Salzwedel Night of Lights

Salzwedel — the Hanseatic city in northern Saxony-Anhalt

Salzwedel is one of Germany's most beautiful and least-known Hanseatic cities — a medieval core of half-timbered houses and brick Gothic architecture in the extreme north of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, in the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel district. Famous for its Baumkuchen (tree cake), its Reformation history, and its preserved city gates and watchtowers, the city is particularly atmospheric in autumn and Advent. Since 2018, the Salzwedel Night of Lights has marked the start of the dark season.

Four Hours of City Centre Magic

On November 6, 2026, from 6 PM to 10 PM, the city center will transform into a sparkling carpet of lights. The Salzwedel business association — the alliance of local retailers and restaurateurs — is organizing a four-hour program throughout the pedestrian zone: light installations on shops and historic buildings, live music on several stages, street art, creative hands-on stations, and culinary offerings.

Children's Program and Lantern Parade

For children, there is a special program with hands-on activities, a lantern parade through the city center, and small creative workshops. Those who need warming up can enjoy hot chocolate and punch, try Salzwedel's pressed Baumkuchen, or take a break with mulled wine from local cafes. Choirs sing, street musicians play, small stages are scattered around — a city festival in concentrated atmosphere.

Kick-off to Advent in the Altmark

The Night of Lights is more than just an event: it opens the pre-Christmas season in Salzwedel and sets the mood for the coming weeks — the Christmas and Baumkuchen market in mid-December, the Advent silence in Salzwedel's churches, the warm windows of the half-timbered houses. Anyone traveling in northern Saxony-Anhalt in November should mark the date. An event with tradition, charm, and the quiet dignity of the Hanseatic city.