When is the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025?

The Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 runs from 27 November 2025 to 18 January 2026, featuring the theme ‘Legacy’ with spectacular light art installations along Amsterdam’s historic canals. This 14th edition offers visitors nearly two months to experience the magical winter light displays from both land and water perspectives. The festival transforms Amsterdam’s iconic waterways into an outdoor gallery, making it one of Europe’s most anticipated winter attractions.

When does Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 officially start and end?

Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 officially begins on 27 November 2025 and concludes on 18 January 2026. The festival runs for approximately eight weeks, providing ample opportunity for visitors to plan their trip around this spectacular winter event. The opening ceremony typically takes place on the first evening, marking the official illumination of all light installations throughout the city.

This timing follows the festival’s established pattern of spanning the winter months when Amsterdam’s early darkness creates the perfect backdrop for light art. The extended duration allows the festival to capture both the pre-Christmas period and the New Year celebrations, making it accessible to holiday visitors and winter travellers alike.

The 2025 edition maintains the traditional eight-week format that has proven successful in previous years. Visitors should note that all installations remain illuminated throughout the entire period, with no scheduled dark days or maintenance closures. The festival’s duration provides flexibility for international tourists planning short city breaks, as they can visit any time during the two-month window and experience the complete artistic programme.

What are the best times to visit Amsterdam Light Festival during its run?

Early evening hours between 17:00-19:00 offer the optimal viewing experience, providing the perfect balance of darkness for light visibility and manageable crowd levels. Weekday evenings typically see fewer visitors than weekends, creating a more intimate atmosphere for photography and leisurely exploration of the installations.

Weather considerations play a significant role in planning your visit. December and early January can bring rain and wind, making covered viewing options particularly valuable. The crisp winter air enhances the contrast of the light installations, but visitors should dress warmly as temperatures often drop below freezing during evening hours.

Weekend evenings, particularly Friday and Saturday nights, attract larger crowds but also create a more vibrant atmosphere. Late evening visits after 20:00 offer quieter experiences, though some restaurants and cafés along the route may have reduced hours. The festival’s extended run means visitors can easily adjust their plans based on weather conditions and personal preferences.

Holiday periods, especially the weeks between Christmas and New Year, represent peak visiting times with increased crowds but also enhanced festive atmosphere. Early December visits often provide the best combination of manageable crowds and holiday spirit, while late January offers a more serene conclusion to the festival experience.

How can you experience Amsterdam Light Festival through eco-friendly canal cruises?

Electric canal cruises provide the most sustainable way to view the Amsterdam Light Festival, offering unique water-level perspectives of the light installations while minimising environmental impact. These eco-friendly amsterdam light festival boat tours use silent electric motors that don’t disturb the peaceful winter atmosphere or contribute to water pollution.

Viewing the installations from canal level creates magical reflections in the water that cannot be experienced from street level. The gentle movement of the boat provides constantly changing perspectives of each artwork, while the water’s surface doubles the visual impact through mirror-like reflections. Electric boats move quietly through the historic waterways, allowing passengers to hear the subtle sounds of the city and fully immerse themselves in the artistic experience.

We offer three carefully curated cruise options as an official partner of the amsterdam light event. Our standard open boat experience brings you closest to the water and artworks, complete with complimentary blankets and warm refreshments. The premium open boat option includes unlimited drinks throughout the journey, while our classic covered boats provide shelter from winter weather with panoramic windows for optimal viewing.

All our cruises depart from our convenient Central Station location and follow the complete festival route over 75-90 minutes. Booking considerations include weather preferences, group size, and desired comfort level. For the most authentic Dutch canal experience, we recommend our open boat options, though covered boats ensure comfort regardless of weather conditions. Advanced booking is essential during peak periods, and our amsterdam light festival boat tour provides detailed information about available times and pricing. For specific questions about your visit, our team is available through our contact page.

What should you know about planning your Amsterdam Light Festival visit?

Book accommodation early as Amsterdam hotels fill quickly during the festival period, particularly for weekend stays and holiday weeks. The festival’s popularity means that central locations near the canal ring become especially sought after, with many visitors preferring to stay within walking distance of the light installations.

Weather preparation is essential for enjoying the festival experience. Waterproof clothing and warm layers are necessary, as Amsterdam’s winter weather can be unpredictable. Comfortable, waterproof footwear becomes particularly important for walking along cobblestone streets and canal paths. Photography enthusiasts should bring tripods for long exposure shots and extra batteries, as cold weather drains camera power quickly.

The festival integrates beautifully with other Amsterdam winter attractions. The nearby Christmas markets, seasonal ice skating rinks, and cosy brown cafés create perfect opportunities to warm up between viewing sessions. Many visitors combine their light festival experience with visits to world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House, which offer indoor cultural activities during daylight hours.

Family-friendly considerations include earlier viewing times when children can better appreciate the installations before becoming tired. Many installations are accessible via pushchair-friendly routes, though some canal-side locations may require careful navigation. The festival’s extended duration means families can plan multiple shorter visits rather than attempting to see everything in one evening.

For visitors with limited time in Amsterdam, prioritising the water route installations provides the most comprehensive experience. The canal-based artworks form the festival’s core, and viewing them via boat tour ensures you see the complete artistic narrative while staying warm and comfortable throughout the journey.