Amsterdam Light Festival: Heated Cruise with Hot Drinks & Bite

Skip the endless walking and winter crowds needed to see Amsterdam Light Festival highlights on foot. Instead, relax aboard a cozy covered saloon boat for hassle-free views of the Dutch capital's dazzling illuminations. Your ticket includes a complimentary soft drink or alcoholic beverage (wine, beer, mulled wine, or hot chocolate).

Details

Tired of trudging through Amsterdam's chilly winter streets, weaving past massive crowds just to catch glimpses of the Amsterdam Light Festival's highlights?
This exclusive canal cruise changes everything, letting you savor the Dutch capital's mesmerizing illuminations from the plush seats of a cozy covered saloon boat—no sore feet, no elbowing through throngs, just pure, uninterrupted enchantment.

Picture gliding silently along iconic waterways like the Prinsengracht and Herengracht as glowing art installations spring to life: whimsical sculptures, interactive light displays, and luminous projections dancing across historic gabled houses and arched bridges.
Your ticket includes a complimentary soft drink or warming alcoholic beverage—choose from crisp wine, frothy beer, aromatic mulled wine, or rich hot chocolate—to sip while an onboard guide shares intriguing stories about the festival's international artists and nearby landmarks like the Anne Frank House.

Whether you're visiting during the holiday season or extending your stay into January, this hassle-free cruise delivers front-row seats to over 40 stunning works, all in about 75-90 minutes from a central departure point near Dam Square.

This activity is not available any more. Please try other activities.

What is included in activity

75-min Canal Cruise during the 14th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival

Experienced local skipper and live guide

Small bite or stroopwafel

Unlimited glühwein, hot chocolate, beer, wine, soft drinks

What is not included

Gratuities

1 hr 15 min

Group size up to 40 persons

Mobile ticket

English

Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Meeting point

Places you will see

• The Amstel
• the Prinsengracht
• Keizersgracht
• Herengracht

Reviews by travellers

4.7 out of 5

664 reviews

522

George A.

Wonderful experience with a great crew Eric E and Edom were great and informative on the canal and about Amsterdam. Friendly and warm

about 20 hours ago

Bobby S.

Great guide, amazing time on the cruise. Thank you for being so friendly and offering a nice tour of Amsterdam.

8 days ago

James T.

It was a festive activity which was well run and narrated by a cheerful and knowledgeable hostess. The staff kept the drinks flowing. My only complaint was the boat was filled to capacity. Each guest was shoulder to shoulder, cheek to cheek with the stranger sitting next to them. A little too close for comfort in my opinion.

12 days ago

James W.

Thank you. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed this light cruise. Salim and Celia were very friendly and knowledgeable throughout the cruise. Would highly recommend !

13 days ago

Jo T.

Thank you SO much Stan and Randy for an unforgettable boat ride. So funny, knowledgeable and fun, thank you! Would recommend this experience (it is my second time going) over and over but would only travel with this team in the future! x

19 days ago

Anita W.

The canal ride was a great way to see the light show. The boat was off putting as it was named the "Titanic" but since there was no icebergs in Amsterdam we figured we were same. The crew was enthusiastic and helpful.

25 days ago

Bonnie F.

Easy, intimate, and great skippers. Memorable boat ride for 1 hour. If I had to give one recommendation it would be to wish it was about 30 minutes longer. However, no marks taken off for 60 minutes. Everything was clean, organized and nice about this cruise. Thanks for a memorable time!

about 1 month ago

Viola R.

The boat was forty minutes late. They tried to squeeze as many people as possible on the boat making the seating uncomfortable. The snacks were not good and only limited to one. The drinks were not cold.

about 2 months ago

Kathleen R.

Great experience and pass time with family and friends. They try to pack the tours together (44/45 people, 28/30 people allowed). Our guide was amazing, female from Spain who spoke Spanish.

about 2 months ago

Route details changed.

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