Amsterdam Light Festival
From late November to mid-January, Amsterdam transforms into an enchanting light spectacle thanks to the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. This event, that of November 27, 2025 to January 18, 2026 takes place, attracting visitors from all over the world to the Dutch capital.
During these dark winter months, the historic city center is illuminated by impressive light artworks, scattered across the canals and streets.
It light festival Uniquely combines art, technology, and the charm of Amsterdam, offering you the chance to experience the city from an entirely new perspective.
We offer more than 20 luxury boats from elegant sloops to stylish saloon boats, suitable for groups of 2 tot 70 personenWhether you are looking for an intimate experience or want to bring along a larger group, we have the perfect boat for your party.
Would you like to know more about availability or the exact price? Then request a no-obligation... offerte aan.
Without charge ⤵
A carefree canal cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival
Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024 in an exclusive way and make your visit to Amsterdam an unforgettable experience!
View our promises here.
All-in rates
All our packages are always incl. unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
Inc. skipper
All our cruises are incl. catering staff and nautical crew.
Covered and heated boating
All boats can sail covered and heated. The boats can also be open or have an outdoor area.
Amsterdam Light Festival: Magie op het water
From late November to mid-January, Amsterdam transforms into an enchanting light spectacle thanks to the annual Amsterdam Light Festival, drawing visitors from all over the world to the Dutch capital.
Inclusive
Skipper
Hospitality Service
Beer, Wine & Soft
Juices, tea & coffee
Vaarroutes
From Central Station to the Red Light District
Westelijke eilanden
A Tour of the Amsterdam Canals
From CS to the Rijksmuseum
From Central Station, across the IJ in Amsterdam
Optional
Culinary snacks
Extra sailing hours
Theme decoration
Singer (es)
DJ
Price & Availability
Do you want more information about the price, availability and possibilities? Request a free quote or contact us.
Without charge ⤵
Feel free to call us
020 772 2242
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Choose your type of boat in Amsterdam
With our local expertise and warm hospitality, we ensure a wonderful experience on all our boat tours. Our sightseeing tours through Amsterdam are always private cruises, complete with a skipper. This means you won't be sitting on a tour boat amidst crowds of tourists—and we never use standard sightseeing vessels.
Below are a few options for you to choose from. But don't panic—anything is possible, as we are not bound to a fixed route. Would you like to be picked up or dropped off elsewhere in the city, or would you prefer a package that includes food or drinks? Just let us know, and we will immediately provide you with a competitive quote.
Open luxury sloop
The electric boats and open sloops sail both open and covered. Ideal for a cruise or party on the boat. Enjoy the beautiful canals of Amsterdam with music while enjoying a snack and a drink. The luxurious open boat fits effortlessly through the narrow Amsterdam canals, past centuries-old buildings and under the lowest bridges. An electric luxury boat sails quietly and on green electricity.
From 1.5 hours
Boat rental from € 210,-
Drinks from € 9,95
10 to 40 people
Beer, Wine & Soft
Company outing
Bachelor party
Baby shower
Family party
Luxury classic salon boat
Saloon boats are more luxurious than the sloops and have a more classic look inside. A classic salon is always covered. In a number of saloon boats, the panorama roof can be opened. All saloon boats are equipped with a toilet. A classic salon is ideal for an extensive canal cruise with dinner on the boat, an informal drink or a longer relaxed cruise through the center.
From 2.5 hours
Boat rental from € 425,-
Drinks from € 11,50
10 to 70 people
Beer, Wine & Soft
Company outing
Bachelor party
Baby shower
Family party
Passenger ship
Do you want a fantastic boat trip for a large group at an event on the Water? Music, entertainment or decoration. Everything is possible for an unforgettable cruise on the IJ of Amsterdam. Celebrate your party or event at a unique sailing location in Amsterdam with a fantastic atmosphere. The private boat passenger boat does not sail through the narrow canals of Amsterdam but over the IJ.
from 4 o'clock
Boat rental from € 450,-
Drinks from € 9,95
40 to 250 people
The IJ of Amsterdam
Beer, Wine & Soft
Company outing
Bachelor party
Party location
Family party
Event ship
Do you want to organize a big event or a big company outing at Event op het Water? With an event ship in Amsterdam you will lack nothing. Entertainment, decoration, food and drink: everything is possible. These large boats sail over the IJ of Amsterdam. We have several event ships. Each ship is unique and has its own character. Varies from 250 to 700 people.
from 4 o'clock
Boat rental from € 960,-
Drinks from € 9,95
250 to 700 people
The IJ of Amsterdam
Beer, Wine & Soft
Big company outing
Business event
Party location
Commercial rental
The story behind the light festival
It Amsterdam Light Festival was first organized in 2012 and has since grown into one of the city's most popular winter events. In 2024, the festival celebrates its dertiende editie. Every year, both Dutch and international artists collaborate to transform the Amsterdam Light Festival route into an open-air gallery. The light artworks range from small, subtle installations to large-scale, interactive pieces that utilize modern technologies—such as projections and LED lights—along the festival route.
