Amsterdam Light Festival will be held this winter season from 1 December 2022 to 22 January 2023. In this eleventh edition, the event takes you to the world of imagination with the theme ‘Imagine Beyond‘. Come and enjoy the works of light art on, along and in the canals of Amsterdam. During this edition, it is finally possible again to experience the works of art from the water with a Light Festival cruise through the Canals of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Light Festival

During the dark winter months, the open-air light exhibition ‘Light Festival Amsterdam‘ transforms the Amsterdam canals into a unique canvas for light art. During this eleventh season, 20 wondrous works of art can be viewed on a route along the Amsterdam canals. The light spectacle lasts 53 days and starts on Thursday 1 December 2022 and lasts until Sunday 22 January 2023.

Theme 2022/2023: ‘ Imagine beyond’

During this eleventh season of the Light Festival Amsterdam, you will be taken to the world of imagination. With imagination, you can imagine the future the way you want to. Dream along and exceed the here and now. Be inspired by the works of light art. Are there talking lamps, virtual bridges and water flowing upwards? Go on a voyage of discovery through the Amsterdam canals.

Light Festival Cruises

The Amsterdam Light Festival is best experienced from the canals of Amsterdam. There are several canal cruises available that follow the special Light Festival route and explain the works of light while cruising the canals (live or via an audio guide). Check out the different cruise experiences below and book the cruise that suits you best.

Tickets for the Light Festival cruises can be booked from the end of September.

Closed + heated canal boats

Enjoy a comfortable cruise past the illuminated artworks of the Light Festival Amsterdam in one of the closed canal boats. The many windows give you a good view of the light artworks and Amsterdam. These tours depart from Amsterdam Central Station.

Open top canal boats

These comfortable canal boats have a roof but are open on the sides. This gives you an even better view of the works of light. It may, however, be colder than in the closed canal boats. There are blankets in the boat for extra warmth if necessary. These tours depart from Amsterdam Central Station.

Opening hours Light Festival Cruises

The Light Festival’s light artworks are on every day from 17:00 to 23:00. On New Year’s Eve, the light artworks will be switched off at 20.00 hours. The canal boats start between 16:30 and 21:30.

Weekday	Opening hours
Monday	4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday	4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Wednesday	4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Thursday	4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday	4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday	4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday	4:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Prices and Departure locations Light Festival cruise

There are several departure locations for the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruises. You reserve a ticket for a specific departure location.

Departure location	Type of boat	Price 12+	Price 0-11
Central Station	Closed and heated boat	€ 26.50	€ 13.25	Buy tickets
Central Station	Open top boat	€ 26.50	€ 13.25	Buy tickets
Central Station	Closed and heated boat including Drinks & Bites	€ 37.50	€ 19.50	Buy tickets
Leidseplein	Closed and heated boat	€ 26.50	€ 13.25	Buy tickets

The canal boats depart from a stop near Central Station or Leidseplein and are easily accessible by train, metro, tram and bus. You can easily plan your trip by public transport via 9292. Parking is available near Central Station at the Central Station car park.

Light Festival Bike Tour

See the works of light art in Amsterdam in the most Dutch way with the Light Festival bike tour. This 1,5 hour guided Light Festival bike tour takes you to the most beautiful locations in wintery Amsterdam. Your guide speaks Dutch and English. The tour departs at 5 pm every day during the Light Festival. The tour starts and ends at A-Bike Dam Square, Rokin 105, Amsterdam. After the tour there will be free coffee and tea available

Tickets	Price
Light Festival Bike tour	€ 49.95	Buy tickets

Light Festival Walk Tour

You can also enjoy the works of light art from the quay. A special 6.5-kilometre walking route has been developed that takes you past the works of art. You can choose between the walking tour including or excluding an audio guide (in English or Dutch) The route map and audio guide are on sale at the Light Festival Amsterdam ticket shop.

Ticket	Price
Route map	€ 7.50	Buy tickets
Route map + Audio Guide	€ 15.00	Buy tickets

Hotel during the Light Festival Amsterdam

Would you like to enjoy the Light Festival Amsterdam and the other winter activities in the city? Then book a hotel in Amsterdam. The winter period is popular every year so book your hotel in time. Check the map below for current availability and prices.

Booking.com

Winter Festival Map

Populair links

• Winter Card Amsterdam
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