The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the popular festivals in the Dutch capital during the darkest days of the winter.
The city becomes an open-air light exhibition, with 25 to 30 light artwork installations from international artists, each with a story to tell.
In 2024-2025, the city will organize its 13th edition of the festival for 53 days and commemorate the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam in 2025.
This article provides all the information about the Light Festival and the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise of 2024-2025.
Quick Glance
Festival date: 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025
Timing: Sunday to Tuesday, 5 pm to 10 pm;
Wednesday to Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm
Closed on: 31 December
What to See: 25 to 30 light artwork installations, building lighting
Price: €27
Best time to visit: 8 pm
Amsterdam Light Festival Dates
The Amsterdam Light Festival starts from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025.
The timings start at 5 pm, continue until 10 pm Sunday through Tuesday, and extend until 11 pm Wednesday through Saturday.
During the Christmas break, from 21 December to 5 January, from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Only on 31 December will the lights be off and the festival will be closed.
What to Expect at the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise
The Light Festival Amsterdam Canal cruise is one of the best ways to experience the festival.
It has special canal cruises with audio guides available that follow the light festival route and explain about the exhibits.
In 2024-2025, it is the 13th edition of the festival and, like other years, has a specific theme.
There will be 27 light artworks portraying the artistry of the different international artists participating in the festival.
Theme and Decoration
This year’s light festival theme is “Rituals,” which perfectly harmonizes with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations.
It focuses on the traditions that have transformed the city from the past to a futuristic place and the transitions of seasons, time and life.
And since light plays an important role in any ritual, it symbolizes vibrancy, joy, and energy.
We celebrate the arrival of a Savior with candles, fireworks for a new year, and midsummer fires to celebrate the solstice.
Therefore, light adds something mystical and sacred to a ritual like no other element can.
Hundreds of artists worldwide come together to light this theme throughout Amsterdam.
International artists will present 27 original works of light art this year.
These include different formations and structures on the water along the canals that have a story to tell and a significance of their own.
The artworks can be admired from water or land.
As you go along the city canals, you can see the decorations that lighten the city during the darkest nights of the year.
Types of Cruises
There are various types of cruises to choose from, like closed classic boats, open boats, private tours and more.
During the cruise, you can enjoy food, drinks and classic Dutch delicacies
For the next 52 days, the city will be lit with lamps, virtual bridges, optical illusions and more.
You can enjoy this festival on foot, join a guided walking tour or take a canal cruise.
The best way to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival is to take a guided canal cruise that follows the exhibition’s path.
Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise Tickets
Closed Boat Light Festival Cruise
Amsterdam gets cold and dark during winter.
Take a closed boat ride to enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival in a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
This cruise is fully heated, and you can get extra blankets to keep you warm during the ride.
The cruise runs for 75 minutes and covers the entire Amsterdam Light Festival.
You can also enjoy a live commentary about the light festival, where you can learn more about the art installations.
Lovers Canal Cruise Company operates this cruise from its dock in the Amsterdam Central Station.
The cruise leaves every 15 minutes from 6.45 pm to 9.15 pm.
This closed-boat Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise costs €28 for visitors above 13 years old.
Children between four and 12 years pay €14 for entry, while those below four get free admission.
Open Boat Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Open-boat cruises are the best for enjoying views without any obstruction.
If you want to enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival to the fullest on a cruise, then pick the open boat cruise.
Dress warmly, and the cruise has extra blankets for a comfortable ride.
The 75-minute cruise is guided by a captain who offers narration in both English and Dutch.
This cruise leaves from the Starboard Dock and covers the full course of the festival.
The cruise is available from 4.30 pm to 9.15 pm.
The Open Boat Light Festival Canal Cruise costs €29 for visitors over 16 years.
It costs €21 for children below 15 years.
Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise with Food and Drinks
Do you wish to enjoy the best of Amsterdam winters on one cruise? Then this is your perfect option.
This cruise lets you glide along the signature Amsterdam Light Festival through the canals while enjoying the winter delicacies.
Starting from Herengracht, the cruise goes through the Amstel River, where you can enjoy the light festival installations explained by your lively guide.
On this ride, you will also see the Skinny Bridge, Theatre Carree and The Hermitage.
During your 75-minute cruise, enjoy hot chocolate, Gluhwein and Dutch snacks.
On your way back, you can spot the ARTIS Zoo, Enterpotdok and more.
This cruise is available at 5 pm, 6.30 pm, 8.30 pm, and 10 pm.
The Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise, which includes food and unlimited drinks, costs €35 for visitors over 16 and €22 for children under 15.
Luxury Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise Ticket
There is no better way to explore the Amsterdam Light Festival than doing it in luxury.
Hop on an electric, semi-covered saloon boat to visit the light installations.
Your expert skipper will guide you through the fest and share interesting facts about the light art displayed there.
This cruise is perfect for everyone, whether you are traveling as a couple, a family or a group of friends.
During the 75-minute cruise from Central Station, you can enjoy artwork interpretations and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks.
Enjoy some hot snacks and stay warm as you float through the waters.
This cruise is available from 4.45 pm to 9.45 pm every day.
The Luxury Boat, Light Festival Canal Cruise, costs €38 for visitors over 13 years.
It costs €19 for children between 4 and 12 years and is free for infants below four.
Private Cruise
A private canal cruise is ideal for appreciating these amazing light sculptures.
Get away from the crowds and cruise through the lit waterways in your own boat while a knowledgeable guide explains about the installations.
