Amsterdam Christmas Cruise | Magical Winter Canal Lights

What to expect on an Amsterdam Christmas cruise

Couple enjoying a scenic view on the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise.

Festive light ambience: The canals glow after dusk as bridges and buildings reflect in the water, setting the scene for a memorable evening ride.
Holiday-themed cruise options: Choose the dedicated “Happy Holidays Evening Cruise” with glühwein or hot chocolate and boterkoek, or the “Winter Evening Cruise” on a heated, closed boat for an extra cosy touch.
Heated, comfortable boats: Blue Boat’s evening cruises are 90 mins long and feature heated, covered vessels so you can relax in warmth while enjoying the view.
Unique perspective of Amsterdam: Cruising the canals at night gives you a fresh view of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt and stately merchant houses under winter skies.
Optional snacks, wine & upgrades: Many cruises offer add-ons such as snack boxes or wine & cheese packages to elevate your experience.
Bonus: While not strictly a Christmas event, the Amsterdam Light Festival runs from late November into January, and many of the same boats pick up the illuminated-artwork route.

Amsterdam Christmas Canal cruises

Evening cruise boat passing under illuminated bridge in Amsterdam.

Happy Holidays Evening Cruise

Dates: Dec 20, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 (except Dec 25 and 31)
Timings: Departures from 4:30pm–9pm
Location: Departs from Stadhouderskade 550 (opp. Heineken Experience)
Included with admission: No (special cruise ticket)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

A 90-min canal cruise through Amsterdam’s illuminated winter canals, with a complimentary glass of glühwein or hot chocolate and a piece of traditional Dutch boterkoek. Audio guide in six languages adds extra storytelling.

Guests enjoying a cozy evening cruise on a canal boat in Amsterdam.

Winter Evening Cruise

Dates: Nov 27, 2025–Jan 18, 2026 (except Dec 25 and 31
Timings: Departures from 4:30pm–9pm
Location: Departs from Stadhouderskade 501 (opp. Hard Rock Cafe)
Included with admission: No (special cruise ticket)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

This winter-and-holiday-friendly 90-min cruise ensures you stay warm and comfortable on a fully closed, heated boat, guaranteeing a pleasant trip regardless of the weather. Enhance your journey by upgrading to include either a snack box or a premium wine and cheese box.

Amsterdam Light Festival cruise

Dates: Nov 27, 25–Jan 18, 2026
Timings: 4:30pm–11pm
Location: Departs from Hard Rock Cafe, Damrak, Anne Frank House, A'DAM Tower, Starboard Dock or Oudezijds Voorburgwal
Included with admission: No (separate cruise ticket)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

This illuminated-art cruise routes through the canals, adorned with light installations created for the festival’s theme “Legacy”. The covered, heated boat and audio guide make it a good winter-evening complement to the holiday season.

Amsterdam Light Festival tickets

Plan your Amsterdam Christmas lights boat tour experience

Guests taking a selfie on a winter evening cruise in Amsterdam with city skyline in the background.

Festive cruises: 90 mins duration from 4:30pm–9pm
Amsterdam Light Festival cruises: Daily Nov 27, 2025–Jan 18, 2026 between 4:30pm–11pm

Boarding requirement: Boarding might take longer in wet weather, and traffic near the departure points can be slower. Arrive 20-30 mins early to avoid missing your slot

Best time to visit:

Fridays to Sundays tend to be much busier. For fewer crowds onboard and less noise, choose a Monday to Thursday slot in the early evening.
Families with younger children often find the 4-6pm departures ideal—it’s dark enough to see the lights, but early enough to wrap up before bedtime or dinner plans.

Address: Stadhouderskade 550 or Stadhouderskade 501, Amsterdam, Netherlands

By tram/metro: Tram 2 or 12 to Museumplein, then ~5-minute walk to Stadhouderskade 550; or metro 52 to Vijzelgracht, then ~2-minute walk
By car/parking: Central Amsterdam parking is limited and expensive; it is recommended to use public transport and park in a nearby garage or at a P+R facility.

Restroom sign at Medieval Dinner venue in Prague.

Restrooms: On board the covered boats and at the embarkation point.
Stroller/Wheelchair rental: Wheelchair-accessible boats are offered for the Happy Holidays cruise (max three wheelchairs per boat).
Snacks: Onboard snack box add-ons available; also possible at the ticket office prior to boarding.

Wheelchair access sign indicating barrier-free entry.

Wheelchair access: The Happy Holidays Evening Cruise offers dedicated accessible boats at 7pm and 9pm, with max three wheelchairs per boat
Sensory-friendly option: The heated, covered boats minimise cold/wind exposure and are family-friendly.

Canal cruise at dusk with illuminated bridge in Amsterdam.

Arrival time: Please board at least 15 mins before departure to ensure a timely departure.
Outside food/drink: Outside food and drink are restricted; you can choose to add snacks on the booking page.
Photography: Non-commercial photography is allowed; please consider other guests when moving about and use a stable posture on the boat.
Weather contingency: In case of extreme weather, the cruise may be cancelled or adjusted.

Couple enjoying wine and cheese on an Amsterdam canal cruise.

Hot drinks & cookies included: On the Happy Holidays Evening Cruise, you’ll receive a complimentary glass of Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot chocolate, paired with boterkoek (Dutch butter cake).

Upgrades available:

Snack box: Includes chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, nuts, and a water or soft drink.
Wine & cheese box: Includes a glass of wine, regional cheese and deluxe nut mix.

Frequently asked questions about booking an Amsterdam Christmas cruise

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

Yes, the holiday-themed cruises are separate ticket purchases and are not included with standard sightseeing cruises.

Are the Christmas-themed cruises suitable for children?

Absolutely. The Happy Holidays Evening Cruise and the Winter Evening Cruise are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Both also provide a free ‘Kid’s Cruise’ audio story and booklet with every child ticket purchased.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Generally, yes, but the operator reserves the right to cancel or adjust in case of extreme weather (particularly open-boat options). In such cases, you may be offered a refund or alternative slot — check your booking terms.

Do the cruises depart only in the evening, or are daytime festive options available?

The festive themed cruises are evening departures (post-4:30pm). Daytime festive cruises are not available.

Can I combine the Christmas cruise with the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise?

Yes. While the Light Festival cruise isn’t strictly a “Christmas” event, it runs during the festive winter months (Nov 27, 2025–Jan 18, 2026) and can be booked as an evening option alongside your holiday canal plans.

Are the Amsterdam Christmas canal cruises part of the Amsterdam Light Festival?

Not all cruises follow the Light Festival route. Make sure to choose a Light Festival cruise, especially if you want to see the light installations up close.

Is the audio guide included and in which languages?

Yes, the audio guide is available in six languages (Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish).

Can I choose wine instead of hot chocolate on the cruise?

Yes, you can choose either a glass of Glühwein (mulled wine) or hot chocolate as part of the ticket.

Is the Amsterdam Christmas cruise boat heated and covered for winter conditions?

Yes, the cruise is on a heated, covered boat, ensuring you stay warm while enjoying the winter evening.