Event Dates
From: Thursday, November 26, 2026
To: Sunday, January 17, 2027
Enjoy a beautiful experience this Winter at the annual Amsterdam Light Festival as the city is transformed into a living art gallery.
Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city’s historic canals into an open-air art exhibition, with illuminated installations reflected in the water and framed by Amsterdam’s famous canal houses. The 15th anniversary edition features 20 new artworks created by international artists, offering visitors a different view of the Dutch capital on dark winter evenings.
- For a luxury stay in the canal district, choose Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, a contemporary design hotel overlooking one of Amsterdam’s most attractive canals, within easy reach of the festival and the city’s gay nightlife.
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026 – The Event
- Next Event: Thursday, November 26, 2026 To Sunday, January 17, 2027.
- Edition 15 celebrates fifteen years of the Amsterdam Light Festival with a completely new exhibition.
- Twenty light installations are displayed along the canals, created by Dutch and international artists.
- The lights are on daily from 4.30pm to 11pm, except New Year’s Eve, when they switch off at 9pm.
- Visitors can explore on foot, take an organised canal cruise or enjoy selected artworks by bicycle.
- Viewing the installations in public spaces is free; official guided experiences and route information are paid.
- Check out the 10 best hotels in Amsterdam.
The 15th Anniversary Edition
The 2026-27 Amsterdam Light Festival asks artists to share what they want to communicate to the city and its residents.
- Rather than repeating popular installations from previous years, the anniversary edition presents an entirely new collection of light art. Expect large-scale illuminated sculptures, projections and installations that interact with the water, bridges and historic architecture.
- The festival is organised by an independent non-profit foundation, with proceeds from official walking and cruise experiences helping fund the artworks and future editions.
- Additional activities, including special Light Nights and hospitality experiences, are expected to be announced during the season.
Amsterdam Light Festival – Dates and Opening Hours
Dates Lights On 26th Nov 2026 – 17th Jan 2027 Daily, 4.30pm-11pm 31st Dec 2026 4.30pm-9pm The festival operates throughout the Christmas and New Year period, making it easy to combine with Amsterdam’s seasonal markets and celebrations.
The Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to see Amsterdam Light Festival, with illuminated sculptures reflected in the water and the city’s historic bridges providing a dramatic backdrop.
- Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Cruise with Drinks and Snacks – A 75-minute electric boat cruise with live commentary, blankets and optional unlimited drinks, including mulled wine and hot chocolate.
- The cruise follows the festival route past the 20 installations, with the guide explaining the artworks and their creators.
- Boats are partly covered but not heated, so dress warmly. There is no onboard toilet.
- The drinks package is optional and must be selected when booking.
The Walking Route
The Amsterdam Light Festival walking route covers approximately 4.5km and takes around 90 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the artworks at their own pace.
- Download the official Amsterdam Light Festival walking app.
- The Light Walk costs €7.99 and includes GPS navigation, an audio guide and information about the installations.
- You can begin anywhere along the route, with Amstel 1 and Waterlooplein suggested as convenient starting points.
- The installations are free to view, but the detailed route and commentary require the paid app.
For the latest artwork locations and programme, visit the official Amsterdam Light Festival website.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
For the Amsterdam Light Festival, stay within the historic canal belt or near Rembrandtplein. These neighbourhoods provide convenient access to the illuminated waterways, restaurants and Amsterdam’s principal gay bars.
The canal belt is best for a romantic winter break, while the area around Reguliersdwarsstraat is more convenient for visitors planning late-night drinks after the exhibition.
- Pulitzer Amsterdam – Best for a classic canal-side stay. A luxury hotel occupying a collection of historic canal houses, with individually styled rooms, an attractive courtyard and a sophisticated cocktail bar. Particularly appealing for couples seeking a traditional Amsterdam experience.
- Hotel Estheréa – Best for a romantic winter weekend. An elegant boutique hotel overlooking the Singel canal, known for its richly decorated interiors and intimate atmosphere. Convenient for shopping, restaurants and exploring the city on foot.
- Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel – Best for the Amstel and gay nightlife. A historic five-star hotel overlooking the river, close to Rembrandtplein and Reguliersdwarsstraat. A particularly good location for combining the festival with evening drinks.
- NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market – Best for a central city break. A contemporary hotel overlooking the Bloemenmarkt, with easy access to the main shopping streets, canal district and gay bars around Rembrandtplein.
Gay Amsterdam – Before or After the Festival
Amsterdam’s gay nightlife is concentrated around Reguliersdwarsstraat, with additional bars near the Amstel, Spuistraat and the Red Light District.
