Düren leuchtet & Long Night of Museums

Düren — City between Aachen and Cologne

The city of Düren, with around 92,000 inhabitants and the district seat of the District of Düren, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is located between Aachen and Cologne in the Jülich Börde. Historically a paper city — until the 20th century, Düren was one of the most important centers of the German paper industry — today it is a business location with retail, a university (Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Düren campus), and cultural infrastructure centered around the Leopold-Hoesch-Museum and the Paper Museum.

Düren leuchtet — Light Festival in November

The light festival Düren leuchtet is held annually on the first Saturday in November. In 2026, the event will take place on Saturday, November 7, from 6 PM to 10 PM. The entire city center becomes an illuminated stage: various buildings — including the Town Hall, the Municipal Music School, and shop facades — are illuminated with projections and colored spotlights. Light installations, LED shows, and a light and water show along one of the central streets complement the visual program.

Long Night of Museums

In parallel, the Leopold-Hoesch-Museum and the Düren Paper Museum open their doors for the Long Night of Museums. Both institutions are closely linked: the Leopold-Hoesch-Museum with its collection of modern and contemporary art (including sculptures, prints, panel paintings), and the Paper Museum with the largest collection on the history of papermaking in Germany. During the Long Night, additional guided tours, readings, and curator talks are offered, often with a special connection to the evening's light theme.

Late-Night Shopping

Düren's retailers participate with late-night shopping until 10 PM in participating stores — a concept that Düren-City e.V. has used for years to activate the city center. Restaurants, cafés, and bars are also open longer — those who arrive at 6 PM can fill the entire evening with a mix of museums, light art, shopping, and dining.

Walking Acts and Live Stations

Walking Acts in luminous costumes move through several parts of the city center, posing for photos and accompanying small program items. Dance performances, small stage moments, fire performances, and musical stations are spread along a recommended exploration route, which is published by the City of Düren as a map. Admission to all outdoor stations is free; museums charge a small entrance fee or are included with a ticket.

Düren as a Destination in November

In November, when the days are short and the Advent season has not yet begun, Düren leuchtet promises a full evening of city life — and is one of the most traditional light festivals between Aachen, Cologne, and the Eifel region. Located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, on the western edge of the Voreifel, the event invites day-trippers from the Aachen area, the Rhein-Erft district, and even from the Netherlands.