During the winter months, Amsterdam is once again filled with light art. The Amsterdam Light Festival attracts many visitors every year, but Amsterdam residents themselves also enjoy walking or sailing around the city to see it in a different way.
From late November to mid-January, you will find various works of art by international artists along the canals. The theme of the 2025-2026 edition of the festival is Legacy, which looks at what we pass on and how we deal with our past and our future.
In this article, you can read everything you need to know about the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025-2026!
Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 Schedule
Walking, biking or riding a boat through the canals decorated with 20 light art installations.
Data
27 november 2025 - 18 januari 2026
All day
Costs
Location
What is the Amsterdam Light Festival?
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event in which the canals and streets are used as a backdrop for light installations. Artists create new works especially for this period, giving the city a different look during the dark months.
The 14th edition runs from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026, and revolves entirely around the theme of Legacy. This year, there will be twenty works of art by twenty artists spread throughout the city.
Tickets for the festival for walkers and cyclists cost € 6,99, which includes an app with an audio tour and the official route. This is not mandatory, but it is one of the biggest sources of income for the organizers. An alternative to walking is a canal boat tour. There are many different providers, but the official provider offers canal tours starting at € 29,75 per person.
Did you know?
Since July 1, 2025, Dago Houben has been the new director of the festival. He is responsible for the organization and direction of the festival in the coming years.
Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 route
The route for Amsterdam Light Festival 2025-2026 has now been announced. This year, the same route as the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024-2025 edition has been chosen again.
This means that this year's route mainly runs along the Herengracht. The route roughly looks like this:
- Central Station
- Nemo Science Museum
- Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime History Museum)
- Near Hortus Botanicus
- Over the Amstel
- All along the Herengracht
- Back to Central Station
The most convenient starting point for walkers and cyclists is therefore Central Station or the Scheepvaartmuseum. We then recommend heading clockwise towards Hortus and then walking or cycling the entire length of Herengracht. This route is approximately 6.5 kilometers.
How can you experience the festival?
There are three ways to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025-2026: by bike, on foot, or by boat. Each way offers a different perspective on the light art along the canals.
By bike
On a bike, you can see a lot of the route in a short time. It is the fastest way to view the artworks and ideal for those who know the city well. The route is mostly flat and easily accessible, but due to the crowds, it is not always possible to stop everywhere. Make sure you have good lighting and warm clothing, as the festival takes place in the evening.
Walking
In our opinion, walking the route is the most enjoyable way to experience it. You can see the installations up close, take photos, and set your own pace. The walking route is approximately 6.5 kilometers long and runs along Amsterdam's most important canals and squares.
Take your time to stop and admire the works and listen to the accompanying stories via the festival app. And of course, you have the luxury of stopping for a drink in a café every now and then. This is very welcome, as it can be quite cold during the winter months.
By boat
The most popular way to experience the festival is from the water. Many light installations are designed to be best viewed from the canal. During a 75-minute cruise, you will sail past all the artworks while enjoying a heated, covered boat. This is the most comfortable option, especially in cold weather, and offers the best view of the reflections in the water.
Practical information
Dates and times: The 14th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival will take place from Thursday, November 27, 2025, to Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Tickets: € 6,99 for the official app, audiotour and route. Tickets for boats start at € 27,95.
Tips for Amsterdam Light Festival 2025-2026
Dress warmly, because you'll really feel the winter during the Amsterdam Light Festival. The cold air above the canals is part of the charm, but a thick scarf and gloves make all the difference — especially if you want to walk for a long time or sit on an open boat. Oh, and the walking tour takes about 3 hours.
Leave the car at home. Parking in the city center is expensive and scarce, and public transport will get you to the festival area faster and more relaxed. Trams, metros, and trains run until late, so you can linger among the lights without stress.
Go for a walk: It's tempting to rent a boat, but walking is actually much more fun. It takes a little longer and is a lot colder, but you can warm up in countless pubs along the route. The walk is really a lot more enjoyable.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning every year, the Amsterdam Light Festival lets you rediscover the city time and time again. Winter evenings become brighter, warmer, and just a little bit more magical.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 take place?
The fourteenth edition will run from November 27, 2025, to January 18, 2026. During this period, the light artworks will be on display every evening as soon as it gets dark.
What does the festival consist of?
The festival consists of a route along the canals with approximately twenty unique light artworks. Visitors can choose between a walking tour, cycling route, or boat tour to experience the art in their own way.
Do I need to buy a ticket to participate?
No, the artworks are located in public spaces and can be viewed free of charge. However, you do need a ticket for extras such as an audio guide, route map, or boat tour. Tickets do provide income for the creators, so a small contribution of €6.99 helps keep the festival alive.
How long does the walking route take?
The walking route is approximately 6.5 kilometers long and takes an average of one and a half to three hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos.
What is the best way to get to the festival area?
The easiest way is by public transport. Many boat tours depart from Amsterdam Central Station, which is also a good starting point for the walking route. Parking in the city center is expensive and limited.
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