The festival's theme changes every year, making the event a fresh and innovative experience time and again. This year, the theme is "Nature and Technology," exploring the relationship between the natural world and technological advancement. Artists engage with this theme by creating light installations that highlight both the beauty of nature and the possibilities of modern technology. Imagine artworks depicting animals, plants, and ecosystems, combined with technical elements such as drones and laser projections. Amsterdam Light Festival tours typically depart from Central Station—always aboard heated boats.
Without charge ⤵
Sailing through illuminated Amsterdam
One of the best ways to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival is from the water. The Amsterdam canal cruise departs from Central Station, winding its way through the city's canals. These iconic waterways serve as the backdrop for the light artworks, and traveling by boat allows you to navigate through this open-air art gallery in a truly unique way. Various types of boats are available, depending on your preferences and budget.
You can opt for an intimate experience on a sloepThese small, open boats accommodate a small group and offer you the opportunity to admire the light installations up close. As you sail through the canals, you can enjoy warm blankets—and perhaps a drink—creating a cozy and convivial atmosphere.
If you prefer a bit more comfort, then you can a passagiersboot to book. These larger boats are heated and often feature a glass roof, allowing you to sit in comfort while still missing none of the spectacular light artworks surrounding you. Many passenger boats offer audio guides that provide more information about the artworks and the artists who created them, so that you can enjoy not only the beauty but also the story behind the art.
There are also speciale rondvaarten which are fully tailored to the Amsterdam Light Festival. These boats often have extra amenities such as snacks and drankjesand are accompanied by guides who provide additional background information about the festival and the artworks. This allows you to explore the illuminated canals in peace, while immersing yourself in the stories behind the light art. The festival route departs from behind Central Station.
During the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise, you can enjoy a unique experience in the city of Amsterdam. The cruise departs from a central location and takes you along the iconic canals, which are beautifully illuminated with stunning light artworks. An experience you won't want to miss!
Without charge ⤵
“We hebben met ons bedrijf een rondvaart door de Amsterdamse grachten gehad tijdens Amsterdam Light Festival Tours. Gelukkig hadden we de mazzel dat het prachtig weer was. We hebben enorm genoten van het de heerlijke versbereide BBQ en heerlijk gekoelde drankjes.
Echt een aanrader om met Event op het Water te gaan varen tijdens Amsterdam light festival rondvaart van het centraal station!” Amsterdam light festival rondvaart thema rituals vertrekt vanaf Amsterdam centraal station. De perfecte rondvaart Amsterdam.
Art and Innovation: Festival Highlights
During the festival, a wide variety of light installations are on display. With every edition, new and innovative artworks are unveiled—works that often engage with current themes. Some pieces are poetic and contemplative, while others explore the boundaries of light and technology. Because the festival adopts a different theme each year, there is always a diverse array of artworks to admire.
One of this year's highlights is an installation in which hundreds of small LED lights cover the water's surface, set in motion by the wind. This installation symbolizes the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. This artwork creates an almost mesmerizing effect as you sail past it—especially since the lights appear to dance upon the water.
Another impressive artwork is a projection on one of the historic buildings along the canal. This projection displays a digital animation of a growing tree, symbolizing the symbiosis between nature and technology. As the tree grows, technological elements—such as gears and computer chips—are incorporated into the design, conveying a powerful message about the possibilities of sustainable innovation.
For children, too, the festival is a fun and educational experience. Some light installations invite the audience to participate—such as interactive artworks where movement allows you to change the color or intensity of the lights. This makes the festival not only a visual spectacle but also a playful and interactive experience.
Without charge ⤵
Walking Routes Through the Light
Although a boat tour is a wonderful way to experience the festival, special walking routes have also been mapped out starting from the central station. During these walks, you can stroll through the city at your own pace and view the artworks up close. The walking routes guide you past various installations, giving you the opportunity to pause at each artwork, admire the details, and perhaps take a photo.
