Photo: Stefanie Jost
Festival of Lights in Berlin
When the days get shorter again, the temperatures drop, and summer in Berlin becomes a distant memory, it's time to make Berlin shine again. Many Berlin landmarks, historic sites, streets, squares, trendy neighborhoods and interesting places of recent Berlin history are set in scene with light. No wonder that the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS attracts so many tourists and Berliners at the same time. Tip: for all photo enthusiasts, the festival is a real lens feast.
- When is the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
- Do I have to pay admission to the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
- Which buildings are illuminated at the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
- Best route through the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
- Festival of Lights in Concert I Beyond the Light I Club Nights
- 3 tips for a successful FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
When will the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS take place?
Since 2005, the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS has shone every autumn in Berlin. The entire city becomes a big stage, and the sights, buildings, and squares are the stars! The light installations, sculptures, and a colorful supporting program create stories, introduce cultures, arts, and innovative technology, and convey messages on current topics.
The 22nd FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS BERLIN will take place under the motto “Colours of love” from October 9 to 18, 2026, always from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Subject to change)
“The Festival of Lights truly shows Berlin in a different light and allows us to see our city in a new way. Color, creativity, and music provide festivalgoers and visitors from around the world with a playful experience of Berlin’s historic monuments, public spaces, and buildings. Prepare to be captivated: this year’s motto is “Colours of Love.” In its 22nd year, the Festival of Lights will win the hearts of Berliners and their guests with breathtaking, vivid works of art. “Festival of Lights in Concert” is back as well, bringing DJ sets to the Berlin Cathedral.” - Greetings from the Governing Mayor of Berlin, patron of the Festival of Lights, 2026, Kai Wegner.
(Source: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS)
Photo: Stefanie Jost
Do I have to pay admission to the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
No, you don't have to pay an entrance fee for this festival of lights. Thanks to numerous partners and sponsors, the privately financed FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS has been free of charge for all visitors every year since it was founded in 2005.
Which buildings will be illuminated at the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
This year's FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS will feature around 40 locations and squares with around 70 works of art to marvel at. The whole of Berlin will become an open-air gallery. In addition to the Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, Bebelplatz, Potsdamer Platz, the Nikolaiviertel, and many neighborhoods, Charlottenburg Palace is also one of the main venues.
A detailed overview of all buildings can be found on the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS website.
Photo: Stefanie Jost
What is the best route through the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
The easiest way to navigate from place to place is on foot and by public transport. For example, if you have the EasyCityPass Berlin in your pocket, you don't have to constantly worry about finding the right change for a ticket. Once purchased, you can use the Berlin public transport system as often as you like during the desired period.
Since the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS takes place over several nights, you can also choose different corners per evening and let the illuminations inspire you at your leisure.
Photo: Stefanie Jost
Festival of Lights in Concert I Beyond the Light I Club Nights
Festival of Lights in Concert I October 13–17, 2026 I Berlin Cathedral
This year, you can once again experience the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in a very special way: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN CONCERT. From October 13–17, 2026, Berlin Cathedral will be transformed into a unique space for sound and projections. Renowned DJs and artists Alle Farben, Klangkarussell, Westbam, Anja Schneider, Chris Bekker, and Ukai Ndame will step away from their club sets to transform Berlin Cathedral into a spectacular total work of art combining light, ambient sound, and emotion. Let yourself be enchanted by the sounds and visual effects—an unforgettable experience for all who love art and music. It pays to act fast, as the number of tickets is limited.
Beyond the Light | October 9–11, 2026 | Berlin Cathedral
New this year is the “Beyond the Light” series at Berlin Cathedral. A symphony of light and meditative sounds awaits you. Over the course of 8 concerts from October 9 to 11, the Berlin Cathedral will be transformed into an immersive experience featuring 3D video projections. This visual meditation will be accompanied by the sounds of Good Vibes Tribe 11:11 from Miami, which perfectly complement the light art. No distractions, no frills—just you, the space, the light, and emotions.
Tickets for this special concert experience are limited; first come, first served.
Festival of Lights Club Nights | October 9–17, 2026 | Berlin
Want to hit the dance floor after the Festival of Lights? In collaboration with OM Consult & Event, the Festival of Lights will extend into the early hours of the morning. At the Festival of Lights Club Nights, light and Berlin’s legendary beat merge in select clubs to create a perfect symbiosis that captures the city’s incomparable vibe and brings it straight to the dance floor. Here you’ll find a complete overview of all Club Nights events.
3 tips for a successful festival of lights
Usually, the nights during the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS are the first freezing nights. Especially for all photo enthusiasts among you, if you stand behind your tripods for a long time and take one long exposure after another, we can warmly recommend such small handbag warmers. Hot drinks in a thermos, with or without a shot, also do quite well.
Going to the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS together is especially nice. Grab your photography buddies, family members, and friends for a very special walk through Berlin - a perfect opportunity to spend time together and enjoy art at the same time.
Look for unique vantage points by viewing the illuminated buildings from all angles. Take a moment to observe the other visitors as well, and let yourself be swept up in this special atmosphere. Even when it’s chilly outside, it can really warm your heart here.
We wish you a wonderfully illuminated time at the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in Berlin!