Festival of Lights Berlin
Berlin's landmarks as a canvas – the 22nd edition of Berlin's international light art festival, from October 9th to 18th, 2026
About Festival of Lights
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Berlin as a Walkable Gallery
The Festival of Lights was first held in Berlin in 2005 and has since developed into one of the largest light art festivals worldwide. At its core is a simple yet effective idea: the city itself becomes the canvas. Berlin's landmarks – the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, the Rotes Rathaus, Charlottenburg Palace, the facades on Potsdamer Platz, the French and German Cathedrals on Gendarmenmarkt – become carriers of artistic video projections, laser shows, and animated light installations.
International Artists, Local Stories
What sets the festival apart from a mere tourist attraction is its curatorial ambition. Every year, international light artists are invited to develop installations specifically designed for Berlin buildings. The works often directly reference the history of the location – for example, when the reunification is themed at the Brandenburg Gate or when the Topography of Terror is addressed with thoughtful installations.
Bebelplatz, Potsdamer Platz, and the Entire City Centre
For years, the hotspots have been Bebelplatz – with large-scale light art projections on the Staatsoper, Humboldt University, and St. Hedwig's Cathedral – and Potsdamer Platz, where numerous individual installations are created on the high-rise facades. In addition, there are stations at the Brandenburg Gate, Schlossplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, Pariser Platz, Charlottenburg Palace, and many Berlin bridges. Those who want to see all the hotspots on foot should plan at least two evenings – route maps are available annually on festival-of-lights.de.
Free Access
One of the festival's democratic features: admission is completely free. However, those with tripods should arrive early – the hotspots are crowded from dusk onwards, and the best vantage points are popular. Guided tours (bus, boat, on foot, with special guides) are offered for a fee.
Festival of Lights — edition 2026
With its 22nd edition, the Festival of Lights continues its tradition, established over two decades ago: ten festival evenings from Friday, October 9th, to Sunday, October 18th, 2026, with hotspots throughout Berlin's city centre. The patronage of the Governing Mayor of Berlin signals the close connection between the city, culture, and light art.
The focus is on the installations developed in collaboration with international light artists on the facades of significant Berlin buildings. Bebelplatz and Potsdamer Platz form the two central hotspots, complemented by other illuminated squares, bridges, and historical sites in Mitte, Tiergarten, and Charlottenburg.
Programme Festival of Lights 2026
Festival Period: October 9th – 18th, 2026 (daily after dark)
The Festival of Lights is a decentralized event without a fixed daily schedule. The light installations are typically active from approx. 7:00 PM / 8:00 PM to midnight. Main zones 2026:
Hotspot 1 – Bebelplatz (Berlin-Mitte)
- Large-scale light art projections on the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Humboldt University, and St. Hedwig's Cathedral
- Several individual installations with synchronized music
Hotspot 2 – Potsdamer Platz (Berlin-Mitte)
- Light installations on the modern high-rise facades (Sony Center, Kollhoff Tower, BahnTower)
- Several parallel running installations, often with interactive elements
Other Illuminated Landmarks (typical, specific selection annually)
- Brandenburg Gate (Pariser Platz)
- Berlin Cathedral (Schlossplatz/Lustgarten)
- Rotes Rathaus (Mitte)
- Gendarmenmarkt (Deutsches and Französisches Haus, Konzerthaus)
- Charlottenburg Palace (Charlottenburg)
- Memorial Topography of Terror
- Oberbaum Bridge (Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg)
Accompanying Programme (paid)
- Light Walk Tours – guided walks with explanations of the installations
- Light Boat Tours – boat trips on the Spree with views of the illuminated banks
- Light Bus Tours – open-top bus tours along the main routes
- Photo Walks for amateur and professional photographers
The specific artist list and the complete route plan for 2026 will be published in September 2026 on festival-of-lights.de.
Highlights Festival of Lights 2026
- 22nd edition of Berlin's international light art festival
- Ten festival evenings from October 9th to 18th, 2026
- Focus: Bebelplatz and Potsdamer Platz
- Free admission to all installations
- Patronage of the Governing Mayor of Berlin
Prices Festival of Lights 2026
Practical information — Festival of Lights
Getting There
The festival covers almost the entire Berlin city centre. Main zones around the Französische Straße U-Bahn station, Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, and Alexanderplatz. Public transport is strongly recommended – the city centre is very busy on festival evenings.
Admission
Free admission to all installations in public spaces. Guided tours (bus, boat, on foot) and photo workshops are subject to a fee, bookable via festival-of-lights.de.
Organiser
Festival of Lights GmbH under the patronage of the Governing Mayor of Berlin. Exact route map and artist list available online annually.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Festival of Lights
Stadtweit – Schwerpunkte Bebelplatz und Potsdamer Platz
Bebelplatz, 10117 Berlin