Altstadt Osterode Festival of Lights

Illuminated Old Town

The Altstadt Osterode Festival of Lights is one of the most atmospheric autumn events in the western Harz. Osterode's medieval-to-early-modern old town, with its half-timbered buildings, narrow alleys, squares, and characteristic topography, provides the ideal backdrop for a grand light installation.

Thousands of Lanterns and Fairy Lights

For the Festival of Lights, thousands of lanterns, fairy lights, and candles are installed along the central streets, on the squares, and on the half-timbered facades. The lighting design is prepared in the days before the festival by volunteers, VTM Osterode, and the city, and creates a continuous landscape of light after dark, making an evening stroll through the old town a special experience.

Lantern Parade from Martin-Luther-Platz

The highlight is the lantern parade, which starts at 5 p.m. from Martin-Luther-Platz. Participants – especially families with children – bring their own lanterns and walk in a long procession through the illuminated streets of the old town. The parade is usually accompanied by a brass band or a musical corps.

Culinary Stands

Culinary stands along the parade route and in the central squares provide refreshments: mulled wine, hot chocolate, sausages, lard bread, potato pancakes, candied almonds, and sweet specialties. This gives the Festival of Lights the character of a pre-Christmas city festival.