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.

1. When is the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
2. Do I have to pay admission to the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
3. Which buildings are illuminated at the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?
4. Best route through the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
5. 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 21st FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS BERLIN will take place under the motto “Let's shine together” from October 8 to 15, 2025, always from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

“The Festival of Lights is both an art experience and a feast for the eyes. At the same time, each event carries a wider message, which is encapsulated in the motto for the year. This year, the motto is “Let’s shine together!” It represents a call for solidarity, togetherness, and community. The illuminations turn the city itself into a work of art. Through their creativity, the artists combine reality with space for imagination. The Festival of Lights invites our city’s residents and visitors alike to get inspired by the spectacular, colorful visions it offers!” - Greetings from the Governing Mayor of Berlin, patron of the Festival of Lights, 2025, 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 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 over 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

This year, you can experience the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in a very special way: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN CONCERT. From October 10 to 14, 2025, Berlin Cathedral will be transformed into a unique sound and projection space. You can look forward to a series of immersive 3D light art shows and ambient music sets by renowned DJs and artists in Berlin Cathedral. “Music and light merge into a language that speaks straight to the heart. Festival of Lights in Concert is far more than a concert – it is a journey through sound and light, an immersive experience that touches you, moves you, and stays with you.” Be quick, because the number of tickets is limited.

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 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!