During the dark winter months, Amsterdam transforms into a fairytale city full of light and art. The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual light festival in Amsterdam’s city center. The Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/2026 offers a unique way to experience this enchantment: a cruise through the illuminated canals on a comfortable canal cruise or boat. The Amsterdam Light Festival cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to admire everything. The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place in the center of Amsterdam, where visitors can admire the light artworks from the water. The 14th edition of the festival runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Climb aboard one of our luxurious, heated, and covered canal cruise boats and enjoy an unforgettable evening full of breathtaking light artworks by international artists.

A 1.5-hour private Amsterdam Light Festival cruise, including a welcome drink, VAT, and fees, starts at €360. You can book directly through our booking system .

This unique cruise departs from the festival basin, the central meeting point of the event. Our unique cruise offers you the chance to admire the light artworks from the boat and experience each one up close. Cruise past the impressive installations and enjoy the atmospheric canals. This cruise is a special way to experience the festival. Several cruises are available, so you can enjoy the magic at different times. On board, you can enjoy a drink while admiring the artworks. You need a ticket to participate; therefore, book well in advance to guarantee a spot on the cruise.

About the Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival has become one of the city’s most enchanting events, transforming Amsterdam’s canals into a dazzling display of light and art each year. During this 14th edition, themed “Legacy,” international artists unleash their creativity and share their visions of what we will leave behind for future generations. The city transforms into an open-air museum, where you can admire the most beautiful light artworks during a boat tour.

The Amsterdam Light Festival tours are the perfect way to experience the festival. While the boats depart from near Central Station and other central locations, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening on the water. The illuminated canals, hot chocolate, and unlimited drinks on board create a unique atmosphere that appeals to all ages. Whether you choose a private cruise or a tour with other festival-goers, you’ll experience the Amsterdam Light Festival in the most beautiful way: sailing past breathtaking light artworks designed especially for this festival.

Amsterdam Boatboys is the festival’s official partner and offers luxury saloon boats and private cruises, complete with audio guides that provide commentary about the artworks and artists along the way. Thanks to the heated and covered boats, you can enjoy the festival in comfort, even on the coldest winter evenings. The cruises are suitable for all ages and offer an ideal way to experience the magic of the light festival with family, friends, or colleagues.

The Amsterdam Light Festival is not only a visual spectacle but also a cultural highlight during the dark winter months. Besides the boat tours, the city hosts numerous other events, such as Christmas markets and ice skating rinks, that will complete your visit to Amsterdam. Whether you book individual tickets or opt for an exclusive private boat tour, the festival offers something for everyone. Don’t wait too long to book, as the boats fill up quickly. Experience this edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival and be amazed by the beautiful artworks, the warm atmosphere, and the unforgettable evenings on the water.

Private Light Festival Cruise with Classic Salon Boat

For those seeking extra comfort and exclusivity, we offer private canal cruises on classic saloon boats. Some of our private cruises depart near the Anne Frank House, allowing you to combine this iconic location with a unique experience on the water. These beautiful boats are tastefully decorated and equipped with a minibar with a wide selection of drinks. A private canal cruise is an exclusive cruise through the canals of Amsterdam, allowing you to enjoy the city in peace and luxury. A popular option is a cruise on an open, electric sloop or a luxurious saloon boat. During the cruise, you can enjoy hot drinks, including coffee and tea, perfect for staying warm on cold winter evenings. Upon arrival on board, you will receive a welcome drink, so your evening can begin in style. The boats are fully heated and covered, allowing you to enjoy the light festival in complete comfort, regardless of the weather. A private light tour on our saloon boat starts at €360, including a welcome drink and coffee/tea. You can book directly through our booking system .

Sailing Route and Highlights of the Light Festival Cruise Amsterdam

Our cruises depart from Central Station, an ideal and easily accessible location. During the approximately 90-minute trip, you’ll sail past the most beautiful artworks specially designed for the Amsterdam Light Festival. The Amsterdam Light Festival 2025-2026 takes place from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026. You’ll admire more than twenty light artworks illuminating the canals and city of Amsterdam. Each artwork tells its own story, fitting this edition’s theme of “Legacy,” which focuses on what we leave behind for future generations. The festival’s light installations tell stories of legacy and personal memories.

Amsterdam Light Festival Tours

In addition to private cruises, we also offer Amsterdam Light Festival tours for smaller groups or individual visitors. Public cruises are ideal for solo travelers or those who prefer the atmosphere of a larger group. These tours are semi-covered and heated, with comfortable seating and a professional skipper who will guide you past all the festival highlights. The cruise often includes an audio tour or live commentary explaining the artworks and the theme. On board, you can enjoy unlimited coffee/tea and a welcome drink, including hot and cold options, so you’ll have everything you need.

Book tickets and Light Tour boat tour

Book your tickets now for the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise and secure your spot on board during this popular winter event. Amsterdam Light Festival cruises depart from Oosterdokskade 8, near Central Station. Whether you choose a private boat with your group or one of our fun tours, you’re guaranteed a unique way to admire Amsterdam and its magnificent light artworks. Cruises depart daily from December through January, allowing you to fully enjoy the dark winter months in our beautiful city.

Why Choose Boatboys Private Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise?

• Heated and covered boats for optimal comfort
• Double pane windows (they dont get foggy for perfect views)
• Welcome drink at the start of the tour
• Hot drinks (coffee/tea) included
• Additional drinks available on board from the minibar
• Private classic and luxury saloon boats 
• Professional skippers with local knowledge about the light installations and city
• Route along more than twenty light artworks by international artists
• Easily accessible from Central Station (5min walk to pick up point Oosterdokskade 8)
• Unlike other cruise operators, we cruise always for around 90min and not just 75min

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/2026 in a unique and atmospheric way.

The light artworks will be presented on bridges, along the canals, and in the water. 

Book your Boatboys light festival cruise today and be enchanted by the magic of the illuminated canals!