Germany's largest light spectacle in the zoo — Fantasy Island in Halle
The Bergzoo Halle is Germany's only hillside zoo — an animal park established in 1901, whose enclosures nestle against the slopes of the Reilsberg, on the banks of the Saale river in the independent city of Halle (Saale). In the state of Saxony-Anhalt, it is one of the oldest zoos and has been celebrating a second winter season since 2018: the Magical Worlds of Light. What began as an experimental light project is now Germany's largest seasonal light world event with over 15,000 LED lights and more than a million visitors.
Each season has its own theme. 2025/26: 'Fantasy Island' — images from books, films, and computer games, such as hobbits, dragons, phoenixes, and mythical creatures. The light installations wind along the zoo's circular path, illuminating rocks, trees, paths, bodies of water, and animal enclosures. Some animals are active (wolf pack, nocturnal birds of prey), most are resting — the light worlds are primarily a walkable art installation, not a classic zoo visit.
On several weekends, there is live programming: fire artists, mulled wine stands, curated music sets. Families with children receive scavenger hunts and craft stations. Those who want to combine experiences can book a combo ticket with a zoo day plus the light world — and experience Halle once in daylight, and once in its full splendor of lights.
For over two and a half months, the Bergzoo Halle transforms its grounds into a fantasy universe. The light installations are showcased along the zoo's circular path — dragons, phoenixes, magical islands, mythical creatures. On selected weekends, fire artists and mulled wine stands complement the program.
Exact special dates and lineup sets on magische-lichterwelten.de.
Bergzoo Halle, Reilstraße 57. From the main train station (Hbf), take tram line 7 to the 'Reileck' or 'Bergzoo' stop, then walk uphill for about 10 minutes. If arriving by car: Parking at the zoo is limited; be mindful of residential parking restrictions in the surrounding area.
Wednesday to Sunday (and on public holidays) from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, from December 12, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
Via tivents.com (Tivents) or magische-lichterwelten.de. Weekend tickets (Fri/Sat/Sun/holidays) are slightly more expensive than weekday tickets (Wed/Thu). Combo tickets for zoo + light worlds offer up to 50% discount. Children under 3 are free; discounts for severely disabled individuals and annual pass holders.
Warm winter clothing, waterproof shoes — the circular path is hilly.
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Bergzoo Halle
Reilstraße 57, 06114 Halle (Saale)