Amsterdam Light Festival - Private Boat

Amsterdam is truly a festival of lights during the winter. You can enjoy it most from the water. The reflections of the illuminated bridges and the stately canal houses in the canals and the Amstel in these dark days are artworks in themselves.

Lights

The capital is not as crowded and even cozier in the winter. Admire the lights along the canals and on the famous Skinny Bridge, where, according to tradition, you can kiss your loved one to stay together forever. Enjoy the many monuments and the art that Amsterdam has to offer. Even in winter, they are beautifully illuminated.

Canal Cruise

Amsterdam is ideally suited to be viewed from the water. Do you want to experience the winter light show of Amsterdam from the water? Then book your (private) canal cruise with Amsterdam Boat Experience on our private boat, luxury boat, or salon boat.

Of course, Amsterdam is at its most beautiful with its light show from the water. But before and after a canal cruise, you won’t be bored in the city. Visit one of the many Christmas markets. They come in classic forms, like the one at Museumplein, and you can opt for a more trendy experience, for instance at the Funky XMas Market at the Westergasfabriek or the Pure Wintermarkt in Frankendael Park. The RAI in Amsterdam-Zuid is also home to the Amsterdam Winter Paradise.

Authentically Dutch

You can lace up your skates on one of the traditional Amsterdam ice rinks. They’re located at Museumplein, Rembrandtplein, and at the RAI.

The Illuminated Tree on Dam Square

The Royal Palace is already a sight to behold, but in winter, there’s also a more than twenty-meter-tall Christmas tree. The tree on Dam Square is illuminated with thousands of LED lights.

One of Amsterdam’s most popular winter events is the Amsterdam Light Festival. Every year, artists from around the world transform the city with spectacular light artworks displayed along the canals. The festival route can be explored on foot, by bike, or by boat. In our opinion, experiencing the festival from the water is the best option, as it offers unique views of the artworks while allowing you to comfortably enjoy the city from Amsterdam’s historic canals.

The 15th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from November 26, 2026 until January 17, 2027. For 53 days, Amsterdam’s canals will serve as a canvas for innovative light installations created by local, national, and international artists. This special anniversary edition features a completely new route and celebrates fifteen years of light art in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Boat Experience is an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival.

The official Amsterdam Light Festival app offers additional information about the artworks and includes a walking route for visitors who would like to explore the festival on foot.