Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027
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Canal Cruise Amsterdam ©PT Wilding
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Heineken Experience Amsterdam ©PT Wilding
Amsterdam Illuminations!
During the dark winter months, the open-air light exhibition ‘Light Festival Amsterdam‘ transforms the Amsterdam canals into a unique canvas for light art with a host of talented artists, designers and architects contributing to this open-air spectacle. The light installations featured are all created especially for the festival.
From its canals to its world famous museums, Amsterdam is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. Although an excellent short break year round, during the winter Amsterdam lights up. From the end of November until mid-January, artists from around the world illuminate the city’s architecture to create the Amsterdam Light Festival.
During the day, Amsterdam has plenty of other art to enjoy! It is awash with museums and galleries for those with an interest in art such as the incomparable Van Gogh Museum! Or if you just wanted to see the city aglow, there are lots of other fascinating museums just waiting to be explored! Why not visit the Anne Frank’s House or the Rijksmuseum or engage in a Heineken experience? There’s so much variety packed into this city, it’s not surprising it’s one of the must-do European destinations.
When your feet begin to ache, sit back and relax in one of the many canal side cafes and restaurants. This is especially exciting during the light festival, as the rippling waters glisten with the reflected lights. Additionally, for one night in mid-December enjoy the Christmas Canal Parade (date to be confirmed)
Dates
December 2026 - January 2027
Suggested Itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue over the border into Belgium and then into Holland and arrive at your chosen hotel for the next 3 nights. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Amsterdam Sightseeing and Light Festival
A full day to explore this cosmopolitan city. Meet up with a local guide for an orientation city tour showing the main sights before being dropped off in the centre. After the tour, the rest of the day is free to explore this unique city with its famous tree-lined canals and preserved 17th century gabled houses. Maybe take a canal cruise during the day to see the city from a different perspective or alternatively during the evening whilst the Light Festival is in full swing (groups need to be pre-booked). Walk alongside light sculptures created by leading artists and beautifully illuminated buildings and bridges with plenty of photo opportunities. Of course, there are many bars, cafes and restaurants where you can rest and get something to eat and drink.
Return to the hotel by coach.
Day 3
Optional excursion suggestions (dependant upon location of hotel):
Amsterdam: Have another free day in Amsterdam exploring the many museums such as Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, the Diamond Museum or Anne Franks House. Enjoy a cruise on the famous canals or take a seat in the many canal side cafes and restaurants and sample some Dutch delights.
Volendam: A pretty Dutch fishing village north of Amsterdam, where the locals still dress in traditional costume. There are plenty of tourist shops and restaurants (try the local smoked eels!) and the possibility to take a local ferry to the nearby island of Marken. On the return a stop can be made at ‘De Simonehoeve’ to see demonstrations of cheese and clog making.
The Hague & Delft: The Hague is a cosmopolitan city bursting with style and culture. It is the site of the International Court of Justice, home to the National Government and the official residence of the Dutch Royal Family (guided city tours availabl. Delft is famous for its Royal Porcelain and renowned worldwide for its artistry. Watch this famous blue pottering being hand crafted and maybe make some purchases before leaving.
There are may other excursion possibilities and our team will be able to discuss any particular requirements.
Day 4
Return to UK
Depart after breakfast and travel to Calais or Dunkerque for the ferry to the UK.
Amsterdam Light Festival Dates for 2026-2027 are subject to confirmation but usually run from end November to mid-January.
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| December 2026 – January 2027 | Price on request | Price on request |
