ASK CAPTAIN DAVE
What should I do at the Light Festival?
You are in Amsterdam between 26 November 2026 and 17 January 2027. The lights are on every day from 4:30 pm until 11 pm. On New Year’s Eve they go off at 9.
Walk if you want to wander. The route is 4.5 km, and you can do it in pieces.
Take the boat if you want the art from the water, with mulled wine or hot chocolate. Captain Dave sails at 4:30, 5, 6:30, 7 and 8:30 pm. Twelve guests, ninety minutes. You meet at the usual Prinsengracht stop. Your ticket says exactly where.
Skip a daytime canal tour that evening. The art is after dark.
This is the first answer. Kids, a short evening, a quiet walk: ask Dave, and he will narrow it down.