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amsterdam light festival canal cruise

Canal Cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival

Explore the winter capital during the Light Festival Amsterdam. Sail for 75 minutes along famous landmarks, such as the Skinny Bridge, and be surprised along the way by the artistic light artworks.

Our experienced skipper sails with not too large groups. This means there is room for an interactive tour on the route, where you can ask our enthusiastic host anything about the city, the canals, and the light show.

We offer the following options:

Single ticket adult (12+) – from € 23,50
Single ticket children (3-11) – from € 13,50

Where does this cruise depart from?

This cruise departs from Oosterdokskade 8

amsterdam light festival canal cruise

What to expect?

  • Cruise of approximately 75 minutes;
  • Experience skipper and host;
  • Onboard bar with beer, wine and sodas (optional);
  • A 100% unique electric boat;
  • Unique illuminated experience of Amsterdam;
  • Extensive explanation of Amsterdam, its canals and the (light) artworks.

Amsterdam transforms into a grand festival of lights when viewed from the water during the winter months. The reflections of the illuminated bridges and the lights of the stately canal houses are most enchanting in the dark days, appearing on the canals and the Amstel River.

Lights

The city is much less crowded and even cozier during the winter. Admire the lights on the famous Skinny Bridge – the story goes that you’ll stay together forever if you kiss your loved one there. Or enjoy the extensive array of monuments and artworks. Even they are beautifully illuminated in the winter.

Canal Cruise

Would you like to admire winter-lit Amsterdam from the water as well? Then book your (private) canal cruise on our luxury boat or salon boat with Amsterdam Boat Experience.

Amsterdam and its waterborne light show are a must-see. But before and after your canal cruise, there’s plenty to do in the capital city. For instance, there are Christmas markets of all types. Classic markets, like the one at Museumplein. But also more contemporary and trendy options, such as the Funky XMas Market at the Westergasfabriek or the Pure Wintermarkt in the beautiful Frankendael Park. In and around the RAI in Amsterdam-Zuid, you can find the Amsterdam Winter Paradise once again this year.

Skate Away!

Embrace a quintessential Dutch experience by skating on one of the traditional ice rinks, such as the ones at Museumplein, Rembrandtplein, or near the RAI.

The Gigantic Illuminated Christmas Tree on Dam Square

Every winter, a more than twenty-meter-tall Christmas tree stands opposite the Royal Palace on Dam Square. The tree is beautifully illuminated with tens of thousands of LED lights.

The ALF is one of the winter events in the city center. It’s an annual light festival where artists create the most beautiful light artworks. The route can be followed on foot, by bike, or by boat. We prefer sailing because it saves your feet and gets you up close.

This year, the theme is Technology & AI. The lights for the 12th edition of the Light Festival in Amsterdam will be lit from Thursday, November 30, to Sunday, January 21, 2024. From Sunday to Tuesday, the artworks are illuminated between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and from Wednesday to Saturday, until 11:00 PM. During the Christmas vacation, you can enjoy light art every day until 11:00 PM.

Amsterdam Boat Experience is not an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival.

You can purchase the official Amsterdam Light Festival route with explanations (a walking route) in the ALF app.

Don't wait any longer

Buy your tickets now and sail along the Amsterdam Light Festival!

Secure your spot on board!