CANAL CRUISE
Amsterdam Light Festival cruise
In winter, light artworks hang over the canals; the evening boats follow the route past them.
Light art on the water
Every winter since 2012, the Amsterdam Light Festival places light artworks by artists from around the world along the canals of the centre. The works hang over the water, light up bridges or float on the canals, and many of them are made to be seen from a boat.
From late November to January, special evening cruises follow the festival route. It is one of the busiest times of the year on the water, and one of the best reasons to take a cruise in winter.
What you see
The route and the artworks change every year. They mostly sit in the canal ring and around the Amstel and the old harbour, so you also pass the lit bridges and the canal houses of the centre. The festival publishes its map before it opens.
Good to know
The covered boats are heated, which helps in December. The open boats hand out blankets. You can also walk the route for free, but some works face the water and only make sense from a boat. Book early for dates close to Christmas and New Year.
Before you go
- Runs from late November to January. Check the festival's own website for this year's dates and map.
- Most festival cruises leave from around Centraal Station and the Rijksmuseum.
- Book early for the weeks around Christmas.
- Dress warmly, even on a covered boat.
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