Amsterdam: Light Festival Canal Cruise & Unlimited Drinks

Summary

Amsterdam canals glow with art as boats drift and laughter rises

You’ll settle into a heated saloon boat in Amsterdam’s canals for the Light Festival, sipping unlimited drinks while your local guide shares stories behind each glowing artwork. Watch reflections ripple past, snack on fresh stroopwafels or salty bites, and feel that odd sense of togetherness as city lights flicker outside. It’s not just sightseeing — you’ll remember how it felt.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to shake off the cold before we stepped onto the old wooden saloon boat — it smelled faintly of varnish and something sweet, maybe stroopwafel? Our guide, Sander, handed out mugs of glühwein right away. He grinned when I tried to pronounce it (I failed), and then pointed out the first light sculpture flickering under a bridge. The city looked different from the water — softer somehow, with all those reflections wobbling in the canal.

The Amsterdam Light Festival really does change how you see things. We drifted past more than twenty pieces — some huge and bright, others just a strange glow behind the trees. Sander told stories about each artist (he knew where they were from, which surprised me), but sometimes I just zoned out, watching people on bikes whiz by above us or listening to the clink of glasses on board. Someone spilled hot chocolate and everyone laughed — it felt like we were all in on something together.

I kept my hands wrapped around my mug most of the time. There was wine too, and beer if you wanted it, but honestly I stuck with glühwein because it warmed me up from the inside out. The stroopwafel was chewy and warm enough that it bent when I picked it up — probably not meant to be fancy but exactly what you want on a night like this. At one point Sander dimmed the lights so we could see an artwork better; for a second everyone went quiet except for the sound of water against the hull. That silence stuck with me more than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise

• Board luxury covered saloon boat
• Cruise through illuminated canals
• View 20+ light artworks
• Enjoy unlimited drinks and snacks
• Relax and experience light art

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes along Amsterdam’s illuminated festival route.

Are unlimited drinks included on this tour?

Yes, if you choose that option you get unlimited glühwein, hot chocolate, beer, wine, and soft drinks during your cruise.

Is there a live guide on board?

Yes, an experienced local skipper and live guide are included to share stories about the festival artworks.

What kind of snacks are served?

You can choose between a fresh stroopwafel or a portion of salted snacks if you select that option at booking.

Is this canal cruise suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can sit on laps or in strollers.

Do I need to arrive early for boarding?

No, please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before boarding time to avoid congestion at the quay.

Is there heating on board during winter?

The classic saloon boat is heated inside for comfort during colder months or evenings.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 75-minute heated canal cruise during Amsterdam’s Light Festival with an experienced skipper and live guide sharing stories along the route; unlimited glühwein, hot chocolate, beer, wine or soft drinks if you choose that option; plus your pick of either a fresh stroopwafel or salty snacks while floating through illuminated canals before returning to shore.