Know Before You Go: Experiencing the Amsterdam Light Festival

Taking place between late November and mid-January every year, the Amsterdam Light Festival is a themed winter celebration where artists from across the country and the world come together to create themed light installations. These are placed around the city’s streets, bridges, and canals, transforming the city into an open-to-all art spectacle

To experience the festival, you can take a canal boat cruise or follow the overland routes through the city on foot or by bicycle, with each offering a different perspective of the light show.

Each year, the Amsterdam holiday light displays get bigger and better; recent additions include satellite installations, food walks (available on select days), pop-up lectures, and a variety of activities. Past themes include “Rituals,” “LOADING… Revealing Art, AI and Tech,” and “When Nature Calls.”

Held annually since 2012, the Amsterdam Light Festival has become a seasonal institution, with visitors and residents alike descending on the city to see the festivities. Each year, the theme differs, while the land and water routes offer varied visitor experiences and perspectives. There are also new additions each year to keep it exciting, such as themed activities and talks.

The Amsterdam Light Festival offers an ideal accompaniment to other festive activities: seeing the Christmas Tree in Dam Square, skating at the pop-up ice rinks (Ice Amsterdam) in Museumplein, strolling around Rembrandt Square and Leiden Square, or browsing the Ice Village Christmas Market in front of the Rijksmuseum.

The sun may set early in winter in Amsterdam, but the long nights are part of the draw—the Amsterdam Light Festival kicks off around 5pm daily (except New Year’s Eve) and runs until 10pm or 11pm, depending on the day. Tickets for Amsterdam Light Festival boat tours typically sell out, so it’s worth planning ahead, especially if you plan to visit Amsterdam in December.

The Amsterdam Light Festival can be experienced on foot, by bicycle, or by canal boat, though Amsterdam canal light tours are one of the most popular ways to see the sights. Tours are also ideal for Dutch winters (which can be wet and cold), as some boats are covered and heated, while open-air boats usually have blankets to keep you warm.

Many after-dark canal cruises also include hot drinks and snacks, or the option to purchase them on board, making it especially comfortable for families. Be aware that many boat trips sell out in advance—prebook your Amsterdam Light Festival tickets to avoid disappointment.

Along with boat trips, you can also join Amsterdam walking tours or cycling excursions to experience the Light Festival, or visit independently. Each year, the trail follows a predetermined route that starts and ends near Amsterdam Central Station. The route, which usually passes city highlights such as Skinny Bridge and Herengracht, can also be broken down into sections, so you don’t have to do it all at once. There’s also an app to make it easy to navigate the installations.

The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place at night in the winter months, and is mostly out in the open—unless you opt for a closed-boat tour, that is—so it’s worth wrapping up. Amsterdam winter weather is notoriously unpredictable and can be quite wet and wild, so a rain jacket or umbrella is essential, along with gloves and scarves. If you’re planning to follow the walking route, wear comfortable shoes with closed toes.

The Amsterdam Light Festival is designed to be as accessible as possible for wheelchair users and travelers with disabilities. However, as it takes place in Amsterdam’s historic center, it’s worth noting that parts of the route involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, and crossing bridges. Weather issues—like rain, snow, and ice—can also further limit accessibility.

Additionally, while some canal cruises are wheelchair accessible, not all boats are. Therefore, it’s recommended to contact tour operators before booking to confirm that any accessibility needs can be met.

• Is the Amsterdam Light Festival free? The Amsterdam Light Festival is free to experience on foot or by bicycle. However, if you want to join a tour—whether a canal cruise or a weekend food tour—you have to buy tickets. Limited edition maps are also available to purchase, with proceeds going to the festival.

• Can anyone experience the Amsterdam Light Festival? Yes, anyone can experience the Amsterdam Light Festival. The festival is fully open-air, and the illuminated artworks are within public spaces. It’s also open from 5pm every day and is an ideal activity for families traveling with kids. Note that some canal cruises are more family-friendly than others, so it’s worth checking first.

• What do you do at the Amsterdam Light Festival? The main thing to do at the Amsterdam Light Festival is to marvel at the illuminated artworks. Each year, new artworks are created for the festival, focusing on a specific theme. There are also boat tours, food tours, and walking tours, each offering different experiences of the festival.

• Where is the starting point for the Amsterdam Light Festival? While the specific route for the Amsterdam Light Festival varies every year, the starting point is usually around Amsterdam Central Station, making it easily accessible for visitors coming from farther afield.

• How environmentally friendly is the Amsterdam Light Festival? The organizers of the Amsterdam Light Festival are very conscious of sustainability. They use LED bulbs and mains energy—some of which comes from renewable sources—and partner with electric boat cruise companies. There is also a focus on electronic communications, rather than paper maps, and many artworks are given permanent homes after the festival.