Whether you live in Amsterdam or are just visiting, this festival is a must-see! As you may know we’re all about sharing the best local tips, so we’ve also found some amazing small boat tours with local guides for the best experience of the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024-2025. In this post, we’ll tell you everything including the top walking routes to see the lights.
This year marks the 13th edition of the festival, with the theme “Rituals”. The theme celebrates the power of rituals, which have long symbolized transformation and unity. Light plays a central role in these rituals, from candles to fireworks, adding joy and energy. And we promise; it looks so cool!
- What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
- Best Ways to See the Amsterdam Light Festival
- 1. Light Festival Classic Saloon Boat (TOP PICK)
- 2. Small Local Boat Light Festival Cruise Amsterdam – Open Bar
- 3. Small Luxury Boat Cruise – Unlimited Drinks
- 4. Classic Canal Light Cruise from Amsterdam Central Station (CS)
- 4. Light Walk: A Free and Fun Way to Explore
- Save More with the Amsterdam Winter Pass
- Book Your Amsterdam Light Festival Experience Now
- Find out more
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event that features light installations and artworks from artists around the world. The festival runs in winter and lights up Amsterdam’s canals, streets, and squares. It’s the best winter activity in Amsterdam.
Best Ways to See the Amsterdam Light Festival
One of the best ways to enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival is by boat. There are different boat tours that offer amazing views of the light installations. Here are our favorite picks:
1. Light Festival Classic Saloon Boat (TOP PICK)
Hop aboard this beautiful classic saloon boat for a more intimate, local experience of the festival. This unique ride takes you along the famous Amsterdam canals, where you can enjoy the best light artworks from the comfort of a cozy, classic boat. It’s a fantastic way to see the lights and truly soak in the atmosphere. As you can see in the pictures, it looks stunning!
Why book this tour?
- Local experience with live guide
- Option for unlimited drinks!
- See the lights while enjoying a cozy, festive atmosphere for 75 min
2. Small Local Boat Light Festival Cruise Amsterdam – Open Bar
For a truly special experience, try this small local boat light festival cruise. This tour is close to our hearts because these boat trips are organized by Amsterdam families. By joining this cruise, you’re also helping a great cause. Your contribution allows families who can’t afford a boat trip to enjoy the festival too – how amazing is that? This is the ultimate way to see the festival, perfect for locals who love visiting the Amsterdam Light Festival.
Why book this tour?
- Unique experience
- Incl. a tasting platter with Dutch snacks incl. olives, nuts and cheese sticks and an open bar
- You support the great cause
- Great choice for locals who want to visit the Light Festival
3. Small Luxury Boat Cruise – Unlimited Drinks
For those looking for a little extra, the unlimited drinks cruise is the perfect choice! This small boat tour offers unlimited drinks as you enjoy the light installations. It’s an open boat, which we highly recommend, as it provides a much better view of the artworks. So be sure to bring warm clothes! It’s a luxurious way to experience the festival with friends or loved ones.
Why book this tour?
- Unlimited drinks
- Enjoy the lights in style and comfort for 75 min
- A great choice for special occasions or a night out
4. Classic Canal Light Cruise from Amsterdam Central Station (CS)
The Classic Light Cruise is a popular way to experience the festival. You’ll travel along the famous Amsterdam canals, enjoying the best light artworks from the comfort of a boat. It’s a larger boat with more passengers, so it’s a fun and lively atmosphere.
Why book this tour?
- Relax and enjoy the lights in a cozy heated boat for 75 minutes
- Depart from Amsterdam Centraal, easy to reach by train, metro, tram and bus
- Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves a stunning experience
4. Light Walk: A Free and Fun Way to Explore
If you prefer to walk, the Light Walk is a free option that takes you through some of the best light installations. This self-guided walking route of 6,5 KM lets you explore the art up close, at your own pace.
Why try the Light Walk?
- It’s free and perfect for those on a budget
- Walk through the city and see the lights up close
- Great if you want to enjoy the festival at your own pace
Save More with the Amsterdam Winter Pass
Want to make your Amsterdam experience even better? The Amsterdam Winter Pass gives you access to the Light Cruise, unlimited public transport (bus, tram, metro), and an audio tour that tells you all about the light art. Plus, it gives you 10% off at many other attractions around the city!
What’s included in the Winter Pass?
- Light Cruise: See the best installations from the water for 75 min
- Unlimited public transport: Travel around Amsterdam with ease
- Audio tour: Learn more about the light artworks and their meaning
- 10% off on other attractions, like museums and tours
Book Your Amsterdam Light Festival Experience Now
The Amsterdam Light Festival 2024 is a fantastic event that everyone should experience. Whether you choose the Classic Saloon Boat Cruise, the small local boat cruise, the Luxury Cruise with unlimited drinks or the classic canal cruise, you’re in for a magical experience. And don’t forget to check out the Light Walk and the Amsterdam Winter Pass for extra savings and fun.
Book your tickets now and make your visit to Amsterdam unforgettable.
Find out more
You may also like our Comprehensive Guide to the Best Museums in Amsterdam and The Best Cinemas in Amsterdam for the Perfect Movie Night.
And don’t forget to find out the best streets in Amsterdam you definitely need visit!
