Amsterdam Light Festival

Anniversary edition 15 from the water: covered boat, mulled wine and a Dutch snack included.
75-90 minutes
Central Station
From 3 years

Amsterdam Light Festival cruise 2026–2027

From Thursday 26 November 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027, Amsterdam’s canals turn into an open-air gallery of light art once again. Edition 15 is an anniversary edition: fifteen years of Amsterdam Light Festival, with a brand-new route featuring work by local, national and international artists. Many of the artworks are designed to be seen from the water, and that is exactly where an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with KINboat takes you.

KINboat is an official partner of Amsterdam Light Festival Edition 15. You sail in a small, covered boat from our ticket booth right opposite Amsterdam Central Station. On board you get a mulled wine (glühwein) or tea and a Dutch snack, while your skipper takes you past the light installations and shares stories about the art and the city.

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Gasten met warme drankjes en stroopwafels in een overdekte KINboat sloep met lichtkunst buiten tijdens Amsterdam Light Festival
Gasten kijken vanuit een overdekte boot naar de verlichte Magere Brug en lichtkunst tijdens Amsterdam Light Festival

What to expect on the Light Festival canal cruise

The light installations reflect in the dark canal water, framed by historic canal houses and bridges. From the boat you see the artworks the way the artists intended, away from the crowds on the quays.

  • The new festival route from the water: the anniversary edition comes with a completely new route. Our skippers sail past the artworks and take their time at the best viewing points.
  • Covered, yet close to the art: during the festival we only sail with covered boats, so you’re sheltered from wind and rain with a good view of the artworks. Do dress warmly, it’s still winter on the canals.
  • A local skipper: hear the stories behind the artworks and the canal ring along the way.
  • Mulled wine and a Dutch snack: included with every ticket. Prefer unlimited drinks? Choose the unlimited drinks ticket.

Departure times

During the festival we depart every 30 minutes between 17:00 and 21:30. On New Year’s Eve (31 December) the lights are on until 21:00 and the last boat departs at 19:30. You can book online up to 30 minutes before departure.

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Amsterdam Light Festival cruise tickets and prices

Early bird: now 25% off all tickets. Book early and cruise from €22.31 (children €11.18). With unlimited drinks from €29.81 (children €14.93).

  • Cruise + mulled wine or tea + snack: €29.75 (children €14.90)
  • Cruise + unlimited drinks + snack: €39.75 (children €19.90). Unlimited mulled wine, tea, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Weekends and the Christmas holidays sell out first every year, so book early. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Meeting point

Board at the KINboat ticket booth at Prins Hendrikkade 33A, directly opposite Amsterdam Central Station. Please check in at the booth a few minutes before departure.

Private boat during the Light Festival

Coming with a group, a company outing or for a special occasion? You can also book a private boat during the Light Festival: up to 30 people, from €600 per boat.

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Schipper van KINboat verwelkomt gasten bij de opstapplaats tegenover Amsterdam Centraal voor de Light Festival rondvaart
Local, Enthusiastic Skippers

Our experienced skippers will tell you all about the city’s rich history. Enjoy friendly service and a personal canal tour.

Different boarding locations

For our canal cruises, we depart from various locations: near Central Station, the Anne Frank House, and the Rosewood Hotel. Choose where you want to board and experience the convenience of sailing with KINboat!

Free Cancellation

Flexibility is paramount at KINboat. Cancel for free up to 24 hours before departure and book with confidence for a worry-free canal cruise through Amsterdam.

5 out of 5 Stars on Tripadvisor

It is no coincidence that KINboat has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor. And that with over 5,000 reviews!

Frequently asked questions

Edition 15 of Amsterdam Light Festival runs from Thursday 26 November 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027. It is the anniversary edition: the festival turns fifteen and has a completely new route.

Every 30 minutes between 17:00 and 21:30. On 31 December the last boat departs at 19:30, as the lights go out at 21:00 that evening.

At the KINboat ticket booth, Prins Hendrikkade 33A, directly opposite Amsterdam Central Station.

The Light Festival cruise takes about 75 to 90 minutes.

The standard ticket (€29.75, children €14.90) includes a mulled wine or tea and a Dutch snack. The unlimited drinks ticket (€39.75, children €19.90) includes unlimited mulled wine, tea, beer, wine and soft drinks, plus the snack.

Yes. During the Light Festival we only sail with covered boats, so you are sheltered from wind and rain. Do wear warm clothes.

Yes, the cruise is suitable from age 3 and there is a reduced child price.

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends and the Christmas holidays. You can book online up to 30 minutes before departure and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure.

Yes, right now you get 25% early bird discount on all Amsterdam Light Festival cruise tickets. The standard ticket then costs €22.31 (children €11.18) and the unlimited drinks ticket €29.81 (children €14.93).

Yes, we organise private cruises along the light artworks for groups and special occasions. Email info@kinboat.com or call +31 20 261 34 66 for the options.

KINboat stands for friendship, comfort, and friendly service

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