Every year, the city of Amsterdam organises the Amsterdam Light Festival. In 2018/2019, the Amsterdam Light Festival is from 29 November 2018 until 20 January 2019. International and national artists have created 30 spectacular light sculptures especially for the light exhibition in the canals of Amsterdam. This year’s theme is ‘The Medium is the Message’. The best way to see the Amsterdam Light Festival is by Canal Cruise. The light art installations are placed in and around the Amsterdam canals.
Amsterdam Light Festival: 29 November 2018 – 20 January, 2019
From the end of November 2018 till the end of January 2019, the inner city of Amsterdam lights up with light sculptures, projections and art installations along the Keizersgracht canal. The light art installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival water exhibition illuminate every day from 5 pm until 11 pm. The Amsterdam Light Festival is in open air and so free for everyone. Great opportunity to take impressive photos!
Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise
The best way to visit the water exhibition is by boat. Canal cruise companies offer special guided cruises along the artwork. The Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise takes 75 minutes.
⇒ Amsterdam Festival Cruise in luxury boat
Enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival in a 75-minute evening canal cruise. A comfortable boat: heated, equipped with pillows, blankets, a bathroom and other luxuries. Mulled wine and hot chocolate on board!
⇒ Water Colours Cruise with audio guide
Let yourself be enchanted by the illuminated canal houses, bridges and light works of art and experience the unique atmosphere from the water with this Water Colours Cruise. With audioguide. Prior to the cruise, you can enjoy a winter apple punch, mulled wine or hot chocolate.
⇒ Private boat with unlimited drinks
Are you with a group? You can rent a luxurious and comfortable private boat for 8, 10 or 12 people with captain. The captain will guide you through all the light artworks in a 75-minutes canal cruise. On board you can enjoy unlimited hot and cold drinks (also beer, glüwein) and there are typical Dutch deep fried snacks and warm blankets.
Festival of Light Route Canals
You can see the art works of light from the Festival of Light walking on the Keizersgracht. The route is 8,50 kilometer if you walk it by foot.

The route of the Amsterdam Festival of Light.
Below you will find an impression of the Amsterdam Light Festival of this year and earlier years.