Forest – Winterlights by Dark Matter

A Forest of Light in the Lichtenberg District

At Köpenicker Chaussee 46, just behind the Rummelsburg district, lies one of Berlin's most spectacular winter events: Forest – Winterlights by Dark Matter. The former BEWAG transformer hall, a towering industrial monument from the 1920s, serves as the shell for an immersive 1,000 m² work of art. Over 600 fir trees suspended from the ceiling and more than 250,000 individually controlled LEDs form the artificial forest, which you can freely walk through.

Christopher Bauder and Chris Kuijten

The installation was conceived by Berlin light artist Christopher Bauder and his studio WHITEvoid, whose large-scale light works are known from the Light Boundary for the fall of the Berlin Wall anniversary to international art fairs. The accompanying sound composition comes from Dutch composer and sound designer Chris Kuijten. Together, they have created an approximately 45-minute choreography of light, color, and sound that loops through the hall—each experience is different depending on where you stand.

Ice Rink, Bar, and Winter Program

A small winter city is created around the light installation every year. A 400 m² real ice rink invites you to go ice skating, bars serve mulled wine, punch, and hot drinks, along with seasonal snacks. If you wish, combine your visit to Winterlights with the permanent DARK MATTER exhibition, which showcases further walk-through light artworks in the same hall. Lichtenberg district, Rummelsburg district—easily accessible by tram and S-Bahn from Frankfurter Tor.

Why it's Worth a Visit

Unlike traditional Christmas markets, Forest – Winterlights is a contemporary art project that rethinks winter as an aesthetic experience. The installation is aimed at families, couples, and anyone looking for a quiet, almost meditative counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of Gendarmenmarkt or Alexanderplatz. Tickets are time-bound—plan your arrival and entry in advance.