Lightfestival Amsterdam

Amsterdam in a different light

Every winter, Amsterdam is transformed into an open-air museum of light art. During the Amsterdam Light Festival, the canals and historic city centre provide the backdrop for extraordinary light artworks by artists from the Netherlands and abroad. From 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, you can discover the fifteenth edition of the festival. The artworks can be admired daily from 4.30 pm. Amsterdam Light Festival: explore the route from the water, stroll along the canals or discover the city by bike. And after an evening filled with light art, return to the peaceful, intimate atmosphere of Hotel Nicolaas Witsen.

What to expect

When: 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 inclusive

What: Light art along and above Amsterdam’s canals

How: On foot, by bike or by sightseeing boat

Who is it for?: Young and old

Explore the local area

Top 5 Tips

Go as soon as it gets dark

The light art installations are illuminated every day from 4.30 pm to 11.00 pm. In the early evening, you can combine the walk with dinner or a drink in town.

Choose a boat trip

From the water, you’ll experience the artworks from a completely different perspective. A boat trip takes about 75 minutes, and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view.

Wrap up warm

Even if you opt for a walk or a trip on an open boat, it can get quite cold in the evening. A warm coat, a scarf and sturdy shoes will make the experience much more enjoyable.

Book in advance

It can get busy, particularly at weekends and around public holidays. If you’d like to sail at a specific time, please book your ticket in advance via the official ticket shop.

Combine the festival with an evening in Amsterdam

Make the most of it – don’t just visit the light art exhibition. Why not start with a visit to a museum, a dinner or a stroll through the city, and round off the evening with the Light Walk or a boat trip?

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Frequently Asked Questions

That depends on your preference. From the water, you get a unique perspective on the artworks, whilst during the Light Walk you walk through the historic city centre yourself. Amsterdam Light Festival

You can start the walking route at various points. Amstel 1 and Waterlooplein are good starting points. Many canal cruises depart from the area around Amsterdam Central Station.

The fifteenth edition will take place from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The light art installations can be viewed daily from 4.30 pm to 11.00 pm. On 31 December, the lights will switch off at 9.00 pm.

The light art installations can be viewed in public spaces. You do, however, need to buy a ticket for the official walking and boat tours. This gives you access to the route, information and an audio tour, amongst other things, and helps to support the festival.

The official walking route is approximately 4.5 kilometres long and takes an average of an hour and a half. A boat trip along the route takes around 75 minutes. Amsterdam Light Festival

Yes. From Hotel Nicolaas Witsen in Amsterdam, you can easily make your way to the historic city centre. For the festival, we recommend using public transport or cycling; travelling to the city centre by car is not recommended due to the crowds. Amsterdam Light Festival