They make use of the darkness: In Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, various promoters and organizers are focusing on light spectacles. As darkness falls, visitors can experience glowing parks, cities and tours. Sometimes the events cost admission, sometimes the light figures can be seen free of charge.
Saxony-Anhalt: free city center twinkling and show in the park
The Magdeburg World of Lights opens on 20 November. More than one million LED lights will light up the city center, and Magdeburg personalities will be displayed on facades with light paintings. Visitors will be able to walk around large Christmas baubles and marvel at glittering figures. The spectacle is free of charge and ends on February 2, 2026.
The "Lumagica" light festival takes place in the Elbauenpark. Since the beginning of October, guests have been able to experience the story "Around the World in 80 Days" with interactive stations, light sculptures and special effects. A laser water show is offered at the Angersee lake and the millennium tower is staged with light elements. The festival is open until January 6. Prices vary and start from 18 euros. Discounts are possible.
Halle Mountain Zoo with fantasy creatures
The Halle Mountain Zoo invites you to a "magical world of lights". From 12 December to 1 March, guests will be able to discover elves, dwarves and other colorfully illuminated creatures inspired by well-known books, legends and films in various themed areas under the motto "Fantasy Island". Admission prices vary, with a regular ticket starting at 20 euros in advance. Discounts are possible.
Saxony: traditional, dreamlike and fairytale-like
From November 20 to January 11, the "Christmas Garden Dresden" opens in the park of Pillnitz Palace. On a circular route illuminated with colorful light installations and designs, guests can experience the New Palace in a special way. Here too, ticket prices depend on the day of the week. The cheapest regular online ticket for adults costs 19.90 euros. Discounts are available for children, for example.
The Kunstkraftwerk Leipzig uses the "Dream Factory", a multimedia tour that works with light effects and projections. Since October and until February, 17 stations can be experienced. For adults, the visit is cheapest on Thursdays and Fridays at 18 euros. Discounts are available.
Around 50 light sculptures, for example in the form of fairy tale characters, have been on display in Sonnenlandpark in Lichtenau since November 14 until February 22. A laser show with music over the lake is set to delight visitors. Regular admission costs 16.50 euros, with discounts available for small children, for example.
Contemporary world art and wine experience
The walk-in light installation by US artist James Turrell is set to offer a special art experience from November 29. As part of Chemnitz Capital of Culture, "Beyond Horizons 2025" can be experienced in an industrial hall on the site of the former Karl Liebknecht mine in Oelsnitz. Admission is free on the opening weekend, tickets must be booked. In December, regular admission costs 12 euros, reduced admission 10 euros.
Wackerbarth Castle in Radebeul also lights up from November to February: under the motto "Wine and Light", thousands of lights, including Herrnhut stars, illuminate the ensemble and the vineyards. Admission is free from Monday to Thursday, from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays adults pay 5 euros, with discounts for children.
Thuringia: Between contemplation and glitter show
In Erfurt's Augustinian Church, the light installation during Advent has become a tradition: this time, the light art and musical accompaniment will bathe the church in a special atmosphere from November 29 to January 6. Admission is free of charge.
In Erfurt's egapark, guests can also discover light sculptures and installations, illuminated trees and special soundscapes on a circular route around the grounds of the garden and leisure park. A special eye-catcher: videos will be projected onto a ten-metre-high water fountain. The "Winter Illuminations" opens on November 29 and runs until January 4. Adults regularly pay 10 euros, with discounts available for schoolchildren, for example.
The Thuringian glittering world at the Hohenfelden reservoir invites you to a "Safari on the Lake" from November 28 to February 22, 2026. The program includes colourful light installations in the form of wild animals and a 40-metre-high illuminated Ferris wheel. Adults pay a regular admission fee of 18.50 euros, discounts and concessions are available.
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