Top Amsterdam Carnival in 2026

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.

Every winter season, the Amsterdam Light Festival lights up the Dutch capital, and there’s no better way to see it than from the water. Get a front-row view of the sparkling light installations on this canal cruise by a fully open boat, which offers unobstructed 360-degree views—perfect for photographers. Free-flow mulled wine helps keep you warm and toasty, while the onboard restroom means you can indulge to your heart’s content.

This 1.5-hour guided Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour offers an intimate journey through the city’s illuminated streets and canals, showcasing its iconic landmarks in a whole new light. Cycling, Amsterdam’s favorite way to explore, lets you fully experience the magic of this annual event while connecting with the city’s vibrant culture. Along the way, we’ll stop at stunning light installations, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos, as we share stories about Amsterdam’s history, art, and traditions. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned explorer, this tour combines adventure and cultural discovery for an enchanting evening ride!

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.

Feast your eyes on the Netherlands’ spring bulb fields and Keukenhof Garden on a full-day trip from Amsterdam. See the vast carpets of flowers around Lisse, and visit Keukenhof, one of the world’s biggest flower gardens. Explore the lawns, ponds, and woodlands independently, absorbing the color and fragrance of the millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Visit flower exhibitions, restaurants, and shops, and watch the beloved Flower Parade complete with floats, live music, and marching bands.

Every winter, Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals come alive with glittering light sculptures and installations—and this private canal boat tour is the perfect way to view them. Bundle up in cozy clothes, meet your vessel in the city center, and hop aboard. You’ll glide through the city’s picturesque waterways, get up close with the light show, and enjoy hot Gluhwein and traditional Dutch snacks aboard your comfortable, heated boat.

Join a knowledgeable host for a 2-hour walking tour through the magical heart of Amsterdam during the Light Festival. Discover the city’s historic canals illuminated by stunning light sculptures, art installations, and projections created by artists from around the world. As we stroll through the charming old town, you’ll see Amsterdam transformed into an open-air gallery, a unique experience only available during the festival period. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city, the artists, and the stories behind the light artworks, seeing Amsterdam through the lens of festivity and creativity. Choose a private tour to enjoy this special experience at your own pace, taking in the lights, reflections, and atmosphere of a truly enchanting evening. Perfect for photography lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to see the city in a whole new light!

Discover Amsterdam through its local food, historic canals and beautiful winter illuminations. This evening walking tour combines traditional Dutch flavours with the atmosphere of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Explore the city centre and canal-side streets with a local guide, stopping to taste Dutch favourites such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, cheese and other local snacks. Along the way, hear stories about Amsterdam’s food culture, historic neighbourhoods and everyday life. As evening falls, continue towards the Amsterdam Light Festival to discover illuminated artworks displayed around the city’s canals. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, learn about selected installations and see Amsterdam from a different perspective during the winter season.