The festival is particularly easy to combine with an early dinner and a few drinks. Take a canal cruise around sunset, then head towards Rembrandtplein, where several gay bars stay open well into the evening.
Reguliersdwarsstraat and Rembrandtplein
- Soho Amsterdam – Reguliersdwarsstraat 36. A popular gay bar with two levels, pop music, DJs and a lively weekend crowd. Ideal for visitors looking to continue the evening after the festival.
- EXIT Café – Reguliersdwarsstraat 42. A compact, energetic gay bar with DJs, familiar pop hits and late-night dancing. A convenient stop for visitors staying near Rembrandtplein.
- Taboo Bar – Reguliersdwarsstraat 45. A sociable gay bar with cocktails, drag performances and outdoor seating, particularly lively at weekends.
Canal District and Historic Centre
- PRIK – Spuistraat 109. A friendly gay cocktail bar with a mixed-age crowd, creative drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. Particularly good for visitors who prefer conversation to a crowded dance floor.
- The Queen’s Head – Zeedijk 20. A longstanding gay bar in the historic centre, known for drag entertainment, themed evenings and a welcoming mix of locals and tourists.
- Café ‘t Mandje – Zeedijk 63. A historic gay-friendly café dating back to 1927, with traditional Dutch bar interiors and an important place in Amsterdam’s gay history.
For a relaxed winter evening, choose a heated canal cruise followed by drinks around Reguliersdwarsstraat. PRIK is a better option for an earlier, quieter cocktail, while Soho and EXIT are livelier later at night.
Amsterdam at Christmas
Amsterdam Light Festival coincides with the city’s Christmas season, when shopping streets, squares and waterfront areas take on a festive atmosphere.
Visitors travelling in December can combine the illuminated canals with the Christmas markets, seasonal skating attractions and winter events around Museumplein.
The busiest period is generally from mid-December through New Year, when international visitors arrive for Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Book canal cruises and centrally located hotels in advance for these dates.
Explore the Amsterdam Christmas Markets Guide for the latest seasonal attractions and market dates.
More Gay Events in Amsterdam
- Furball Amsterdam – A men-only dance and cruise party popular with bears, cubs and their admirers.
- Bear Necessity Amsterdam – A popular bear party series, including a special Christmas edition in December.
- Amsterdam Gay Pride – The city’s major summer Pride celebration, featuring the famous Canal Parade and parties throughout the city.
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Hotel Pulitzer is where we stay when
we visit Amsterdam. Close to the gay bars.
For further information and advice on
Amsterdam Light Festival, Website
The Amsterdam gay scene is constantly changing with bars opening and closing all the time. The Regulierswarstraat has seen a resurgence of late with many new bars opening. The sex and cruising bars are close to Dam square.
Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Address: Vijzelstraat 4, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Address: Vijzelstraat 49, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, 1012 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Address: Utrechtsestraat 19, Amsterdam 1017 VH
Address: Weteringstraat 60, Amsterdam 1017 SP
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 41, 1017 BK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 44, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Zeedijk 63, 1012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Address: Amstel Fifty Four
Address: Elandsstraat 119-HS, 1016 RX Amsterdam
Address: Jacob van Lennepstraat 86H, 1053 HM Amsterdam
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, 1017 BM Amsterdam
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 129, 1017 BL Amsterdam
Address: Bilderdijkpark 12A, 1052 RV Amsterdam
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 42a, Amsterdam 1017 BM
Address: Utrechtsestraat 4, 1017 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Spuistraat 109, 1012 SV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 36, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Address: Kerkstraat 4, 1017 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 45, 1017 Binnenstad, The Netherlands
Address: Zeedijk 20, 1012 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Address: Kerkstraat 52, 1017 GM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Nieuwezijds Kolk 6, 1012 PV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Warmoesstraat 90, 1012 JH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Warmoesstraat 86, 1012 JH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Amstel 178, 1017 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Sint Jacobsstraat 6, 1012 NC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Rotates
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 48, 1017 BM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Damrak 61, 1012 LL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Address: Bilderdijkstraat 186, 1053 LD Amsterdam
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We have chosen hotels Amsterdam that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Edition 14 (2025-2026)
Gay life in Amsterdam is woven into the fabric of the city, and there are several areas which are home to LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, each with a distinct vibe. The town welcomes gay travellers with open arms, offering a vibrant and inclusive cityscape filled with diverse nightlife, cultural treasures, and a rich history of acceptance and celebration.
Stay in the centre, close to Dam Square, Anne Frank House, & gay-popular Warmoesstraat part of the Red Light District.
Amstel area (Rembrandtplein) a famous square with bars, cafes, & restaurants, a 10-minute walk from the centre.

Brüt Party at Wilton Manor Eagle 2027