Edition 15 runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 in the historical city centre.
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027: dates and cruises
Amsterdam Light Festival edition 15 runs from Thursday 26 November 2026 until Sunday 17 January 2027. The lights are on every day from 4:30 pm until 11:00 pm; on 31 December until 9:00 pm. Walk the 4.5 km route in full or in sections, or see the artworks from the festival cruise. For visitors planning a winter evening out.
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How to choose
Cruises and tickets during the event
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Premium ChoiceAmsterdam Canal Cruise
The classic canal cruise through Amsterdam's historic waterways. Pick your departure time and location: Central Station, Damrak Pier 5 or Rijksmuseum.
Why here: 60 minutes with audio guide; departures from Central Station, Damrak Pier 5 or Rijksmuseum.
75 minutes Canal Cruise Highlights of Amsterdam
The best way to enjoy Amsterdam is from the water.
Why here: 100% electric, covered boat from the A'DAM Tower pier in Amsterdam Noord; 75 minutes.
Signature Boats Amsterdam Saloon cruise
Sail Amsterdam's narrower canals on a 1.5-hour luxury saloon cruise for up to 12 guests, where a live guide shares stories from the city's history. This intimate boat tour reaches corners larger vessels can't, taking you through the Jordan district, past the Westerkerk, and along the Amstel.
Why here: Covered saloon boat with a live guide in English; small group, up to 12 guests; 90 minutes.
Premium ChoiceCocktail Cruise Amsterdam
Sipping cocktails while cruising through the world-famous canals, sounds like a night to remember! The Amsterdam night tour with cocktail bar is the perfect nighttime activity.
Why here: Night tour along the lit canals with cocktails and nachos, from Damrak; 18+ only.
Cheese & Wine Cruise
Sail through Amsterdam's UNESCO canals for 1.5 hours while sampling a cheese platter and selected wines in intimate lighting. Adults only (18+).
Why here: Dutch cheese platter and selected wines, from Damrak 13 next to Beurs van Berlage; 18+ only.
Premium ChoiceAmsterdam Pizza Cruise
Cruise Amsterdam's canals while enjoying a classic New York pizza and drinks. A relaxed 1.5-hour combo of sightseeing and eating, perfect for friends, family or a date.
Why here: New York pizza and two cold drinks, commentary in 14 languages; child tickets available.
Plan your visit
Departure points
Centraal Station, Damrak, Rijksmuseum · Amsterdam Noord A'dam Tower pier · Departure point: Leidsebosje 2, one minute's walk from Leidseplein. · Damrak
18+
Some experiences are 18+
Highlights of this edition
- Edition 15 runs from Thursday 26 November 2026 until Sunday 17 January 2027 (source: amsterdamlightfestival.com/en/dates-hours).
- The lights are on every day from 4:30 pm until 11:00 pm; on 31 December the festival closes at 9:00 pm (source: dates & hours page).
- The walking route is 4.5 km and can be enjoyed in full or in sections (source: dates & hours page).
- The festival takes place in the historical city centre; the closest public transport stops are Amsterdam Central Station and Waterlooplein (source: directions page).
- The organiser describes itself as a cultural foundation without structural funding; theme of edition 15: 'See the city in a new light' (source: festival site).
Good to know
- The walking route is 4.5 km. You don't have to do it all at once: pick a section and come back for the rest another evening.
- The historical centre has uneven pavement and (steep) bridges, so wear comfortable shoes for the walking route.
- On 31 December the festival closes at 9:00 pm, earlier than on other days. Keep this in mind when you plan your New Year's Eve.
- Booking a cruise with alcohol? The Cocktail Cruise Amsterdam and the Cheese & Wine Cruise are 18+ only. For the Cheese & Wine Cruise, bring a valid ID.
- Check your departure point before you go. The festival cruise leaves from Amsterdam-North, and the Saloon cruise leaves from Leidsebosje 2.
Amsterdam Light Festival is organised by Amsterdam Light Festival, a cultural foundation without structural funding. For the festival's own news, visit the official site at amsterdamlightfestival.com/en.
You can walk the route or see the city from the water. The Amsterdam Light Festival cruise takes you past 20 illuminated artworks on a 100% electric canal boat. Prefer a regular canal cruise on a winter evening? Compare the departure points, the languages on board and the food or drinks on each cruise. Then pick the one that suits your evening. Edition 15 runs from 26 November 2026 until 17 January 2027, so you can plan your visit around the festival dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027?
Edition 15 takes place from Thursday 26 November 2026 until Sunday 17 January 2027.
What time are the lights on?
The lights are on every day from 4:30 pm until 11:00 pm. On 31 December the festival closes at 9:00 pm.
How long is the walking route?
The walking route is 4.5 km. You can enjoy it in full or in sections. The route runs through the historical city centre, with uneven pavement and (steep) bridges.
How do I get to the festival by public transport?
The stops closest to the route are Amsterdam Central Station and Waterlooplein.
Which cruise passes the festival artworks?
The Amsterdam Light Festival cruise passes 20 illuminated artworks of the festival. It runs from Amsterdam-North via the IJ to the lit Amstel river and takes 90 minutes. Food and beverages are not included.
Can I cancel the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?
Yes. For the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.