Top Amsterdam Carnival in 2026

Get the best views of Amsterdam’s Light Festival while floating along the canals on this award-winning group cruise. Grab your friends and board a traditional canal boat to marvel at the glowing artwork, projections, and installations lighting up the canal belt. As you cruise, hear about the city’s history from your guide and keep warm with hot drinks (extra expense).

Glide by the illuminated art installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival (held from November 27, 2025 to January 17, 2026) on this 90-minute canal cruise. You’ll see the sights from the water, covering more of the festival than on foot, on a comfortable electric boat. Hear commentary from your guide along the way and enjoy the option to enhance your cruise with a drink or two on board—extra cost.

Experience the No. 1 rated Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise. Enjoy cozy blankets, live storytelling, and an optional open bar with beer, wine, glühwein, tasty hot chocolate, and a welcome snack. Experience the enchantment of the Amsterdam Light Festival on an electric boat cruise with (optional) beer, wine, glühwein, hot chocolate, soda and a welcome snack. Embark on a journey of wonder and illumination while under warm blankets. Learn about the history of the canals and facts about the city. Settle into the luxurious comfort of a modern, fully electric boat, designed to shield you from the elements, and set out on a cruise through the vibrant heart of Amsterdam. As twilight descends, pass by a captivating gallery of 20 luminous art installations that adorn the canals. Wrapped in warmth with provided blankets, immerse yourself in the city's beauty and allure from the cozy haven of your boat. Listen to stories shared by your skipper or host(ess)

During December and January, Amsterdam gets chilly but beautiful, with the canals alive in illuminations as part of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Soak up the beauty without too much of the cold when you prebook this cozy canal cruise with an audio guide to explain all the sculptures you see. Stay warm as you travel: The boat is heated throughout the cruise.

Enjoy unrivaled views of Amsterdam’s Festival of Lights—which takes place every year from November through January—on a canal cruise that reveals the best of the installations. You’ll enjoy personalized attention in a small group limited to 12 travelers, as you float along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring in the comfort of your heated boat with indoor saloon, outdoor deck, and onboard restroom.

Everyone has heard about Keukenhof Gardens, but far fewer people know about the extravagant float parade that marks the start of this springtime tradition in Amsterdam. This tour combines both, saving you from planning day and dusktime logistics, and securing you grandstand seats from which to enjoy the floral procession.

Why walk when you can float along in style? The Amsterdam Light Festival is back with it's 14th edition and you can see the works of light art up close and unobstructed aboard an open boat with a drink in hand. Your captain also serves as your guide; showcasing each art work and informing you about each artwork as well as some information behind each artist. From our open boats you get a clear view of the light installations without barriers, ideal for enjoying the details or taking photos. Just ask your captain to go a tad slower for that perfect snapshot. Blankets aboard are sure to keep you warm during the cold winter period. This year's Amsterdam Light Festival theme is: Legacy. See over 20 stunning artworks from international artists that all tackle the this year's theme. These artworks will provoke questions regarding what legacy we will leave for future generations and how the future might look like.

A once-a-year occasion for the Dutch, and a once-in-a-lifetime event for the rest of us, the Dutch Flower Parade is one of the Netherlands’ most spectacular occasions—but it’s so popular that seeing it as it passes can be hard. This VIP package includes grandstand seats, ensuring a view of the parade that makes your photos pop. There's even time for an afternoon at Keukenhof Gardens before you return to Amsterdam.

Experience the magic of the Amsterdam Light Festival on a 90-minute evening canal cruise aboard a charming 1929 electric boat. Glide through Amsterdam’s illuminated waterways and enjoy the stories behind the stunning light installations from a knowledgeable guide. With a maximum of 11 guests on board, this intimate cruise allows for engaging commentary and personal interaction. The comfortable heated saloon features large windows for optimal viewing, while an open-air section provides fresh air and great photo opportunities. Relax as you soak in the artistic ambience of the festival from the water, creating unforgettable memories. - 90-minute canal cruise showcasing the Amsterdam Light Festival - Historic 1929 electric boat with a maximum of 11 guests - Dedicated captain and live guide sharing insights about the city - Heated saloon and open-air section for great views and photos

Embark on a unique winter canal cruise experience Amsterdam in a whole another light. Sit back and relax on the water while immersing yourself in the Amsterdam Light Festival, Amsterdam's annual spectacular light show. Witness the collection of approximately 25 stunning artworks as you cruise along the official festival route during this 75 minute tour. Begin your adventure with LOVERS Canal Cruises, an official partner, located right in the heart of the spectacle. This cruise takes you along the entire route of the festival, so you don’t have to miss any of the artworks or figure out the route yourself. Our comfortable modern boats are heated to a comfortable temperature, and with big windows all around for perfect views. The route of the tour is subject to change! We will make sure to pass by all the artworks. Book Your Cruise and secure your spot for this unforgettable experience by booking your boat tour today.

Take in the Dutch capital’s yearly Winter Light Art Festival from a different perspective on this boat tour. Sail through Amsterdam’s canals from a fully-heated boat and enjoy a glass of Gluhwein or two. A romantic date night activity and a comfortable way to see the spectacular light displays, this 90-minute tour is a great way to wrap up a day spent in this European city.

