Central Station Departure

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Drinks

Step aboard for a magical evening on Amsterdam’s canals and see the city come alive with light and color during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Departing from Central Station, this cozy evening cruise offers the best view of the illuminated artworks from the water.

Sail comfortably on a heated, covered boat and enjoy drinks included as you glide past bridges and reflections that paint the canals with glowing art. Sit back, relax, and let the sparkle of the city surround you in an unforgettable experience of light and atmosphere.

Quick Details

Experience Amsterdam Illuminated from the Water

Experience the magic of the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water on a 75-minute cruise that takes you past dazzling light artworks transforming the canals into a symphony of color. Departing from Central Station, this comfortable, heated and covered boat features onboard restrooms and unlimited drinks to enjoy throughout your journey.

Take in the views from the open rear deck, perfect for seeing the installations up close or capturing your best photos, or relax beneath the panoramic skylight as the reflections dance across the water. The official audio guide, available in Dutch and English, shares fascinating stories and insights about each artwork. It’s the perfect way to spend a bright, inspiring evening filled with art, atmosphere, and charm.

The theme of this 14th edition, Legacy, invites you to reflect on what we preserve and what we leave behind. Twenty international artists reinterpret the city’s past and future through the power of light.

An unforgettable experience to be inspired, capture magical moments, and rediscover Amsterdam from its heart — the canals.

The festival runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

It is included
  • 75-minute cruise
  • Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks)
  • Heated and covered boat
  • Toilet on board
  • Lounge area on the rear deck for the best views
  • Panoramic skylight
  • Audio guide in Dutch and English
  • Friendly skippers with unique stories
Prices, cancellations and changes

Adults (13+ years): €39.75
Children (4–12 years): €19.90

Cancellations or modifications must be made at least 48 hours before the tour’s

Additional info

We recommend arriving at the boarding location at least 15 minutes before departure. In case of rain, it’s advisable to bring an umbrella, as the boarding area is not covered.

Restrictions

Boarding the boat requires climbing a few steps, which may be challenging for passengers with reduced mobility or those using a wheelchair.

Interior del crucero sobre los canales de Ámsterdam durante el Amsterdam Light Festival

The cruise is operated by Smidtje Canal Cruises, one of Amsterdam’s most renowned canal cruise companies. With years of experience and a modern, eco-friendly fleet, Smidtje stands out for its professionalism, attention to detail, and the warmth of its crew — turning every journey into a comfortable, safe, and authentically local experience.

Logotipo Smidtje