What is the Amsterdam Festival of Lights?

It’s an annual winter event where international artists install light artworks throughout Amsterdam’s historic canals and city center.

When does the Festival of Lights take place?

From late November to mid-January each year, typically between November 27 and January 18.

What type of boats are used on this tour?

Tours use either the Jonckvrouw, a 1928 electric saloon boat with heating and open deck, or the modern 360° electric saloon boat named James Bond.

Are hot beverages included?

Yes, mulled wine and hot chocolate are served to keep you warm throughout the 90-minute cruise.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children aged 3 and older are welcome, but all guests must have a ticket due to limited capacity.

Can I take photos during the cruise?

Absolutely—boats feature sliding windows and open decks to facilitate unobstructed photography of the installations.

Amsterdam Festival of Lights Cruise with Captain Dave Amsterdam | Boat Tour | City Tour

Amsterdam’s canals pulse with a new kind of energy every winter as the Amsterdam Festival of Lights breaks the city’s usual nighttime calm. For 90 minutes, Captain Dave Amsterdam offers a rare vantage point aboard historic electric boats that glide silently through the city’s iconic waterways. Setting out from Herengracht 124, this intimate tour reveals a glowing network of light installations that transform Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal ring into an urban gallery.

The boats themselves add to the experience—take the Jonckvrouw, a 1928 electric saloon boat outfitted with heating, sliding windows, an open deck, and even onboard toilets. Whether seated inside the cozy lounge or on deck beneath the cool winter sky, guests enjoy uninterrupted views of floating light sculptures and illuminated facades. The thoughtful inclusion of mulled wine and hot chocolate warms bodies and spirits alike, making the chilly December evenings utterly enjoyable.

Captain Dave Amsterdam’s Festival of Lights cruise is a standout in Amsterdam’s winter recreation scene not just for its visual feast but for its storytelling approach. Guides share context about the artworks and city history, deepening visitors’ appreciation beyond the dazzling colors. With group sizes capped at 12, this experience balances a personal, relaxed vibe with expert insight.

Geographically, Amsterdam’s canal ring is a feat of urban engineering, designed in concentric arcs and lined by narrow houses of brick and timber. The illuminated art pieces reverberate off these classic structures, highlighting the relationship between the city’s architecture and modern creativity. This seasonal event draws visitors keen on cultural immersion and low-impact outdoor enjoyment within an iconic European hub.

In a city famed for cycling and walking tours, a winter canal cruise uniquely blends outdoor charm with twilight spectacle, making it a must for travelers pursuing something fresh and authentic in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic center.