the city, reflecting on the water’s surface. Join us for an unforgettable evening of scenic canal views and the enchanting beauty of the city lights!

Book your ticket and hop aboard a luxurious, (semi)covered boat of Amsterdam Boat Experience for an approx. 75-minute cruise.

What do you get?

• From November 30th 2023 – January 21st 2024
• +/- 75 minutes of cruising
• Onboard bar with beer, wine and soda
• Semi-covered luxury boat
• Incl. skipper and host who can tell you all about the city of Amsterdam

RELATED CRUISES

• Ticket Shared
• Hour Glass 1 hour

Canal Boat Tour

Come join us on our legendary tour departing from the Anne Frank House, the Central Station or Rijksmuseum. Cruise the Amsterdam canals in our unique electric boat while learning about our culture from true Dutchies.

Blue Boat Company

Amsterdam canal cruises for young and old.

Pick your Own Canal Cruise and Explore Amsterdam in One of the Best Ways: From the Water!

From 1 December to 22 January   Blue Boat Company is official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival and offers a unique experience to admire the light artworks by boat.

Amsterdam light festival canal cruise, heated, covered canal boats with audio guide, done 90 min done dutch, english.

Tickets & Departures

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise*

* Departing from Stadhouderskade 501, opposite Hard Rock Cafe.

City Canal Cruise

regular guided tour

done 75 min done 19 languages

Kids Cruise

'Wanted: Freshwater Pirates'

done 75 min done Dutch, English

Amsterdam Pets Cruise - The Game

How many Bluebees can you catch?

Evening Cruise

Amsterdam by night with illuminated buildings, bridges and boats

done 90 min done 19 languages

Tip : Add a snackbox to your booking to enjoy some snacks and drinks during your canal cruise.

Blue Sky Boat

Open boat cruise guided by captain.

done 75 min done Dutch, English done small group   max. 25 pers.

Burgers & Dogs Cruise

Create your own Burger & Hotdog during this cruise

done 90 min done 21 languages done Beef burger & hotdog done drinks included

Get on Board and Explore the Amsterdam Canal Belt

Get to know the city in a relaxed and fun way. Passing all of the city's highlights in the Canal Belt area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

All boats are equipped with a modern Personal Audio System that can give commentary in 19 different languages .

It is recommended but not necessary to make a reservation. If you book tickets online, your spot is guarenteed and online tickets are cheaper as well!

Guests can buy drinks and snacks in advance at the ticket office.

official website www.blueboat.nl

Mooring locations

Near leidseplein.

Stadhouderskade 501 Amsterdam ( Oud-Zuid )

tram 1 2 5 7 12 13 19 Leidseplein local_parking Q-Park Byzantium

near Heineken Experience

Stadhouderskade 550 Amsterdam ( De Pijp )

tram 24 Marie Heinekenplein tram 1 7 19 Vijzelgracht directions_subway 52 Vijzelgracht local_parking Parking Heinekenplein

more impressions

Mooring location near Leidseplein

View of the Westerkerk tower

View of the Skinny Bridge from a Blue Boat

Blue Sky Boat an open boat cruise guided by the captain

Leliegracht

Canals, canals & canals (10)

Experience the infamous Burgers & Dogs Cruise!

National News | Baltimore Key Bridge collapse map: View the…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

e-Pilot Evening Edition

• Latest Headlines
• Environment

National News

National news | baltimore key bridge collapse map: view the path of the cargo ship dali.

National News | Police had about 90 seconds to stop traffic before Baltimore bridge fell

National News | What we know about the Dali, the cargo vessel that crashed into Baltimore’s Key Bridge

National Politics | Who is Nicole Shanahan, the philanthropist picked by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his running mate?

National News | 5 takeaways from the abortion pill case before the U.S. Supreme Court

Trending nationally.

• Baltimore Key Bridge collapse map: View the path of the cargo ship Dali
• Prince Harry gets dragged into huge Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking lawsuit
• Brothers tried to fight off mountain lion during fatal attack in Northern California, family says
• How the Baltimore bridge collapse compares to the fall of Florida’s Sunshine Skyway
• Millions of bizarre, blue sea creatures wash up on Northern California shores