Rent a boat during Amsterdam Light Festival
Steer your own 8-person boat from € 97,50, or book a canal cruise from €29.75 p.p.
Rent a boat Book a canal cruiseAt Mokumboot it is possible to rent your own boat or book a cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival to experience the light artworks up close.
Amsterdam Light Festival Times
Experience the 14th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival from the water and book a canal cruise or rent your own boat with Mokumboot. The festival takes place from 27 November 2025 to 18 January 2026. The lights are on from Sunday to Tuesday between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and from Wednesday to Saturday between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Exceptions:
- During the Christmas holidays (20 December – 4 January), the lights are on daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- On Sunday 31 December (New Year’s Eve), the lights are on until 9:00 PM.
Mokumboot is an official partner of the Amsterdam Light Festival, and we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to experience this festival from the water.
Sailing yourself during the Amsterdam Light Festival
With us you have the opportunity to sail yourself during the Amsterdam Light Festivals. Our comfortable, open sloops are easy to steer, suitable for up to 8 people and you do not need a boating license. The advantages of renting a sloop during the Amsterdam Light Festival are that you decide for yourself how long you admire the light artworks and which route you sail.
Amsterdam Light Festival on the tour boat
At Mokumboot, you can enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival on our tour boats. Our luxury sloop or classic tugboat can accommodate up to 35 people, so invite your friends, family, or colleagues for an impressive outing through the canals of Amsterdam. Opt for a cozy gathering on the water; we’ll take care of the drinks.
Amsterdam Light Festival 2025 / 2026
“Edition 14: Legacy”
The upcoming edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival revolves around the theme “Legacy”. From 27 November 2025 to 18 January 2026, twenty international light artworks will illuminate the canals of Amsterdam. With this theme, artists pose the question: how do we want to be remembered, and what do we leave behind for future generations?
Every generation faces challenges—some inherited from our predecessors, others created by ourselves. Using light as their medium, the artists present personal stories and monumental installations that together form a living archive of our time. A unique experience you can discover yourself from the water in a Mokumboot boat.
Next to this, you see an impression of an artwork created especially for Edition 14 of the © Amsterdam Light Festival.
20 light artworks by international artists
The artists interpret the theme in their own way, resulting in a surprising mix of forms and styles. From monumental structures that transform bridges and quays to intimate installations that tell subtle stories – together they give the city a completely new appearance.
Along the route through the UNESCO canal district, you experience Amsterdam as an open-air museum of light. Whether you choose a walking tour or a boat trip in a Mokumboot, everywhere you go you’ll discover new perspectives on the city and its legacy.
Want to know more? Ask us!
Would you like to know more about booking a boat tour or renting a sloop during the Amsterdam Light Festival? Please contact us, and we will answer your questions as quickly as possible. For options regarding a customized arrangement on our tour boat, feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to help you organize the perfect gathering or tour through the beautifully illuminated canals of Amsterdam. Reserve directly or contact us using the buttons below.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 14th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 27 November 2025 to 18 January 2026. The lights are illuminated from Sunday to Tuesday between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and from Wednesday to Saturday between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM. During the Christmas holidays (20 December – 4 January), the lights are on daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. On New Year’s Eve (31 December), the lights are on until 9:00 PM.
Mokumboot offers three ways to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival: 1) Rent your own 8-person boat and navigate the canals independently; 2) Join a public canal cruise starting from €29.75 per person; 3) Book a private boat tour with a skipper, accommodating up to 35 people. Each option provides a unique perspective of the festival’s light artworks.
More information about Mokumboot Amsterdam Light Festival Tours
No, you do not need a boating license to rent a boat from Mokumboot during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Their comfortable, open sloops are easy to steer and suitable for up to 8 people, allowing you to navigate the canals without prior boating experience.
To book a private boat tour during the Amsterdam Light Festival, you can request a proposal through the Mokumboot website by filling out the online form. Alternatively, you can contact them directly via email at sales@mokumboot.nl or by calling +31 (0)20 210 5700. It’s advisable to book in advance to secure your preferred date and time during the festival period.
The private boat tour during the Amsterdam Light Festival lasts approximately 2 hours and can be booked from €425. This price excludes surcharges such as tourist tax (€ 2,70 per person) and any additional services like drinks or food. The tour accommodates up to 35 people and is guided by an experienced captain.
Mokumboot offers two types of boats for private tours during the Amsterdam Light Festival: the Luxury Open Sloop and the Classic Tugboat. Both boats can be provided with or without a canopy, according to your wishes. They are 100% electric and can accommodate up to 35 people. The Luxury Open Sloop provides an open-air experience with a canopy for shelter, while the Classic Tugboat offers a semi-open design inspired by traditional Amsterdam tugboats. Both boats are equipped with comfortable seating, a bar on board, and, in the case of the tugboat, a toilet for added convenience.
The private boat tour during the Amsterdam Light Festival includes a 2-hour cruise guided by an experienced captain, showcasing all 20 light artworks along the festival route. The tour features comfortable seating with cushions, umbrellas, and blankets on board to ensure a cozy experience. Additionally, an Amsterdam Light Festival brochure with information about the light artworks is provided to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the installations.
You can contact Mokumboot for more information about the Amsterdam Light Festival tours by calling +31 (0)20 210 5700 or by emailing info@mokumboot.nl. They are available to answer any questions you may have regarding reservations, routes, or options to make your festival visit an unforgettable experience.
