The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual outdoor light art exhibition set along the city's canals, transforming Amsterdam's historic center into a glowing walkable gallery each winter. The festival is organized by the Amsterdam Light Festival foundation, which curates works from local and international artists. You can explore the art for free on foot, or opt for a guided walking tour, a canal cruise, or even a bike tour.
This guide covers the essentials: when to go, what the festival app offers, the nuances of the Light Walk and Kids Walk, what to expect from a cruise, and practical tips for a comfortable visit. You'll also find comparisons between cruise operators, navigation advice, and answers to common questions. For a broader view of celebrations across the country, see our overview of festivals in Netherlands.
When to Go: Festival Dates and Opening Hours
The Amsterdam Light Festival typically runs from late November through mid-January, during the darkest and most atmospheric weeks of the Amsterdam winter. The 15th edition was announced for 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 by Winter Festival Amsterdam, which is not the official organizer; confirm final dates on the official festival website. As of the publication date, the exact dates for the next edition have not been officially confirmed.
Light artworks are illuminated every evening, typically from around 5 pm until 10 pm, with canal cruises running in that window. Exact hours can vary by edition, so check the current season's details. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on a weekday evening or in the earlier part of the evening before prime time.
Understanding the Festival App and Walking Experiences
The official festival app is your key to the walking routes: it's free to download, but you purchase a specific walking experience inside to unlock the map, audio guide, and artwork details. The app is available for iOS and Android from late October or November. It is important to use the official app rather than third-party maps, as free online maps often lack accurate artwork locations.
In previous editions, the paid Light Walk cost €6.99, the Kids Walk €3.99, and Foodwalk options ranged from around €33.50 to €43.50, but these prices are not confirmed for the current edition. Check the festival's official 'Walk' page for up-to-date pricing and availability. The app also shows your location on the route map and includes exclusive offers at some restaurants.
Light Walk: The Self-Guided Walking Route
The Light Walk is the core self-guided experience: you follow a route of approximately 6.5 kilometers at your own pace, using the app for an audio guide and written details about each artwork. The route takes about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your speed. You can start anywhere along the route, as the artworks are not arranged in a linear order—the app's GPS map shows the closest artworks.
You don't need a ticket to see the artworks; walking and viewing is free. Purchasing a walking experience supports the nonprofit foundation and provides the information you need, as there are no printed explanations at the artworks themselves. For a curated introduction, you might consider a guided walking tour
Kids Walk: A Family-Friendly Option
The Kids Walk is a treasure-hunt style experience designed for families, suitable for children aged 7-12, though younger kids can join with adult help. It includes child-friendly texts, fun facts, quizzes, and a scavenger hunt: kids collect virtual 'fireflies' at each light box and can win a small prize at an information point before 9 pm.
The route can be walked entirely or as a shorter half route (about 3.25 km). You can also combine the Kids Walk with the Light Walk on the same phone, but you'd need to switch between maps, so a second device is handy. Check the official FAQ for the latest details and age recommendations.
Foodwalk: Combining Art and Culinary Stops
The Foodwalk elevates the Light Walk with bites and drinks from participating restaurants along the route. In past editions, options included a Streetfood Walk, Amsterdam Walk, Oyster Walk, Cocktail Walk, and Early or Late Dinner Walk, each priced separately. Availability and restaurant partners change each year, so check the official walking page for the current selection and any dietary choices.
Your Foodwalk ticket typically includes the Light Walk in the app, so you get the audio guide and route map. You'll receive a punch card in the app and activate each restaurant stop with a QR code. Because restaurants have limited capacity, Foodwalks often run on selected days only; verify dates before planning your evening.
Guided Walking Tours: What to Expect
Guided walking tours are led by an English- or Dutch-speaking guide who shares background on the artworks and the city, making the festival more informative. According to the official site, tickets for guided tours go on sale from October 2026, but exact dates and pricing are not yet published. Check the festival's website for updates and to book directly.
These tours usually last around 75 minutes and cover a smaller area than the full Light Walk. They're ideal if you prefer a structured experience with commentary. For a self-guided alternative, the app is your best friend.
Seeing the Art from the Water: Light Festival Cruises
A canal cruise offers a unique perspective, letting you view the light installations from the water while staying warm in a heated, often covered boat. Cruises typically run for about 75 minutes and depart from locations like Amsterdam Central, Damrak, Amstel, and Amsterdam North. Many operators include a live host or audio guide explaining the artworks.
The official festival website and third-party platforms such as Winter Festival Amsterdam list partner cruise companies, including AB Cruises, Flagship, Lovers, Starboard, and Stromma. For the most reliable and flexible option, book directly with the operator, comparing departure points and what's included. Ticket prices vary by operator and inclusions, so check each operator's official page for current rates.
