What are the exact dates and hours for Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027?

Edition 15 runs from Thursday 26 November 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027. Installations are switched on promptly at 17:00 every evening and stay lit until 22:00 (Sunday to Thursday) or 23:00 (Friday, Saturday, and throughout the Christmas holiday period).

Are Amsterdam Light Festival boats heated and covered?

Yes. Most boats operating the festival are fully enclosed with glass cabins and central heating, or equipped with heated seats, deployable clear rain canopies, and thick wool fleece blankets. Check the comparison table above to select your preferred heating setup.

How much does an Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour cost?

Shared tickets range from €14.90 for standard cruises up to €27–€48 for all-inclusive cruises with hot Glühwein, hot chocolate, and snacks. Private heated salon charters start from €247.50 to €400 total for the entire boat (working out to €30–€50 per person for groups of 6 to 12).

Do Amsterdam Light Festival boats have bathrooms on board?

Select boats only. Enclosed historic salon boats and flagship private launches (such as Schollevaar and Lucy) feature private marine restrooms on board. Smaller open sloops and standard budget boats do not have toilets onboard, but departure docks near Centraal Station and Keizersgracht offer onshore facilities.

How far in advance should I book my Light Festival boat tour?

Book 3 to 5 weeks in advance for December weekends, Christmas week (24–26 December), and New Year's Eve, which routinely sell out completely. Early December and January weekday departures can often be booked a few days ahead.

Occasions & Events

Amsterdam Light Festival Grachtenfahrt — Die Lichtkunst vom Wasser erleben

Beheizte Boote, Glühwein und die beste Sicht auf die Lichtinstallationen 2026

Das Amsterdam Light Festival verwandelt die Grachten von Ende November bis Januar in eine leuchtende Open-Air-Galerie. Die Kunstwerke sind eigens so konzipiert, dass sie vom Wasser aus ihre volle Wirkung entfalten. Auf einem beheizten, überdachten Boot mit Decken und warmen Getränken ist diese abendliche Grachtenfahrt der winterliche Höhepunkt in Amsterdam.

Comparing Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises (Winter 2026/2027)

Boat / Cruise	Format & Duration	Starting Price	Heating & Weather Enclosure	Drinks & Food Included	Best For
Classic Light Festival Cruise	Shared (75 min)	€14.90	Heated cabin / protective canopy + blankets	Drinks available for purchase	Best value shared ticket, central departure near Centraal Station
Light Festival Cruise with Hot Drinks & Snack	Shared (75 min)	€27	Fully enclosed heated saloon boat	Hot chocolate / Glühwein + Dutch snack	All-inclusive cozy winter comfort on a classic salon boat
Boutique Light Festival Shared Cruise	Shared (75 min)	€34	Heated seats, fleece blankets & clear canopy	Optional onboard winter bar	Intimate small-group cruising departing from Keizersgracht
90-Minute Extended Light Art Cruise	Shared (90 min)	€50	Electric heated sloop with canopy	Hot drinks & seasonal refreshments	Longer unhurried route covering all outer festival installations
Diana Private Light Festival Cruise	Private Charter (1.5h)	€247.50	Heated salon launch, cushions & warm fleece blankets	Optional open bar & Glühwein packages	Exclusive private date or family cruise (up to 8 guests)
Private Light Festival Canal Tour	Private Charter (1h)	€290	Enclosed heated salon boat	Welcome drink included	Private 60-minute tour for small groups up to 12 guests
Private Light Festival Charter with Open Bar	Private Charter (1.5h)	€390	Enclosed heated salon cabin + open viewing deck	Unlimited beer, wine & hot winter drinks	Holiday celebrations and company outings (up to 12 guests)