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Amsterdam Light Festival ALF 2023 Open Boat Tour canal cruise with Stromma
Image from Stromma

Best ways to see Amsterdam Light Festival 2023

This winter, Amsterdam transforms into a real-life fairy tale, sparkling and glowing, with around 30 pieces of illuminated artwork for the 12th edition of Amsterdam Light Festival (30 November 30 2023 - 21 January 2024). Dutch and international artists submitted creations inspired by the theme ‘LOADING… Revealing Art, AI and Tech’ with installations adorning the canal ring, the River Amstel and several other stunning locations around the city.

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Experience a Winter Season highlight from the Amsterdam canals

Amsterdam Light Festival boat tours with Stromma

Amsterdam Light Festival ALF 2023 Artist Impression of Phyllotaxis artwork by Daan Johan and Joris Strijbos
Image from Stromma

You can explore the exhibits on foot or by bike, however, the most enchanting way to take in the festival is aboard a special Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise offered by Stromma Nederland, the founding partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival.

Amsterdam Light Festival - Canal Cruise

Watch the artwork of the Amsterdam Light Festival shimmer across the water from the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise. As you sail along the canals, you’ll pass dozens of illuminated works of art while listening to an on-board overview of each piece (in English or Dutch). A cold night, a heated boat, beautiful light art and a drink to bring along from our shop - this may well be the best way to spend a winter evening.

Time: The Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise departs daily, several times every hour, from 17:00 to 21:30, and lasts 75 minutes. Reservations are required.

Departure: The cruise departs from Damrak Pier 4. 

Price: €26.50 for adults, and €13.25 for children ages 4–12. 

Amsterdam Light Festival - Open Boat Tour

Immerse yourself in the magical experience of Amsterdam Light Festival on the Amsterdam Light Festival Open Boat Tour! You’ll sit aboard a special boat with open decks, giving you an unencumbered view of the surrounding lights and artwork. The captain will not only drive the boat but guide the experience with historical stories of Amsterdam and information about the light exhibits. Although the boat is open, it’s also cosy, and each passenger will receive a warm blanket and drink to be sure. Reservations are required.

Time: The cruise lasts 75 minutes and departs frequently, every day, from 17:00 onwards.

Departure: Hop on board the Amsterdam Light Festival Open Boat tour from the mooring at Damrak Pier 6.

Price: €26.50 for adults, and €13.25 for children ages 4–12. 

Amsterdam Light Festival - Drinks on Board

Would you prefer to have your own boat with a group of friends or colleagues? Then, experiencing the magically illuminated city with the private Amsterdam Light Festival Drinks on Board cruise might be for you. On this cruise, your group (of approximately 20) will receive a dedicated guide, warming drinks and snacks and – of course – all the photo-ops you’ll need to flood your social media channels. Please reserve well in advance.

Time: You’ll need to book this option in advance, and the duration and departure time may depend on your preferences.

Departure: Get in touch to discuss transfer arrangements and departure points.

Price: Tickets from €36 per person, excluding a festival surcharge of €8.10 per person and €1.50 entertainment fee per person. The prices vary, depending on your preferences.

Group Events

Amsterdam Light Festival ALF 2023 artist impression of Cell Phone artwork by Liam Campbell
Image from Stromma

Amsterdam Light Festival is the perfect place to enjoy the company of others — so make an evening of it! Invite your whole family or plan a group event to celebrate the end of the year with colleagues. The glittering lights and the cosy atmosphere of the cruise provide the perfect backdrop to any event, especially when paired with a delicious meal, tasty appetisers and a good glass of wine.

Amsterdam Light Festival - Private Cruise

This arrangement will allow you to take full advantage of the evening hours and enjoy a magnificent view of the artworks along the canals in a comfortable heated boat. This arrangement does not include a tour guide.

Time: You’ll need to book this one in advance, and the duration and departure time may depend on your preferences.

Departure: Get in touch to discuss transfer arrangements and departure points.

Price: Tickets from €393.75 per boat, excluding a festival surcharge of €8.10 per person and €1.50 entertainment fee per person. The prices vary, depending on your preferences.

Amsterdam Light Festival - Classic Private Tour 

Step aboard of the stylish saloon boat the Amstel and watch enchantingly lit Amsterdam glide past, while you enjoy the luxury and comfort of a nostalgic vessel. The lights dim, soft music plays, and then you are gently on your way to an experience like no other.

Time: You’ll need to book this one in advance, and the duration and departure time may depend on your preferences.

Departure: Get in touch to discuss transfer arrangements and departure points.

Price: Tickets from €39.00 per person, including a festival surcharge of €8.10 per person and €1.50 entertainment fee per person, as well as two drinks per person and snacks. The prices vary, depending on your preferences.

Beat the queues and reserve your front row seats to the Amsterdam Light Festival with Stromma today!