You get a welcome drink as your guide introduces the Light Festival and the route you’ll be taking.
Around halfway through the 1.5-hour cruise, your boat may dock for a brief leg-stretching stop where you can savor Dutch drinks.
The Private Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise costs €375 for a group of two to ten visitors.
The price stays constant, whether it is two or ten.
Visitor Information
Below are some details you need to know as you plan your trip to the Amsterdam Light Festival and your canal tours.
Cruise Timings
The first cruise for the light festival departs at 5 pm, and then they depart every 30 minutes between 5.45 pm and 9.30 pm.
The average cruise duration is 75 minutes.
How to reach the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival starts from the Amsterdam City Center and stretches for 7.5 km.
It is best to take public transport to reach the light festival.
The closest stops for trams and buses on this route are the Amsterdam Central Station and Waterlooplein.
If you want to get to the festival the Dutch way, rent a bicycle.
There are a lot of bicycle rental stands along the route.
For more information, you can find two information booths on the route at Stoperaplein and Hoftuin.
Cars are another way to travel to the boarding points, with several parking spaces nearby.
Departure locations of Light Festival Cruises
The Amsterdam Light Festival Canal cruise generally costs €27.
The price also depends on whether the boat is open or closed, its departure point and whether it is a shared group or private tour.
There are various departure locations from where you can board the cruise.
The prices and departure locations of the Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises are given below:
| Departure Location | Type of Cruise | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Central Station (Prins Hendrikkade 25) | Closed Boat | €28 |
| Starboard Dock | Open Boat | €29 |
| Starboard Dock | Cruise with food and drinks | €35 |
| Between Leidsebrug (bridge) and restaurant Lido | Luxury Cruise | €38 |
| H’ART Museum (voorheen Hermitage Museum) | Private Cruise | €375 |
Tips on How to Enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the most popular winter events in the Netherlands.
From late November through early January, the city is illuminated for over a month with dazzling light installations along the canals and parks.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during this magical time, here are some tips on how to make the most out of the festival:
Plan Ahead
The light festival attracts many visitors, so planning ahead is crucial.
Book your accommodation, transportation, and any tours or activities well in advance.
Research the areas with the best light artwork to strategize where you want to go and when.
Have backup options and be flexible in case some places are too crowded.
Dress Warmly
Amsterdam winters can get very chilly, with temperatures averaging around freezing at night when most light artworks shine the brightest.
Layer up with winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves so you can comfortably walk outside and cruise the illuminated canals. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea.
Take a Light Festival Cruise
One of the best ways to experience the festival is by boarding a heated cruise along the canals.
Most ferry and tour companies offer special evening light cruises during this period.
Gliding through the water while viewing the bright displays along the bridges and canal houses is amazing.
Explore by Foot or Bike
Amsterdam is a compact, pedestrian-friendly city perfect to explore on foot or by bike.
Stroll through the sparkling tree-light displays in the various parks and gardens.
Pedal along the narrow streets to discover whimsical light art in tucked-away neighborhoods and shop windows.
Try Some Seasonal Treats
Try some Dutch winter foods and drinks to refuel in between light viewings.
Savory dishes like Erwtensoep (peat soup) and Boerenkool (kale stew) are plentiful.
Be sure also to sample seasonal sweet delights like Banket (almond pastry), Pepernoten (spiced cookies) and Oliebollen (fried dough balls).
For drinks, mulled wine and hot chocolate will warm you right up.
Stay Until the End
The lights are illuminated from 5 pm until 10 or 11 pm each night.
Staying until the end rewards you with fewer crowds so you can linger and leisurely appreciate the installations at their full shining potential against the night sky.
Following these tips guarantees a magical time soaking up all the illuminated splendor Amsterdam offers during this festive period.
Contents
FAQs
1. How do you book Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise tickets?
We recommend booking the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise online for your preferred tour.
2. How much does the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise cost?
Ticket prices for the Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise vary based on the type of experience and package chosen.
Generally, prices range from €28 to €38 for standard group tours and €375 for private tours.
3. Where does the cruise leave from?
The departure points for the canal cruises during the Amsterdam Light Festival are typically from various locations in the city center.
Common departure points include canal hubs like Central Station, Herengacht or specific docks along the city’s waterways.
4. What is the weather like during the Light Festival?
During the Amsterdam Light Festival, the weather tends to be chilly.
December to January sees temperatures ranging from around 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F) on average.
5. Are the boats covered and heated?
For your comfort, many boats used for the Canal Cruises during the Amsterdam Light Festival are covered and have heating systems.
However, to get the best view of the illuminated artwork, it’s advisable to dress warmly, especially if you plan to be on the open deck.
6. What happens when it rains or snows during the light festival?
During rain or snow, the canal cruises continue to operate as scheduled.
The covered boats provide shelter, and the festival’s magical light installations can still be enjoyed.
Extra precautions are taken to ensure passenger comfort, such as providing umbrellas or adjusting routes if necessary.
7. How many people do they take on a cruise?
The capacity of the canal cruise boats varies depending on the type of cruise and the boat’s size.
Standard group tours may accommodate around 20 to 40 passengers per boat.
Smaller, more intimate experiences could host 10 to 15 passengers, ensuring a more personalized tour.
8. What is included in the Light Festival small group canal cruise?
The Light Festival, a small group canal cruise, typically includes a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, which provides insights about the art installations.
Some packages include refreshments or beverages, but specifics may vary based on the tour provider.
Featured Image: Tiqets.com
