Amsterdam Light Festival 2026-27 (Edition 15)

The 15th Amsterdam Light Festival runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Light artworks by international artists are installed along the canals and in the city centre, and visitors see them on foot or from a canal boat. It is a popular winter event for families, couples and groups on Christmas and New Year trips.

About Amsterdam Light Festival

Each winter the festival invites artists from different countries and disciplines to create light artworks for the city. The works are placed along canals and in public spaces, turning dark winter evenings into an open-air exhibition. The organiser notes that the festival is a foundation that depends on its visitors for support.

Many visitors take a canal cruise along the water route, while others follow the walking route through the historic centre. The festival fits well with Amsterdam's museums, Christmas markets and New Year celebrations, and with day trips to other Dutch cities.

Each edition has a new set of artworks, so returning visitors can always see something different. For travellers from the Gulf, North Africa and Asia, the festival adds an evening highlight to a winter city break, when the days are short and Amsterdam's canals are especially atmospheric after dark.

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 dates and venue

Amsterdam Light Festival Edition 15 runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The artworks are lit each evening; the official website lists daily lighting hours and any changes over the holidays.

Route maps, cruise partners and ticket information are on the official Amsterdam Light Festival website. Walking routes are generally free, while canal cruises are booked with the official cruise partners.

How to get to Amsterdam for Amsterdam Light Festival

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main gateway, with frequent trains to Amsterdam Centraal in around 15 to 20 minutes. Schiphol has direct flights from many cities in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) and Eindhoven Airport (EIN) are alternatives with rail links. Inside Amsterdam, trams, metro and walking are the easiest ways to reach the festival routes.

Where to stay

The Canal Ring (Grachtengordel), the Jordaan and the area around Centraal station are ideal for evening walks along the festival route. De Pijp and Oost are good-value alternatives with tram links.

Hotels in Amsterdam are busy over Christmas and New Year, so book early for those dates.

Travellers who want to avoid the busy centre can stay in Amsterdam Noord, reached by free ferries from behind Centraal station, or near Amstel and Zuid, which have fast metro links. Groups arriving by coach may find hotels outside the canal ring easier for drop-offs.

Planning a group trip to Amsterdam Light Festival

A group tour to Amsterdam Light Festival can combine an evening canal cruise with visits to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, a day trip to Zaanse Schans or Volendam, and a Christmas market. Agencies should reserve cruise slots in advance for groups.

Winter evenings are cold and damp, so advise travellers to dress warmly. Check entry requirements for the Netherlands with the official authorities.

Frequently asked questions

When is Amsterdam Light Festival 2026-27?

Edition 15 runs from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, according to the official website.

Is the festival free?

The walking route through the city is generally free. Canal cruises along the light route are run by official cruise partners and are paid.

Where are the artworks?

The artworks are installed along canals and in public spaces in the city centre. Route maps are on the official website.

Which airport serves Amsterdam?

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main airport, with frequent trains to Amsterdam Centraal.

Should we walk the route or take a cruise?

Both work. The walking route is flexible and free, while a cruise shows the artworks from the water as they were designed to be seen. Many groups do both on different evenings.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to Amsterdam Light Festival in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.