Lichterfest im Park der Niebuhrg

Oberhausen-Lirich — A District with Industrial Culture DNA

Oberhausen, a city of around 210,000 inhabitants in the Ruhr area (administrative region of Düsseldorf), is famous for its Gasometer, the Centro shopping mall, and its industrial culture routes. The district of Lirich is centrally located and is a classic Ruhr area working-class neighborhood with a mix of historic buildings, garden city structures, and industrial heritage. The Park der Niebuhrg on Niebuhrstraße is a small insider tip: a historic event area with a park atmosphere that hosts several events throughout the year.

Concept — Lights, Lasers, Winter Fairy Tale

The Lichterfest uses the natural park architecture and the historic buildings of the area as a canvas for light installations. Laser shows blend with illuminated trees, projected wall surfaces, and lit paths — the park becomes a walk-in light artwork. The format suits the winter season: light art is particularly impressive on dark February evenings, and the Ruhr area has a strong tradition for such productions (Centro Christmas, Gasometer productions, Zollverein lighting).

Time and Duration

The festival runs for two days: Friday, February 20, 2026, and Saturday, February 21, 2026, each day from 5 PM to 10 PM. This makes it perfect for a winter evening outing: arrive after sunset, stroll through the illuminated park, experience a laser show, and perhaps have a meal in one of Lirich's bistros on your way home.

Liricher Lichterfest — Alternative Name

The festival is also known by the name "Liricher Lichterfest" — a local designation that includes the district in its name. It sometimes appears under this name on Facebook and in local event calendars. The Niebuhrg is the organizer and home of the festival.

Free Admission with Minimum Consumption

Admission to the park is free. For individuals aged 14 and above, there is a minimum consumption of 5 EUR — meaning each adult person must spend at least 5 EUR on food and drinks from the Niebuhrg's stands. This model finances the Lichterfest and allows for free entry. Children under 14 are completely free. It's a fair concept for a family-friendly light event.

Light Art as a Ruhr Area Tradition

Light art has a tradition in the Ruhr area. The annual Centro Christmas Open-Air, the productions at the Gasometer Oberhausen, the Zollverein illuminations, and the annual ExtraSchicht (featuring light installations at industrial sites) — all are part of the Ruhr area's cultural canon, in which the Lichterfest Niebuhrg has its place. Those who love light art have a whole spectrum to choose from here.