Festival of Lights on the Old Market
Potsdam's Lantern Festival for the Birthday of Frederick II.
About Festival of Lights Potsdam
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Frederick the Great and His City
Frederick II – "Old Fritz" – is Potsdam's historical figurehead. He was born in Berlin on January 24, 1712, later ruled from Potsdam, and left behind an architectural legacy in his summer residence Sanssouci, the City Palace, and the entire urban layout, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Every year on January 24th, the Festival of Lights commemorates his birthday – a civic gesture that also connects to a legend from his life.
The Legend of the Light Greeting
According to legend, when their king returned to Potsdam after a long absence, citizens of Potsdam placed candles and lamps in their windows – a silent, luminous greeting. In 2012, for Frederick II's 300th birthday, this tradition was revived by the Potsdam Museum. Since then, the Festival of Lights has been an annual event in January, adding a luminous moment to Potsdam's winter city life.
Lantern Crafting and Gathering on the Market Square
From 2 PM, the Potsdam Museum and the Museum Barberini offer lantern crafting for children and adults – the finished lanterns are brought to the Old Market. At 4:30 PM, the central gathering of lights begins there: The brass choir plays evening songs on the steps of St. Nicholas' Church, and a bonfire burns in the square. If the weather is unfavorable, the event moves inside St. Nicholas' Church.
Accompanying Program at the Museums
For the Festival of Lights, Potsdam's museums often open with reduced admission or free entry: tower climbs, guided tours, and children's activities complement the program. Street food stalls offering bratwurst, mulled wine, and winter specialties cater to the audience in the square.
An Event for Families
The Festival of Lights is a classic winter family festival that attracts school classes, families, and tourists from Berlin alike. Those who want to experience Potsdam beyond the peak summer season will find a atmospheric event here in Brandenburg's best urban backdrop.
Festival of Lights Potsdam — edition 2026
The Festival of Lights on the Old Market 2026 takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026 – the birthday of Frederick II – in Potsdam. The organizers are the Potsdam Museum, the Museum Barberini, and the City of Potsdam. The day begins at 2 PM with free lantern crafting at the Potsdam Museum and the Museum Barberini; at 4:30 PM, participants gather with their lanterns on the Old Market, where the brass choir plays evening songs on the steps of St. Nicholas' Church. A bonfire burns in the square, and street food stalls provide refreshments. In case of very bad weather, the event moves inside St. Nicholas' Church. Free admission. The museums often open with reduced admission or free of charge.
Programme Festival of Lights Potsdam 2026
2026 Program Schedule:
- 2:00 PM–4:30 PM: Free lantern crafting at Potsdam Museum and Museum Barberini
- 4:30 PM: Start of the gathering of lights on the Old Market
- Performance by the brass choir on the steps of St. Nicholas' Church
- Bonfire in the square, street food stalls (bratwurst, mulled wine, winter specialties)
- Reduced or free museum openings (tower climbs, guided tours)
- In case of bad weather: Relocation to St. Nicholas' Church
Updates via potsdam-museum.de and potsdam.de.
Highlights Festival of Lights Potsdam 2026
- Festival of Lights for the birthday of Frederick II (January 24)
- Tradition since 2012 (300th birthday)
- Lantern crafting at Potsdam Museum and Barberini from 2 PM
- Brass choir at St. Nicholas' Church at 4:30 PM
- Free admission
Prices Festival of Lights Potsdam 2026
Admission to the Festival of Lights on the Old Market is free. Lantern crafting in the museums is free of charge. Food and drinks available at street food stalls on site. Museum openings often at reduced or free rates.
Practical information — Festival of Lights Potsdam
Location
Alter Markt Potsdam, 14467 Potsdam – between the City Palace / State Parliament, St. Nicholas' Church, Museum Barberini, and Potsdam Museum. Travel by S7 or RE1 from Berlin to Potsdam Hbf (5-minute walk).
Program Schedule
- 2:00 PM–4:30 PM: Lantern crafting at Potsdam Museum and Museum Barberini
- 4:30 PM: Gathering of lights on the Old Market, brass choir on the steps of St. Nicholas' Church
- In case of bad weather: Relocation to St. Nicholas' Church
Admission
Gathering of lights on the Old Market: Free admission. Museums often with reduced rates or free of charge.
Recommendation
Warm clothing and non-slip shoes – the event is open-air in January weather.
Contact
Potsdam Museum. Updates via potsdam-museum.de and potsdam.de.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Festival of Lights Potsdam al mejor precio.
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