Hotels near Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival turns the city's canals into an open-air gallery, with large light installations created by international artists placed along the waterways. The 15th edition is scheduled to run from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, though organisers describe the dates as provisional.

You can follow the route on foot, which is free, or see the installations from the water on a canal boat tour, which is ticketed. The walking route usually covers the historic centre and takes around two hours at a relaxed pace.

The festival is often called the highlight of an Amsterdam Christmas market trip, as the reflections on the canals are spectacular.

Pro Tip: Book an evening canal cruise for the best views of the installations reflected in the water. If you walk, download the route map before you go and start from Amsterdam Centraal.