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
- 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 transport messages on current topics.
The 20th FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS BERLIN will take place under the motto “Celebrating Freedom” from October 4-13, 2024, always from 19:00 - 23:00.
“The Festival of Lights has been a crowd-puller since its premiere in 2005. Every year, it inspires not only many Berliners but also more and more guests from all over the world. “Celebrating Freedom reminds us how precious freedom is. Freedom is not simply given to us. Freedom must be defended, fought for, and lived every day. With this in mind, please join me in looking forward to an unforgettable Festival of Lights 2024 that celebrates the freedom that unites us and makes it shine specially.” - Greetings from the Governing Mayor of Berlin, patron of the Festival of Lights, 2024, Kai Wegner.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
(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 50 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 several nights, you can also choose different corners per evening and let the illuminations inspire you at your leisure.
Photo: Stefanie Jost
3 tips for a successful festival of lights
You can also discover the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS from the water or during a bus tour. On the website of the organizer, you will find a detailed overview of all offered tours. It pays to be quick because the number of tickets is limited.
Usually, the nights during the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS are the first really cold nights. Especially for all photo enthusiasts among you, if you stand behind your tripods for a long time and produce 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.
We wish you a wonderfully illuminated time at the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in Berlin!