20 YEARS OF THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 2024 IN BERLIN: MAGICAL MOMENTS IN THE CAPITAL
Autumn in Berlin not only brings cooler weather and colorful leaves, but also one of the most spectacular events of the year: the Festival of Lights 2024 with this year’s motto “Celebrating Freedom”. From October 4 to 13, the German capital will once again become the stage for a breathtaking light spectacle in which famous landmarks, buildings and squares will be staged with fascinating projections and installations. During these ten days, Berlin will be transformed into a glowing work of art that attracts visitors from all over the world. A special highlight this year will also be the concerts by star DJ Paul van Dyk.
A FESTIVAL FOR THE SENSES
The Festival of Lights has been an integral part of Berlin’s cultural calendar since 2005 and inspires millions of visitors year after year. International artists create luminous works of art that go far beyond simply illuminating buildings. Light installations, animations and 3D mappings tell stories, address social issues or simply invite you to see the world in a new light.
With more than 100 illuminated locations spread across the city, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore Berlin by night and experience landmarks in a completely new splendor. Whether iconic buildings such as the Brandenburg Gate, historic buildings on Museum Island or hidden corners in Berlin’s various districts – there are works of art to be discovered everywhere.
BERLIN TELEVISION TOWER: A SHINING HIGHLIGHT
No Festival of Lights would be complete without the Berlin TV Tower, the tallest building in the city and one of the country’s most famous landmarks. Year after year, the TV tower is transformed into a glowing spectacle during the festival and is one of the absolute highlights. Visitors can once again look forward to an impressive show in 2024.
The 368-metre-high tower at Alexanderplatz becomes a gigantic screen on which changing light projections enchant visitors. The light art on the tower ranges from colorful patterns and moving animations to complex 3D projections that elevate the TV tower into a completely new dimension. The panoramic view from the viewing platform with the Sphere Bar or 4 meters higher up from the Sphere Restaurant allows you to enjoy the light spectacle not only from afar, but also up close. The view of the city from a height of 203 meters is an unforgettable experience, especially during the festival, as Berlin shines in bright colors everywhere.
Buy your tickets easily online and at the best price 🙂
NEW LIGHT ART AND INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
As always, the Festival of Lights 2024 will focus on innovation and diversity. In addition to classic projections, there will once again be interactive installations where visitors can become part of the artwork themselves. In recent years, the use of state-of-the-art technology, such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence, has become increasingly important. The festival will also incorporate such elements in 2024 to create new dimensions of light art.
One particularly exciting highlight could be the integration of AI-generated art, in which algorithms create visual works of art on the buildings. Such interactive experiences give visitors the opportunity to influence light art in real time – be it through movement, touch or other interactions. It will be interesting to see what technological innovations the festival has in store this year.
TOP LOCATIONS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
With over 100 locations illuminated during the festival, it’s hard to make a decision. But some places are real classics that you shouldn’t miss:
1. BERLIN TELEVISION TOWER
The TV tower is one of the absolute highlights of the festival. As the tallest building in Berlin and Germany, the tower becomes a canvas for impressive light projections. From colorful patterns to complex 3D animations – the TV tower shines in all its glory and also offers a breathtaking view of the city’s sea of lights from the highest bar in Berlin and even Germany, the Sphere Bar. A must for every festival visitor!
2. BRANDENBURG GATE
Probably the most famous symbol of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate becomes the festival’s main venue every year. Here you can expect particularly elaborate projections, which many people celebrate at the symbolic Brandenburg Gate, often accompanied by background music.
3. BERLIN CATHEDRAL
The mighty cathedral on Museum Island is one of the festival’s most impressive backdrops. The projections on the monumental façade of the cathedral sometimes tell historical or cultural stories and are colorful and beautiful.
4. POTSDAMER PLATZ
Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin’s liveliest districts and a fascinating symbol of the city’s modern reconstruction. Once divided by the Berlin Wall, the square is now a vibrant center with impressive skyscrapers, elegant hotels and a variety of cinemas, restaurants and stores. Especially at night, when the lights come on, Potsdamer Platz offers a breathtaking backdrop that makes it a must-see on any trip to Berlin. This is where history and the future meet in a unique way.
5. CHARLOTTENBURG PALACE
The baroque palace in the west of the city is also artfully staged. The projections on the façade of the palace often transport viewers to another time and invite them to linger.
6. NIKOLAIVIERTEL
The Nikolai Quarter, Berlin’s oldest district, becomes a charming and magical place during the Festival of Lights. The winding alleyways, historic buildings and the imposing Nikolaikirche church provide a wonderful backdrop for the light projections. The artists often take up the history of Berlin in their works and tell it in a modern, visual way. A walk through the district becomes an experience that impressively combines the past and present of the city.
7. MARIENKIRCHE
St. Mary’s Church on Alexanderplatz will once again be a shining highlight of this year’s Festival of Lights. The historic brick church, one of the oldest in Berlin, will be artistically staged with impressive light installations. The striking green tower and Gothic architecture in particular provide an impressive backdrop for the illuminated projections, which transform the façade into a true work of art. The festival gives St. Mary’s Church, famous for its “Dance of Death” fresco, a whole new, modern dimension and makes it an essential stop on your festival route.
8. OBERBAUMBRÜCKE
The Oberbaumbrücke, one of Berlin’s most iconic bridges, is a real eye-catcher during the Festival of Lights Berlin. It connects the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg and is often seen as a symbol of reunited Berlin. During the festival, the bridge is transformed into a spectacular work of light art. The imposing towers and arches of the bridge provide a perfect canvas for impressive light projections depicting the history and cultural wealth of Berlin. The view of the illuminated Spree and the city panorama from the bridge is particularly impressive. A walk across the Oberbaumbrücke is a must for anyone who wants to experience the Festival of Lights in Berlin from a unique perspective.
9. BEBELPLATZ
Bebelplatz, framed by the State Opera House and St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, is a central location for impressive light art during the festival. In the past, historical themes have often been staged here, showing Berlin in a new light. The huge facades of the buildings offer artists enough space to tell visual stories that immerse visitors in another world. The architecture and the artistic projection merge to create a breathtaking overall experience.
10. VICTORY COLUMN
The Victory Column, one of Berlin’s most famous monuments, shines in special splendor during the Festival of Lights. This impressive landmark in the Tiergarten will be staged with breathtaking light installations that will highlight the splendor of the golden statue of the “Goldelse” and the pedestal towering above it. During the festival, historical and modern themes are combined here in a unique light show. Those who want to enjoy the panoramic view of the illuminated city can climb the stairs and see Berlin in a new, radiant light from a height of 67 meters. The Victory Column is an absolute highlight and symbolizes Berlin’s luminous history in an impressive way.
Pro tip: Even beyond the Berlin Festival of Lights, a sightseeing tour is definitely worth it! Here you’ll find the top attractions 🙂
