Every winter, artists from around the world light up the canals of Amsterdam. The 15th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, with around twenty light artworks along the water and through the city centre. Here is what you need to know to plan your evening.
When the lights are on
The artworks switch on at 17:00 every evening. When they switch off depends on the day.
| Period | Lights on |
|---|---|
| Wednesday to Saturday | 17:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday to Tuesday | 17:00 – 22:00 |
| Christmas holidays (19 December – 3 January) | 17:00 – 23:00, every day |
| New Year's Eve | 17:00 – 21:00 |
Our tip: the first hour after 17:00 is the most magical. The sky is still deep blue, the lights are fresh, and the canals are quieter than later in the evening.
Walk, cycle or sail?
The artworks are free to see from the street, and many people walk the route. Most of the art is made to be seen from the water, though, and the best view is from a boat at canal level.
- Walking: free, but cold, crowded on weekends, and you see the artworks from the side.
- A shared canal cruise: large boats with up to 75 passengers and a fixed audio tour, usually around 75 minutes.
- A private boat: the whole boat for your group, your own pace and your own music. This is how we sail.
How to see it privately
We sail Venice, a restored 1971 Venetian water taxi. She is heated, fully covered and 100% electric, so she glides silently past the artworks. You have the whole boat for up to twelve guests, with a captain on board and a bar with champagne. The cruise takes two hours, enough to pass the light artworks without rushing.
During the festival we depart at 16:30 and 19:00 every evening, and at 21:30 from Wednesday to Saturday and every evening during the Christmas holidays, from our harbour at the Apollo Hotel Marina (Apollolaan 2, parking included). A pick-up at your hotel is possible on request. All details are on our private Light Festival cruise page.
Amsterdam Light Festival, privately.
Two hours, up to twelve guests, from €495.
Six tips for a perfect evening
- Choose a Wednesday to Saturday for the longest evening, or any day in the Christmas holidays.
- Book early for December weekends. Saturday evenings sell out first.
- Dress warm, even on a heated boat. You will want to step outside for photos.
- Turn off your flash. The artworks look best in their own light.
- Combine it with dinner. Sail at 16:30 and be at the table by 19:00, or dine first and sail at 21:30.
- Make it an occasion. Many guests choose the festival for a proposal, an anniversary or a birthday. Tell us and we arrange flowers or champagne.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026–2027?
From 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
What time do the lights go on?
At 17:00 every day. They go off at 23:00 Wednesday to Saturday and at 22:00 Sunday to Tuesday. During the Christmas holidays they stay on until 23:00 every day.
Do I need a ticket?
No, the artworks are free to see from the street. A boat is the best way to see them, since most artworks are made to be seen from the water.
Can I see the festival on a private boat?
Yes. Our private Light Festival cruise is two hours, for up to twelve guests, in a heated and covered classic boat.