Best ways to see Amsterdam Light Festival

A different perspective

This year's edition celebrates 15 years of light art and, instead of focusing on a central theme, the festival invites you to see Amsterdam in a new light. A departure from every year so far, expect the participating artists to go a little rogue, be a little bolder and more experimental with what they produce. Expect robots, waterfalls and even iridescent soap to be on display, with each work challenging you to look at the city a little differently.

Experience the lights on a boat

Explore the magical atmosphere of the Amsterdam Light Festival on a memorable canal cruise. Glide through the city’s iconic waterways and admire 20 dazzling light artworks as they illuminate the canals. With a heated boat, captivating audio guides in English and Dutch, this is the perfect winter evening experience for visitors and locals alike. Don’t miss the chance to see the festival from the best vantage point – the water.

Do a walking tour with food and (hot) drinks

Aside from the Light Walk festival route, coupled with a special audio guide, this year, little ones can enjoy the Kids Walk, filled with scavenger hunts and fun facts. Feeling peckish? You’ll be glad to have different food options to pair with the lights - like a long table dining experience at Testtafel or a Middle-Eastern inspired meal at A Beautiful Mess, both of which include a cruise. You can also walk and eat too – try the Oysters Walk or head past four restaurants with Foodwalks for bites along the way.

Enjoy Amsterdam Light Festival with a group

Invite your whole family or plan a group event on a private boat tour to celebrate the end of the year (or the start of a new one) with colleagues. The dazzling 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.