Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tours 2026/27

Experience the 15th Amsterdam Light Festival from the Water

Celebrate 15 editions of light art aboard one of our small electric boats. Enjoy up-close views of 20 spectacular artworks, heated cushions, warm blankets and a friendly local captain as your live guide.
OUR LIGHT FESTIVAL CRUISE DATES
27 November 2026 - 3 January 2027

Choose Your Light Festival Experience

Join a cozy small-group cruise or reserve the entire boat for yourself.

Cozy, social and limited to just 12 guests. Enjoy uninterrupted views, heated seat cushions, warm blankets and complimentary Glühwein while your captain guides you through the festival.

Perfect for couples, friends & solo travellers

Reserve the entire boat exclusively for your group and experience the festival with friends, family, colleagues or clients. Enjoy the lights together in your own relaxed and private setting.

Perfect for families, celebrations & company outings

Amsterdam Light Festival Edition 15

Amsterdam Becomes a Stage for Light Art

For its 15th edition, Amsterdam once again becomes a stage for light art. Discover 20 unique artworks by local, national and international artists. This year’s new route takes you past iconic locations including NEMO, the Magere Brug and the Amstelsluizen.

This year there is no fixed theme. Instead, each artist brings their own perspective, creating a diverse collection of artworks and stories to discover along the route.

Memories from Amsterdam Light Festival

A glimpse of the light art, atmosphere and small-group cruise experience from previous Amsterdam Light Festival editions.

Guest Reviews

Candice R
Amsterdam Boat Adventures was a gem of a recommendation from a friend. My husband and I went on the Amsterdam Light Festival - Shared Cruise this passed weekend. Our captain Joao was absolutely wonderful! He helped make everyone feel right at home and got conversation flowing between the different exhibits while being extremely knowledgeable about the festival itself as well as Amsterdam and The Netherlands history. If you are looking for a more personal less touristy canal cruise this is the company! We had a blast!
Jenna R
Lovely chilled light festival night tour
On our first night in Amsterdam we took this lovely boat tour for the light festival. We picked this tour as it’s an open boat and more intimate with only 12 max people on board rather than the big boats . The tour didn’t disappoint it was so chilled and our captain Eddie was delightful and knew loads of information regarding the light installations . Free mulled wine a nice touch too. Would definitely recommend
Christina H
We had an incredible private canal ride to view this year’s light festival. Captain Atilla knew everything about the art as well as Amsterdam, and kept us warm with heated seats blankets and gluhwein. It was the best way to see the city and our entire family ranked it as their #1 experience during our vacation. We could not recommend it more.

Why Cruise With Us

Discover what makes our small-group, 100% electric cruises such a special way to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival.

Small & Immersive Experience

With a maximum of just 12 guests, our cruises feel relaxed, personal and never crowded. And with no windows or barriers between you and the city, our open boats offer uninterrupted views of the light artworks as Amsterdam glides by around you.

Warm Drinks Included

Enjoy complimentary glühwein and tea during your cruise. Prefer something else? Additional drinks are available to purchase on board, and you’re also welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks.

Experienced Skippers & Guides

Your skipper is also your guide throughout the cruise, sharing the stories behind the light artworks, their artists and the ideas that inspired them.

Comfort in Any Weather

Amsterdam winter evenings can be chilly, but we’ll keep you cozy. Our boats have heated seat cushions, warm blankets and a rain canopy when needed, so you can relax and enjoy the Light Festival in comfort.

Flexible Cancellation

Plans can change. Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, or add our optional Cancellation Flexibility to cancel or reschedule up to just 15 minutes before your cruise.

Dog Friendly

Your furry friend is welcome on board too. We allow one dog per shared cruise, while private cruises can accommodate multiple dogs, so no one has to miss out on the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Amsterdam Light Festival cruises run from 27 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. The official Amsterdam Light Festival continues beyond these dates, but these are the dates Amsterdam Boat Adventures operates its Light Festival cruises.

Please check the booking calendar for exact cruise dates and departure times.

Our Amsterdam Light Festival cruises take approximately 75 minutes. The route follows the official festival route and takes you past all 20 light artworks

Amsterdam Light Festival takes place during winter, so our boats are prepared for colder weather. We provide heated seat cushions and warm blankets, and our boats have a retractable canopy with side protection for rainy weather. The boats remain open enough for you to enjoy clear views of the light artworks. We still recommend dressing warmly and wearing suitable winter clothing, especially on colder or windy evenings.

Yes. Glühwein and tea are included with your Amsterdam Light Festival cruise.

Other drinks are available to purchase on board, and you are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks.

Children aged 6 and over are welcome on our shared Amsterdam Light Festival cruises. If you are travelling with younger children, our private Light Festival cruises welcome children of all ages.

Our cruises depart from our regular meeting point at Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1, Amsterdam, beside the H’ART Museum. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before departure, as the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

Ready to Experience Amsterdam in a New Light?

Choose a cozy small-group cruise or reserve your own private boat for Amsterdam Light Festival Edition 15.