Hallesches Lichterfest

Halle Shines

For over two decades, the Hallesches Lichterfest has been the beacon of light in Halle's November calendar. The organizer is the City Community Halle e.V. — the association of downtown retailers and restaurateurs. The venue: the market square with its distinctive Red Tower and the towers of the Market Church "Our Dear Ladies", plus the main station and station forecourt as the starting point for the grand lantern parade.

The mix is tried and tested and popular: crowning of this year's Light Fairy on Friday, family and craft program on Saturday, a huge lantern parade from the main station to the market, a laser show in the evening, and a grand pyro show finale on Sunday. In addition, an artistically designed light sculpture by the Lions Club — in past years, for example, dedicated to the Halle reformer August Hermann Francke.

The Light Fairy and her Saaleteufelchen

A specific Halle invention are the Saaleteufelchen Saali and Saalu, who accompany the respective Light Fairy during her appearances. The Light Fairy is ceremonially crowned at the beginning of the festival and guides through the program — on Saturday evening, she reads her bedtime story in the market square, followed by the laser show.

Saxony-Anhalt in November Mode

With around 240,000 inhabitants, Halle (Saale) is the largest city in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and one of the most important university cities in Central Germany. The Lichterfest is a firm part of the city's annual cycle — along with the Lantern Festival in summer, the Salt Festival, the Handel Festivals, and the Cathedral Christmas Market. With the Sunday shopping, the festival combines city marketing and events — and turns the market square into the living room of the Halle residents for a weekend.