Skip to main content

Best ways to see Amsterdam Light Festival 2024-2025

This winter, Amsterdam is bathed in light, as it sparkles and glows with around 20 pieces of illuminated artwork for the 12th edition of Amsterdam Light Festival (28 November 2024 - 19 January 2025). Coinciding with Amsterdam's 750th anniversary, this year's theme is Rituals, focused on light as a signal of transformation, where over 25 artists will create installations to reflect this.

Advertorial

Experience a Winter Season highlight from the Amsterdam canals

Amsterdam Light Festival boat tours with Stromma

Experience the stunning artworks up close aboard a special Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise offered by Stromma Nederland, the festival's founding partner.

Amsterdam Light Festival - Canal Cruise

Explore the magical atmosphere of the Amsterdam Light Festival on this memorable canal cruise. Glide through the city’s iconic waterways and admire 20 dazzling light artworks as they illuminate the canals. With a heated boat, captivating audio guides in English and Dutch, and an exclusive online discount, this is the perfect winter evening experience for tourists and locals alike. Don’t miss the chance to see the festival from the best vantage point – the water.

Time: The Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Cruise departs daily, several times every 30 minutes, from 17:00 to 21:30, and lasts 75 minutes. Reservations are required.

Departure: The cruise departs from Damrak Pier 4. 

Price: €27.50 for adults and €9.75 for children ages 4–12. Keep track of discounts on the website, starting at €19.50.

Amsterdam Light Festival - Open Boat Tour

Immerse yourself in the light festival on the Amsterdam Light Festival Open Boat Tour. Enjoy unobstructed views of the breathtaking light installations as you pass through the canals on a cosy electric boat, complete with blankets to keep you warm. Your captain doubles as a guide, sharing fascinating stories about the artworks and the festival. Perfect for photo opportunities, this unique boat tour promises an unforgettable evening on the water. Reservations are required.

Time: The cruise lasts 75 minutes and departs frequently, every day, from 17:00 onwards.

Departure: Hop on board the Amsterdam Light Festival Open Boat tour from Damrak Pier 6.

Price: €27.50 for adults and €13.25 for children ages 4–12. Keep track of discounts on the website, starting at €19.50.

Amsterdam Light Festival - Drinks on Board

Would you prefer to have your own boat with a group of friends or colleagues? Then, experiencing the illuminated city with the private Amsterdam Light Festival Drinks on Board cruise might be for you. On this cruise, your group (of approximately 20) will receive a dedicated guide, warming drinks and snacks and – of course – all the photo-ops you’ll need to flood your social media channels. Please reserve well in advance.

Time: You’ll need to book this option in advance, and the duration and departure time may depend on your preferences.

Departure: Get in touch to discuss transfer arrangements and departure points.

Price: Tickets start at €36 per person, excluding a festival surcharge of €8.10 per person and €1.50 entertainment fee per person. Prices vary depending on preferences.

Group Events

Amsterdam Light Festival is the perfect place to enjoy the company of others – so make an evening of it! Invite your whole family or plan a group event to celebrate the end of the year (or the start of a new one) with colleagues. The dazzling lights and the cosy atmosphere of the cruise provide the perfect backdrop to any event, especially when paired with a delicious meal, tasty appetizers and a good glass of wine.

Amsterdam Light Festival - Private Cruise

This arrangement will allow you to take full advantage of the evening hours and enjoy a magnificent view of the artworks along the canals in a comfortable heated boat. This arrangement does not include a tour guide.

Time: You’ll need to book this one in advance, and the duration and departure time may depend on your preferences.

Departure: Get in touch to discuss transfer arrangements and departure points.

Price: Tickets from €393.75 per boat, excluding a festival surcharge of €8.10 per person and €1.50 entertainment fee per person. The prices vary, depending on your preferences.

Amsterdam Light Festival - Classic Private Tour

Step aboard the stylish saloon boat on the Amstel and watch an enchantingly lit Amsterdam glide past while you enjoy the luxury and comfort of a nostalgic vessel. The lights dim, soft music plays, and you're gently on your way to an experience like no other.

Time: You’ll need to book this one in advance, and the duration and departure time may depend on your preferences.

Departure: Get in touch to discuss transfer arrangements and departure points.

Price: Tickets start from €495 per boat, with a minimum number of persons of 6 and a maximum number of persons of 8. The prices include a festival surcharge of €8.10 per person and €1.50 entertainment fee per person, as well as two drinks per person and snacks. The prices vary, depending on your preferences.

Beat the queues and reserve your front-row seats at the Amsterdam Light Festival with Stromma today!