Amsterdam Light Festival cruise

Everything about this cruise

What can you expect from the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

During the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise, you will follow the new route created for Edition 15. The route is approximately 5 kilometres long and takes you through the eastern part of Amsterdam city centre, where you will pass 20 light artworks along the way.

This year, the artworks do not come together to tell one single story. Instead, each artist shares their own perspective on Amsterdam. As a result, your view of the city keeps changing throughout the cruise. One moment, you may be admiring an impressive artwork on the water, while the next installation invites you to look at the surrounding city in a completely different way.

During the cruise, you will hear more about the artworks, the artists who created them and the stories behind their work. This means you will not only see what is happening around you, but also discover the ideas behind the different installations.

Why choose a covered cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival?

Amsterdam Light Festival takes place in the middle of winter, but from a covered canal boat you hardly need to worry about the cold. You can sit comfortably inside while still enjoying clear views of the light artworks along the route.

This makes the cruise a great choice if you want to take your time admiring the art while staying warm. You will also see the artworks from the perspective many of them were designed for: from the water.

Would you rather feel the crisp winter air and enjoy the art without any windows around you? Then choose our Amsterdam Light Festival open boat cruise.

What makes Edition 15 of Amsterdam Light Festival special?

The fifteenth edition takes a different approach from previous years. There is no single theme. Instead, artists from Amsterdam, the Netherlands and around the world have been invited to share their own perspective on the city. This puts Amsterdam itself centre stage as the setting for the light art.

The route is also completely new. The 20 light artworks take you through a different part of the city and invite you to look at familiar places with fresh eyes. Edition 15 is therefore not only about admiring light art, but also about rediscovering Amsterdam itself.

When does Amsterdam Light Festival take place?

Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. During this period, the 20 light artworks can be seen daily from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The official sailing route is approximately 5 kilometres long.

Our Amsterdam Light Festival cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes and departs from the Blue Boat dock at Stadhouderskade 550, opposite the Heineken Experience. During the cruise, you will sail past the light artworks of Edition 15 and discover Amsterdam in comfort from our covered and heated canal boat.

Is the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Blue Boat Company has wheelchair accessible canal boats. Accessible departures leave from our dock at Stadhouderskade 550, opposite the Heineken Experience, at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Depending on the number of bookings, an additional cruise at 9:00 PM may also be available.

Please book in advance and let us know during the booking process if someone in your group will be using a wheelchair, so we can make the necessary arrangements. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

Where can I buy tickets for the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

Tickets for the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise can easily be booked online through Blue Boat Company. After booking, you will receive your tickets digitally, so you can simply show them on your phone when boarding.

Would you like to experience Amsterdam Light Festival on a specific date or at a particular time? We recommend booking your cruise in advance. The festival only takes place from late November until mid January.

Have a question? Get in touch on +31 (0)20 679 1370 or send an email to info@blueboat.nl.

Which other cruises does Blue Boat Company offer?

You can discover Amsterdam from the water with Blue Boat Company throughout the year, even outside Amsterdam Light Festival. On the City Canal Cruise, you will spend 75 minutes cruising past the city’s famous canal houses, bridges and other highlights. Prefer to see Amsterdam after sunset? Then choose the 90 minute Evening Cruise.

Travelling with children? The Kids Cruise is designed especially for younger guests. On sunny days, you can explore the canals from an open boat on the Blue Sky Boat. Want to experience Amsterdam in a completely different way? The Amsterdam VR Cruise combines a canal cruise with an interactive journey back in time.

Visiting with a larger group? Take a look at our group packages. You can enjoy the canals together on a drinks cruise, lunch cruise or buffet cruise. These group options are also a natural next step for guests looking for something beyond a regular canal cruise.