Comparing Cruise Operators: Routes, Prices and Inclusions
When choosing a cruise, consider the departure point, duration, and what's included. For example, some operators offer only a hosted tour, while others include drinks or snacks in the ticket price. The following are typical examples based on the 2026/2027 season as listed by Winter Festival Amsterdam; verify current details on each operator's official site:
AB Cruises (departing from Amsterdam North) offered adults tickets at €29.75 and children at €14.90; Flagship (from Prins Hendrikkade) had a no-drink option at €29.75 and an unlimited drinks option at €39.75; Lovers (from Central Station) listed adult tickets at €29.75; Starboard (from Amstel 178) had a cruise without drinks at €27.50 and with unlimited drinks and snacks at €35.00; and Stromma (from Damrak) charged adults €28.75 and children €15.67. These prices are not official and may change.
Check whether the boat is partly open, heated, or has blankets, as this affects comfort on cold nights. Some cruises offer a personal host, while others rely on an audio guide. Group sizes also vary—Starboard offers a small-group experience, while others are larger boats.
Bike and Private Boat Options
For a more active exploration, guided bike tours are sometimes available, offering a faster way to cover the route while still hearing commentary. These are not always offered every year, so check the festival's official 'Bike' page for availability.
Private boat tours are ideal for groups or special occasions, allowing you to set your own departure time and enjoy a more personal experience. Several charter companies, such as those listed on Winter Festival Amsterdam, offer private boats for groups of 8 to 12 guests. Prices vary and are quoted on request.
Maps and Navigation: How to Find the Artworks
The most reliable map is the one inside the official festival app, which uses GPS to show your exact position and the locations of all artworks. If you don't have a smartphone, printed maps are available in limited quantities at the festival's information points, intended only for visitors without a mobile phone.
Avoid free map websites, as they often contain outdated or incorrect artwork locations, which can lead to missing pieces. The official app is updated daily with any last-minute changes to installation positions.
Key Tips for a Comfortable Visit
Dress warmly: you'll be outside for up to two hours, and evenings in Amsterdam are cold and often windy. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the route covers about 6.5 kilometers on cobblestone streets.
Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged, as you'll rely on the app for navigation and audio. If you plan to take photos, a tripod or a camera with good low-light performance helps capture the artworks without flash.
Practical Information: Toilets, Accessibility and Info Points
Public toilets are limited along the route, so plan ahead: check the City of Amsterdam's public toilet map. Some restaurants along the route may allow customers to use facilities if you make a purchase.
The festival's info points, typically at Blauwbrug and A Beautiful Mess, open from Thursday through Sunday late afternoons and evenings, and daily during the Christmas break. They close on December 25 and 31. For visitors with mobility limitations, the route is mostly flat, but some bridges have stairs; wheelchair users may prefer a canal cruise, as most boats are accessible with help.
Recommended Starting Points
Because the walking route is not linear, you can start at any point. For first-timers, Central Station is a convenient hub that connects easily to the route and other transport. Another good starting point is the Blauwbrug near Waterlooplein, where the festival operates an information point and often has a cluster of artworks nearby.
Plan Your Light Festival Visit
The Amsterdam Light Festival turns the city into a magical open-air gallery, but with so many options it's smart to plan ahead. Decide whether you'll explore on foot with the app, join a guided tour, or see the art from a canal cruise—or combine a walk with a boat trip for two perspectives.
Check the official festival website for the latest dates, routes, and any changes to the program. For more winter festival ideas across the country, browse our Festivals in the Netherlands guide. If you're interested in other large gatherings in Amsterdam, you might also check our Amsterdam Dance Event ADE guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The full Light Walk is about 6.5 kilometers and typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how often you stop to admire the art or take photos. You can shorten it by starting the route at a point that interests you, and the Kids Walk offers a half-route option.
Is the Amsterdam Light Festival worth it?
If you enjoy light art and wintery cityscapes, the festival is worth a visit because it's creative, accessible, and mostly free to view. The paid walking experiences add narration and insider information, while cruises offer a warm and comfortable alternative. It's a popular activity, so expect crowds on weekends.
Is the Amsterdam festival 2026 cancelled?
The official festival website indicated that walking experiences would be available from November 2026 and guided tour tickets from October 2026, suggesting the festival is scheduled to take place. However, circumstances can change, so check the organizer's announcements for the latest status before booking travel.
How much does a ticket to the Amsterdam Light Festival cost?
Walking past the artworks is free. Since organizers revise prices each year, confirm current fees on the official website. Check the organizer's current ticket information for the admission category you need; historical rates are not a current quote.
When does the Amsterdam Light Festival start?
The festival typically runs from late November to mid-January. For example, the 15th edition was announced for 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 by a partner site, but the official organizer has not yet published exact dates for the next edition. Watch official channels for announcements.
