Amsterdam Light Festival
Visitors discover illuminated installations, projections, and sculptures created by national and international artists throughout Amsterdam's historic centre. The light artworks can be explored on foot along the quaysides and bridges or viewed directly from the water aboard canal cruise boats. The displays illuminate iconic waterways including the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Amstel against the backdrop of historic canal houses.
Nov 26, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027 All ages
See more Christmas lights near Amsterdam
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
LOVERS Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour: €22.50 (discounted from €29.75); boat tour with drinks: €32.50; LOVERS Canal Cruise: €29.50.
Neighborhood
Canal District
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book a festival cruise online in advance, as the operators offer separately booked tickets.
- Look for the online booking discount when choosing a cruise ticket.
- Choose a walking route over the bridges and quaysides if you want to view the artworks on foot.
- If you want to see the artworks from the water, check cruise availability before setting out, as cruises do not depart on 31 December.
Special Events & Promotions
- Festival cruise tickets booked online are promoted with a 10% discount.
- A festival cruise with drinks is offered as a separate ticket option.
- This season’s festival marks its 15th anniversary and includes brand-new light art.
- Festival cruises do not depart on 31 December.
Links & Contact
Run by LOVERS Canal Cruises (official partner)
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival suitable for families with children?
Yes. It is described as an outing for families, children and adults.
Can I explore the light artworks without taking a cruise?
Yes. You can walk along the canals, quaysides and bridges to see the installations, projections and sculptures.
Should I book a festival cruise in advance?
Several operators offer festival cruises, and tickets can be booked online in advance.
How long does a canal cruise take?
A cruise takes about 75–100 minutes, depending on the operator.
What can I see from a festival cruise?
The route passes light artworks and illuminated bridges, with views of the canal houses along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Amstel. LOVERS cruises include an audio guide.
Browse Christmas in Amsterdam
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.