Event Details
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027 – Edition 15 Lights Up the Canals
From 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city's historic UNESCO canal district into a glowing open-air museum of light art. The 15th edition marks a special milestone: since 2012, the festival has illuminated Amsterdam's darkest winter months and drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
Around 20 light artworks by local and international artists will be placed on, along and above the canals on a brand-new route through the city. All artworks are freely accessible to everyone. The festival is open daily from 16:30 to 23:00.
Highlights
- 15th anniversary edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival
- 20 light artworks by international and local artists
- Brand-new route along the Herengracht and Nieuwe Herengracht
- Free access to all artworks – no ticket required to view them
- Canal cruises with live commentary or audio guide
- Guided cycling and walking tours along the light route
- Free side programming and events along the route
- Open daily from 16:30 to 23:00
Program & Route
Edition 15 follows a brand-new route through Amsterdam's picturesque canal landscape. The exact route and participating artists will be announced in the months leading up to the festival. In addition to the light artworks, the festival is planning free events and side programming along the route. Follow the official website and social media channels for the latest updates on artists, artworks and events.
Tickets & Experiences
The light artworks are freely visible to all visitors – simply walk along the route at no cost. For a curated experience with commentary, the following options are available:
- Canal cruise – from approx. €27.50 per person; approx. 75 minutes on heated boats with audio guide or live commentary
- Guided bike tour – from approx. €21.90 per person; approx. 90 minutes with an expert guide through the illuminated canals
- Self-guided walk – digital map with audio tour via the official app from €6.99
Tickets for canal cruises and guided experiences go on sale from 1 October 2026.
Visitor Tips
- Book canal cruise tickets early: they sell out quickly, especially at weekends and around New Year.
- Dress in warm layers: cold air above the canals is intense, particularly on open boats.
- The walking route takes approximately 3 hours; wear comfortable footwear.
- Take care near the canal edges when photographing the artworks.
- Arrive by public transport or bicycle; driving in central Amsterdam is not recommended.
- Book accommodation several months in advance, especially for the New Year period.
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds; New Year's Eve is especially busy.
