Light installations tell tales of magic, enchantment and natural wonders
A journey from the Baltic Sea coast westwards through the Weserbergland region and back east again – numerous light festivals will be taking place in Germany in the first quarter of 2026. The industry initiative licht.de presents five events:
Water screen in Rostock
Until 22 February, visitors to Rostock Zoo can marvel at the illustrations of Zoolichtzauber by World of Lights. In the historic part of the zoo, light artists use a variety of effects to create a very special atmosphere in the wooded landscape. The installations are accompanied by sounds or atmospheric music. One of this year's highlights is the 120-square-metre water screen.
Natural wonders in Hodenhagen
Following the successful premiere of the light festival last year, Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen, Lower Saxony, is now hosting a second edition. Millions of LEDs have been installed to create impressive light objects along a two-kilometre circular route. Under the motto ‘Natural Wonders’, visitors can expect to see various themed worlds with large-scale animal and fantasy figures until 1 March.
The mountain calls in Halle
With the fantasy spectacle Fantasy Island, Halle Mountain Zoo entices its guests into the world of modern-day fantasy stories. Over 15,000 lights create three-dimensional figures from literature and cinema, such as from The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones.
World of Lights in Essen
Parkleuchten (Park Lights) has kicked off for the 16th time at Grugapark Essen. Until 1 March, visitors can admire light installations by the artist team ‘World of Lights’ between the main entrance, the colour terrace, the crane meadows and the botanical garden. The artists have been at work since the summer. For example, to create the chair sitter in the rose garden, a six-metre-tall figure made of 600 metres of hand-twisted wire and 300 LED light chains. Or to equip a 24-metre-long tunnel with over 7,000 individually programmed LEDs that play a fixed choreography. The evening illuminations begin at nightfall.
Ice skating in Berlin
Art lovers and winter sports enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy at the Dark Matter light art centre in Berlin-Lichtenberg. In the monumental transformer hall, skaters can glide through a glowing winter wonderland on their blades until 17 March. Inspired by old Eastern European traditions, over 600 fir trees hang upside down from the ceiling. More than 250,000 lights create a web of colour, sparkle and reflection.