Along the way, you can enjoy the city's unique atmosphere. The combination of light installations, historic architecture, and the wintry chill creates an almost fairytale-like ambiance. Many visitors combine the walking route with a visit to one of the cozy cafés or restaurants along the way, where they can warm up for a moment and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. The Amsterdam Light Festival is always an atmospheric and delightful experience.
It is also a great experience to opt for the cocktail boat of de BBQ-boot during the Amsterdam Light Festival. The boats depart from Amsterdam Central Station.
Without charge ⤵
Sustainability in the Spotlight
Another important aspect of the Amsterdam Light Festival is the duurzaamheidsbeleidIncreasing attention is being paid to minimizing the event's ecological footprint. Many of the light installations utilize energy-efficient LED lights, and some artworks are even powered by sustainable energy sources, such as solar power. Additionally, the organizers encourage the use of public transport to reduce traffic congestion and emissions within the city. A canal cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival is highly recommended.
Artists, too, are being challenged to reflect on the environmental impact of their artworks. This has led to innovative installations that are not only visually appealing but also convey a powerful sense of environmental awareness. One such example is an artwork composed entirely of recycled materials, thereby emphasizing the necessity of reuse and sustainability.
During the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise, you can enjoy a unique experience in the city of Amsterdam. The cruise departs from a central location and takes you along the iconic canals, which are beautifully illuminated with stunning light artworks. An experience you won't want to miss!
Without charge ⤵
A winter experience for everyone
Whether you are an art lover, planning a romantic getaway, or simply looking for a unique winter activity, a Boat tour tijdens het Amsterdam Light Festival It offers something for everyone. The combination of art, technology, and the atmospheric setting of the Amsterdam canals makes this event an unforgettable experience.
With countless light installations, interactive artworks, and various ways to experience the festival, whether by boat, on foot, or even by bike, you will during the Amsterdam Light Festival You are guaranteed to be enchanted by the magical atmosphere of the city. The festival is the perfect opportunity to brighten up the dark winter months and discover Amsterdam in a whole new way. Don't miss this unique experience, and immerse yourself in the enchanting light art.
The boat tours depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station, where you can begin your journey of discovery through the city. The festival route per boot It offers a spectacular and intimate experience from the water, allowing you to experience the festival at its very best.
Amsterdam Light Festival: De magie van licht in de winter
Van 28 november tot 19 januari Amsterdam is completely dominated by the Amsterdam Light FestivalThis annual event takes light art to a new level, transforming the city into a spectacular exhibition. During the light festival, you can enjoy dozens of light installations designed by artists from all over the world. The Amsterdam Light Festival is more than just a visual spectacle; it is an experience that brings together art, technology, and culture.
Of je nu een wandelroute kiest of een ontspannen light festival rondvaart maakt, het Amsterdam Light Festival biedt een unieke manier om de stad te ontdekken. Laat je betoveren door de magie van dit bijzondere light festival en beleef de grachten van Amsterdam op een manier die je nog nooit eerder hebt gezien.
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the most extraordinary winter events in the Netherlands. Every year, the city is transformed into a magical setting filled with innovative light artworks. This light festival revolves around connection—specifically, how light connects us with one another, with nature, and with the city. The artworks you encounter during the Amsterdam Light Festival are designed specifically for this unique location, making use of the city's waterways and architecture.
This year, themes such as sustainability, innovation, and human connection are brought into the spotlight during the light festival. Each artwork tells a story, and the Amsterdam Light Festival invites you to pause and reflect on important societal issues. This light festival offers you not only an evening filled with visual splendor but also an opportunity to reflect on the world around you.
Discover the canals during a light festival canal cruise.
One of the most popular ways to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival is through a light festival canal cruise. From the water, you can admire the artworks in all their glory, while the reflections on the water enhance the magic of the festival. A light festival cruise offers you not only stunning views but also a relaxed way to discover the city.
During a light festival canal cruise, you often learn more about the artists and the stories behind the installations. Many cruises offer audio guides or live commentary, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the Amsterdam Light Festival. A variety of boats are available, ranging from luxurious tour boats to intimate sloops. Whatever you choose, a light festival canal cruise is an experience you won't want to miss.
Beyond the magnificent artworks, the atmosphere during a light festival canal cruise is an experience in itself. With warm blankets, hot drinks, and sometimes even live music, your evening at the Amsterdam Light Festival becomes truly unforgettable.
The Meaning of Light Art
The Amsterdam Light Festival is much more than a collection of beautiful lights. Every artwork you see during the festival carries a deeper meaning. Light art combines aesthetics with technology to shed light on important topics. During the Amsterdam Light Festival, themes such as climate change, technology, and social connectedness are presented in a creative way.
