Best ways to see the Amsterdam Light Festival
Experience a Winter Season highlight from the Amsterdam canals
This winter, Amsterdam once again transforms into a real-life fairy tale, sparkling and glowing with around 30 pieces of illuminated artwork. Dutch and international artists submitted creations inspired by the theme ‘Celebrate light!’ marking 10 years of the Amsterdam Light Festival. The installations will adorn the canal ring, the River Amstel and several other locations around the city, taking the city’s already stunning night-time sights to an entirely new level.
Amsterdam Light Festival boat tours with 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 5.
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 the 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 of the boat 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 receives 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
Prefer to have your own boat with a group of friends or colleagues? Then, experiencing the magically illuminated city via the private Amsterdam Light Festival Drinks on board might be for you. On this cruise, your group (of approximately 20) will get a dedicated guide, warming drinks and snacks and – of course – all the photo-ops you’ll need to flood your social media channels. Reserve well in advance, though.
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 €32.50 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.
Amsterdam Light Festival Borrel Deluxe
For a typical Dutch party arrangement, consider booking an Amsterdam Light Festival Borrel Deluxe with luxe bites, beer and wine.
Price: Tickets from €42.50 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 at the Amsterdam Light Festival
The 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. Browse all group events at the Amsterdam Light Festival.
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 €412.50 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 2 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!