Cruise the canals of Amsterdam to see the city illuminated during the Amsterdam Light Festival, and enjoy unobstructed views of the glowing artwork. All drinks are provided on this evening canal cruise, with options that include beer, wine, mulled wine, and soda. Heated cushions, blankets, and a covered bow ensure a comfortable cruise even if the weather is chilly, and the boat’s open back is ideal for photography.

Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival without battling crowds on a 1.5-hour cruise on the Dutch capital’s canals. Enjoy a unique vantage point of the illuminated artwork around the city as you cruise along the historic waterways. Relax in a spacious restroom-equipped boat as you take in the sights. Listen to narration along the way from your audio guide, with headphones provided.

In December and January, Amsterdam is illuminated with unique artwork for the Amsterdam Light Festival. Experience it like a local—on two wheels—on this bike tour. There’s no need to worry about researching the route: Your guide looks after navigation with a break for a hot drink to beat the cold, too. Explore in a small group or upgrade for an even more personal experience on a private tour.

During December and January, Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal network hosts the Light Festival. This boat cruise offers unobstructed views of the festival’s light installations from the boat's open top. Enjoy live commentary from your guide as you sail past top Amsterdam attractions such as the Red Light District, and stay warm on board with a hot drink.

Avoid crowds and long walks while still enjoying the magic of the Amsterdam Light Festival by experiencing it from the comfort of a heated, covered boat. Departing conveniently from Central Station, this canal cruise offers unlimited drinks and panoramic views of the city’s light installations. With an official audio guide included, learn the stories behind each artwork as you sail past. Sit back, relax, and make the most of photo ops from the lounge deck (or through the skylight)—no stress, just a smooth and cozy evening on the water.

During the short days and long dark nights in Winter, Amsterdam becomes a place of Magic and Wonder. About 20 Light Art Works will be shown in and around the city’s Canals. Imagine yourself: A glass of wine in your hands, the sound of water lapping softly against the sides of the boat as we drift beneath Amsterdam’s iconic bridges, Magical Artworks and past its magnificent 17th-century canal houses. On board this amazingly comfortable and quiet electric boat, you’ll have, a glass of wine, a panoramic view of the city, and a front-row seat to these wonderful art exhibitions. Especially, as onboard you can go up close and even through these pieces! We have been closely involved with this festival. We’ll discuss the artist’s inspiration, what moves them, and what they want to express through their work. We’ll share ideas, insights, and opinions and hopefully, we’ll all leave more inspired, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about art and what it can offer us.

This year, we're excited to partner with ALF once again to bring the glow of creativity to Amsterdam's historic canals during the cold winter months. Join us as we sail past approximately 20 mesmerizing light installations that transform the city into a luminous wonderland. Let the sparkling canals and thought-provoking artworks ignite your imagination as you glide through this stunning event aboard one of our comfortable, fully open boats. What is included: *Front-row views of the light sculptures from the water. *A cozy, fully open boat experience, complete with a warm glühwein. *Live commentary from the boat’s captain, providing insights and stories behind the featured light artworks. *Entry to the festival: While we don't organize the festival itself, we contribute €8.10 on your behalf to the "Stichting Amsterdam Light Festival" for the creation of these remarkable artworks. *Onboard restroom facilities for your convenience.

Enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival from the ideal vantage point — a boat coasting down the canal. Cozy up with blankets and a hot drink while you watch the lights roll by, and listen as your guide shares the stories behind the displays. Please note that on 31 December the lights aren’t switched on.

Book your own personal canal boat cruise for the Amsterdam Light Festival, which takes place on select dates from November through January. Aboard a 12-seater private boat just for your sole group, you’ll experience the festival’s art displays and light sculptures without the crowds. Just leave the navigation to the boat’s captain, and enjoy a welcome drink plus complimentary coffee or tea once on board.

Skip crowded streets and escape to Amsterdam's well-known waterways on this cruise along the city's canals. Taking place during Amsterdam Light Festival, enjoy the illuminations on display from your comfortable seat onboard an electric canal boat. Stay cozy with the blankets provided for you to snuggle under, and choose whether to refuel by purchasing snacks and drinks at the bar.

Discover the 15th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water on a 75 minute canal cruise with an official partner of the festival. Board in front of Amsterdam Central Station and start with a welcome snack and a optional warm drink: coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Additional drinks can be bought on board. From Central Station, the boat sails into the route, starting with the Oosterdok, where the city skyline and the first light artworks reflect on the water. Continue through the green Plantage district, home to Artis Zoo and the Hortus Botanicus, before turning onto the Amstel river. Here you pass the illuminated Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) and the H’ART Museum along the way. Your local skipper guides the tour in German and shares stories about the artworks and the city. A free booklet on board explains the sights in 8 languages. Depending on the weather, the cruise runs on a half open or covered boat.

Experience one of the most spectacular evenings of the year in Giethoorn. Travel from Amsterdam to the famous Dutch water village for an unforgettable combination of a scenic canal cruise, a delicious 2-course dinner, and the magical Giethoorn Gondola Parade. Begin your evening in Amsterdam, where you board a comfortable coach for the journey to Giethoorn. After arriving in the famous Dutch water village, start your visit in the best possible way: from the water. Step aboard for a relaxing canal cruise through Giethoorn. Cruise past traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, charming wooden bridges, and the picturesque canals that have made the village famous around the world. After your cruise, enjoy a delicious 2-course dinner in Giethoorn. Then, find your place along the route and watch as spectacular decorated boats, lights, music, and creative displays transform the canals into an unforgettable open-air show.