Light possesses a unique power to evoke emotions and tell stories. The Amsterdam Light Festival harnesses this power to inspire visitors and provoke thought. The festival invites you to view the city in a different light and gain new perspectives.
A walking route or a light festival canal cruise?
The Amsterdam Light Festival offers you the opportunity to view the artworks in a way that suits you best. You can choose between a walking route along the canals or a relaxing Light Festival canal cruise. Both options have their own unique charm and ensure that you can fully enjoy this spectacular light festival.
A light festival canal cruise is ideal if you want to get the most out of your visit. From the water, you have the best view of the artworks, and the reflections make the experience even more impressive. During the cruise, you often receive background information about the Amsterdam Light Festival and the artworks. This makes a light festival cruise not only relaxing but also educational.
If you prefer to explore the city on foot, you can make use of the special walking routes that guide you past all the highlights of the Amsterdam Light Festival. These routes offer you the opportunity to view the installations up close and take photos. The light festival offers a way for everyone to enjoy the art.
The Amsterdam Light Festival: A Unique Winter Experience
The Amsterdam Light Festival brings warmth and magic to the cold winter months. The light festival is the perfect activity for an evening out with friends, family, or your partner. The city comes to life with colors and lights, and the Amsterdam Light Festival offers you a unique perspective on Amsterdam.
During a light festival canal cruise or a walk, you will discover how light art transforms the city. The canals and bridges become part of the artworks, and Amsterdam's historic architecture takes on new meaning. The Amsterdam Light Festival is an experience you won't soon forget.
Plan your visit to the Amsterdam Light Festival.
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an event you simply shouldn't miss. Do you want to make the most of your visit? Then a Light Festival canal cruise is highly recommended. These cruises are popular, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. A walk past the artworks is also a great option, especially if you want to view the installations up close.
The Amsterdam Light Festival also offers additional activities, such as guided tours, workshops, and lectures. These allow you to learn even more about the artworks and themes of this unique light festival.
Get inspired by the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an event that brings together art, technology, and urban beauty. Whether you choose to take a walk or go on a Light Festival canal cruise, you will be amazed by the creativity and innovation this festival has to offer.
Let yourself be inspired by the stories behind the artworks, enjoy the magic of the light installations, and discover how the Amsterdam Light Festival casts the city in a new light. From November 28 to January 19, the Amsterdam Light Festival is the place to experience winter. Make sure you don't miss this unique opportunity, and let yourself be enchanted by the most beautiful light festival in the Netherlands.
During the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise, you can enjoy a unique experience in the city of Amsterdam. The cruise departs from a central location and takes you along the iconic canals, which are beautifully illuminated with stunning light artworks. An experience you won't want to miss!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nog niet alles helemaal duidelijk? Lees dan hier onze veelgestelde vragen over onze rondvaarten in Amsterdam.
What Cruises Are there?
How much does a boat tour cost?
De prijs van de rondvaart is vanaf € 29,95 in Utrecht. Vanaf € 36,95 in Rotterdam en vanaf € 39,95 in Amsterdam.
How long does the cruise take?
De duur is afhankelijk van de gekozen route, maar die zijn al beschikbaar vanaf 1,5 uur. Een grotere tour met een langere route is zeker ook mogelijk, deze kan 3 tot 5 uur duren. Kijk voor meer informatie op de pagina van de desbetreffende stad.
Where can we get off?
Boarding is possible in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. This varies by city. For more information, please visit our pages for the different cities.
Is the boat still available?
Thanks to our wide range and the many partnerships we have with various shipping companies, we usually have availability.
We raden u echter aan om een vrijblijvende reservering te maken. Wij nemen binnen 24 uur contact met u op en zullen u informeren over de beschikbaarheid en eventueel een alternatieve datum of tijdstip.
What does the boat look like?
Our modern boats are carefully selected to offer you a comfortable and authentic experience. They are equipped with all the luxury amenities and have an open boat, semi open tour boat or covered area depending on the weather.
Do you have any further questions? Our team waiting for you and answering your questions with love!
What Cruises Are there?
Can I rent a tour boat?
When you fill in the application form, your information is complete with us. We will then contact you to discuss your wishes further in the introduction. Do not hesitate to request a quote because you may expect high costs.
Ter voorbeeld: onze partyboot Rotterdam huren is al mogelijk vanaf 32,95 per uur.
Questions or a tailor-made solution?
The advisors of Event op het Water are happy to answer your questions and offer free advice. Feel free to contact us, available 7 days a week.
Available 7 days a week