The Berlin Festival of Lights is one of the largest illumination festivals in the world. Each year it transforms Berlin’s world famous landmarks through light, projections and events.

The Festival of Lights takes place each year in October. It transforms Berlin’s world famous landmarks, cultural monuments, historical buildings, streets and other locations including Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral and the radio tower through light. The projections and events are presented by many local and international lighting artists.

History of the Festival of Lights

The Festival is organized and led by Birgit Zander, a native Berliner. She developed the concept and brand in 2005 together with her event agency. Since then it has been responsible for the organization and realization of the festival. The original goal of the festival was to take the theme of light and establish a world-renowned international public event for Germany's capital

Meanwhile the Festival of Lights has become a magnet for the tourism industry as well as a significant economic factor. Throughout the entire festival period, there are 520,000 overnight bookings, more than 1.5 million guests and many events and conventions which are especially planned during the festival period.

Special events during the festival

The festival includes various special events such as the arts and culture event "OpenCity“, the “LightRun”, "Jazz in the ministry gardens“and Sunday sales in shopping centres. Besides, the Festival of Lights is also an active partner in charity events presented and organized by the “City Stiftung Berlin”.