Quick facts — Dates: 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 · Edition: 15th · Lights on: every day 16:30–23:00 (31 December until 21:00) · Light artworks: about 20 · Walking route: 4.5 km · Cruise: about 75 minutes.
Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual art festival that turns the historic centre of Amsterdam into an open-air exhibition of contemporary light art. Since 2012, Dutch and international artists have created light artworks along the canals, bridges and quays of the city.
The festival is organised by the Amsterdam Light Festival Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation. The light artworks can be viewed free of charge from public space; cruises and the guided Light Walk with the festival app are ticketed.
Edition 15 has no fixed theme. It marks fifteen years of light art in Amsterdam, with local, national and international artists each bringing their own perspective on the city. The route runs counter-clockwise through the centre and east of Amsterdam.
There are two ways to see it. On foot, the 4.5 km route is free and lets you linger, but expect two hours or more in the cold. From the water, a cruise covers the route in about 75 minutes and shows the artworks from the perspective many were designed for.
Kinboat is an official partner of Amsterdam Light Festival and sails the route with open boats (blankets on board) and closed, heated boats with drinks included. Private boats for groups are available on request.
For programme updates, see the official festival website: amsterdamlightfestival.com.
Sail the route
Covered, open and private cruises through the Edition 15 route are operated by Kinboat, official partner of this guide.
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