Autumn light festivals in Germany

Germany is hosting several major light festivals in autumn 2026. In Berlin, the 22nd Festival of Lights will run from October 9 to 18 under the theme ‘Colours of Love’. The event transforms the capital into an open-air gallery featuring 3D video mapping at 37 locations, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin TV Tower, the Berlin Cathedral, the Kollhoff-Tower at Potsdamer Platz, the Forum Tower, and The Ritz-Carlton. These nightly displays run from 19:00 to 23:00 and are free to the public.

Braunschweig is also scheduled to host the festival from October 28 to November 1. For the first time, the city will use light, music, and moving images to showcase landmarks such as the Residenzschloss and Burg Dankwarderode. Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbH is offering guided tours to explore nine festival stations for 12 euros, with specialized daytime tours also available.

In Essen, the Essen Light Festival runs from October 2 to 11, featuring neon installations, interactive displays, and video mapping by international artists at locations such as Burgplatz and Hirschlandplatz. This is followed by the 77th Essener Lichtwochen, which runs from October 2026 through January 2027. Both Essen events are free to the public, with installations typically visible until 10:00 PM daily and until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Additional autumn illuminations in the North Rhine-Westphalia region include:

• Hamm: Maximilianpark’s 18th annual light event from October 9 to November 1.

• Hemer: The HerbstLichtGarten at Sauerlandpark from October 9 to November 1.

• Recklinghausen: ‘Recklinghausen leuchtet’ is scheduled for October 23 to November 8.

In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the ‘Rheinleuchten’ event is scheduled for October 8 to 11 in Oberwesel.