Step into a world of wonder as Amsterdam transforms into a glowing open-air museum during the winter months. The Amsterdam Light Festival brings together leading contemporary artists from across the globe to showcase breathtaking light installations throughout the historic city center. The best way to take in this artistic spectacle? A relaxing canal cruise that offers a front-row seat to the illuminated artworks—visible only from the water. Glide through Amsterdam’s sparkling canals in warmth and comfort while learning about each unique piece via a guided audio tour.
Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise – Book Night Tour
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1 Hours
Daily
10 people
ENG




Overview
About Your Host Team
Hello, My name is Nikki, I along with my team embark upon a lot of adventurous activities. We know our area’s whereabouts and we do organize tours and activities for small and large groups. Every member of our team is an expert in organizing experiences. We’ll be very happy to serve you and your group. Let's do something exciting !
Highlights:
- See 35+ illuminated light artworks created exclusively for the festival by global artists.
- Enjoy a heated and cozy canal boat—perfect for chilly winter evenings.
- Listen to an informative audio guide in English and Dutch as you cruise past each installation.
- Discover how light is used as a storytelling medium in today’s digital world.
- Admire art along the canals and quay, curated around an annual thought-provoking theme.
- Boats depart every 20 minutes between 17:00 and 21:00 during the festival season.
Included / Excluded
- 75 min Amsterdam canal cruise with an audio guide
- Pick up at any desired location
- Any food & drinks not specified under “Inclusions”
- Tips and gratuities
Things to note:
The experience runs from early December to late January annually.
Audio commentary is available in English and Dutch only.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure for boarding.
The boat is fully enclosed and heated, but we still recommend dressing warmly.
Photography is allowed, so bring a camera to capture the magic.
No onboard food or drinks unless stated otherwise.
Cancellation Policy:
- The experiences can be cancelled 96 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Tickets and experiences that include tickets to any attractions are non-refundable and cannot be re-scheduled.
More Details
Amsterdam in winter turns into a storybook setting with its twinkling lights, serene canals, and cobbled streets—but the Amsterdam Light Festival adds an entirely new dimension....
Held annually during the darkest months, the city becomes a glowing gallery of more than 35 specially curated light artworks, designed by artists, architects, and creatives from around the world.
Board a modern, heated canal boat and escape the cold while you drift through the historic waterways. Your journey is enhanced by an engaging audio guide available in both Dutch and English, which shares insights into the meaning and design behind each artwork.
Each year, the festival follows a unique theme, sparking questions about how light can communicate truth, creativity, or emotion in an era of misinformation and digital overload. This thematic backdrop makes each cruise a deeper experience—beyond just visual delight.
As you travel through the carefully designed route, you’ll view installations placed both on the water and along the banks, many of which are only visible from the canals. Artists are selected through an international Call for Concepts, ensuring fresh and forward-thinking creativity every season.
Whether you’re a local rediscovering the city or a traveler seeking something truly magical, the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise offers a soul-stirring mix of art, light, and storytelling. Don’t miss this seasonal highlight—tickets sell out fast!
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