Amsterdam Light Festival
Amsterdam, Netherlands • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, Nov, Dec
5°C – 13°C, april brings milder temperatures between 5°c and 13°c, high crowds, peak season
5°C – 13°C, april brings milder temperatures between 5°c and 13°c, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Route accessible but includes uneven pavement and steep bridges.
Route accessible but includes uneven pavement and steep bridges.
Value for money
Medium
Mixed reviews, some found the art underwhelming for the price.
Mixed reviews, some found the art underwhelming for the price.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Evening
Couples found the illuminated canals beautiful and created a magical atmosphere for dates.
Unique Experience
Travelers enjoyed the creativity and the artistic installations, a memorable experience.
Beautiful Lights
Visitors loved the light art displays, especially the reflections in the water.
Overcrowded Boats
Couples felt the boat tours were too crowded, making it difficult to enjoy the art.
Underwhelming Art
Some couples felt the art was too conceptual and not as festive as expected.
Expensive Tickets
Travelers believed the boat tour prices did not justify the overall experience quality.
How to book
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
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USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
04:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
04:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
04:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
04:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
04:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
04:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
04:30 PM - 10:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Embark on an enchanting walking tour of the Amsterdam Light Festival.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
2-7°C
Cold temperatures with occasional snow or rain.
Cold temperatures with occasional snow or rain.
Open
Amsterdam Light Festival runs throughout December.
Amsterdam Light Festival runs throughout December.
Recommended
December is a peak season with the Amsterdam Light Festival in full swing and holiday festivities. Expect high tourist numbers and elevated prices. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
December is a peak season with the Amsterdam Light Festival in full swing and holiday festivities. Expect high tourist numbers and elevated prices. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
January
LOW
0-5°C
January is typically the coldest month in Amsterdam, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C. Snow is possible but not guaranteed, and the city often experiences grey skies and chilly winds.
January is typically the coldest month in Amsterdam, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C. Snow is possible but not guaranteed, and the city often experiences grey skies and chilly winds.
Closed
The Amsterdam Light Festival usually concludes in early January, so it may not be available throughout the month.
The Amsterdam Light Festival usually concludes in early January, so it may not be available throughout the month.
Not recommended
January offers a quieter experience in Amsterdam with fewer tourists and lower prices. However, the weather is cold and often grey, and the Amsterdam Light Festival may not be available for the entire month.
January offers a quieter experience in Amsterdam with fewer tourists and lower prices. However, the weather is cold and often grey, and the Amsterdam Light Festival may not be available for the entire month.
February
LOW
0-6°C
February remains cold, with temperatures between 0°C and 6°C. Rain is common, and occasional snow is possible.
February remains cold, with temperatures between 0°C and 6°C. Rain is common, and occasional snow is possible.
Closed
The Amsterdam Light Festival typically ends in early January, so it is not available in February.
The Amsterdam Light Festival typically ends in early January, so it is not available in February.
Not recommended
February offers a quiet atmosphere with low tourist numbers and lower prices. However, the weather is cold and wet, and the Amsterdam Light Festival is not available.
February offers a quiet atmosphere with low tourist numbers and lower prices. However, the weather is cold and wet, and the Amsterdam Light Festival is not available.
March
MEDIUM
2-10°C
March marks the beginning of spring, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C. The weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny and rainy days.
March marks the beginning of spring, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C. The weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny and rainy days.
Closed
The Amsterdam Light Festival concludes in early January, so it is not available in March.
The Amsterdam Light Festival concludes in early January, so it is not available in March.
Recommended
March offers milder weather and the beginning of spring blooms. Tourist numbers are moderate, and prices remain reasonable. The Amsterdam Light Festival is not available during this month.
March offers milder weather and the beginning of spring blooms. Tourist numbers are moderate, and prices remain reasonable. The Amsterdam Light Festival is not available during this month.
How to get there
Boat
Recommended
Canal cruises offer a quintessential festival experience. Numerous operators offer tours with various departure points, including near Central Station (Prins Hendrikkade) and the Anne Frank House.
Metro
Recommended
The Weesperplein metro station (lines 51, 53, and 54) directly serves the festival's office. From Amsterdam Central Station, it's a short ride. Waterlooplein is another key metro stop.
Walking
Recommended
A dedicated walking route is available, approximately 6.5 to 7.5 kilometers long. A recommended starting point is near Amsterdam Central Station or at the information point on the Blauwbrug near Waterlooplein.
Bike
Explore the festival by bicycle using the city's extensive network of bike lanes. Bike rentals are widely available throughout the city, including at most train stations.
Bus
Numerous bus lines, including 22, 305, 357, and 391, have stops near the festival route. The Weesperplein bus stop is a minute's walk from the festival office.
Car
While driving is possible, parking is limited and expensive. Consider using Park and Ride (P+R) facilities on the outskirts and then using public transport.
Ferry
Ferry services operate across the IJ River, connecting various parts of the city.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Amsterdam and can provide direct access to the festival's office or various tour departure points.
Train
Amsterdam Central Station is the primary gateway for visitors arriving from outside Amsterdam. From there, transfer to metro, tram, or bus.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required