Festival of Lights illuminates Berlin landmarks

For ten days, building illuminations in the capital can be viewed between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

By Katharina Wendt, Editor-in-Chief
Berlin · 3 October 2026, 11:30 CEST · 2 min read

At a glance

22nd edition runs from Oct. 9 to Oct. 18, 2026
Illuminations switched on daily from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Free access in public spaces and limited bus tours

The 22nd Festival of Lights begins in Berlin on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. The event runs through Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, transforming buildings and landmarks across the city into illuminated works of art across ten evenings.

This year's edition runs under the official theme 'Colours of Love.' The various illuminations on landmarks and buildings across Berlin can be viewed by the public daily from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. throughout the festival. At the start of the festival on Oct. 9, lighting at the participating sites will be switched on at 7 p.m.

Free public access

Viewing the light installations in Berlin's public spaces is free for all visitors and requires no ticket. Those interested can visit the illuminated buildings independently in public areas on the evenings through the end of the event on Oct. 18.

For guests who prefer an organized tour of the illuminated locations, licensed sightseeing bus tours are offered through visitBerlin. The organization noted that the number of tickets available for these tours to the illuminated landmarks is limited.

Following the opening night, the festival's projections and light installations will be switched on promptly at 7 p.m. each evening and turned off at 11 p.m. After ten days, the 22nd Festival of Lights concludes on Oct. 18 when the lights go out at 11 p.m.