We will be in Amsterdam in mid December and would like to book a canal tour to see the Christmas lights. Any recommendations? Will any tour booked late enough in the evening work or do I need to look for one that specifically is for the lights? Thanks.
Posted by
The Netherlands
1587 posts
The art works of the Amsterdam Light Festival are located in the eastern part of the canal belt, whereas the regular canal cruises tend to focus on the central part of the canal zone. There may be some overlap in the routes of the regular cruises and the special Festival cruises, but if you want to see the art works it’s best to go on a special festival cruise. All info here https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/en
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1060 posts
when we were there mid Dec a couple years ago - seems everyone just walked over the the canal boat area and booked on location - boats leave constantly and it was easy. We liked the late afternoon tour because we could see the homes and architecture so much better. Amsterdam, for us, was underwhelming in the way of Xmas Lights, but we had just left the Xmas Markets in Austria & Germany. I know we didn't pre-book anything except for Anne Frank House and Van Gogh and a Gouda & wine tasting at a cheese shop. We are going again Dec. 2023 and we plan to do the same - I'll be following this to see if anything has changed.
Posted by
The Netherlands
1587 posts
The Amsterdam Light Festival has nothing to do with Christmas lights. The Amsterdam Light Festival is an art festival that features 20 light art works. These art installations will be placed in or right next to the canals in the eastern part of the canal zone.
Like I said, regular canal cruises focus on the central part of the canal zone. If you want to see the Light Festival, you need to go on a special cruise or follow the walking route.