A Dazzling Spectacle of Light in the City
Braunschweig's First Festival of Lights to Illuminate Historic Landmarks in 2026
Braunschweig – From October 28 to November 1, 2026, Braunschweig's city center will be transformed into a luminous masterpiece for the very first time. The internationally acclaimed Festival of Lights will reimagine the city's historic landmarks and beloved squares over five nights, using breathtaking projections and atmospheric light installations to create an entirely new experience.
At a press conference held today, Birgit Zander (Managing Director and Founder of Festival of Lights), Anthony Bandmann (CEO of Volkswagen Financial Services), Braunschweig's Lord Mayor Dr. Thorsten Kornblum, and Paul Kunze (Managing Director of Applaus Kulturproduktionen GmbH) unveiled the event.
The Festival of Lights Braunschweig will run from Wednesday, October 28, to Sunday, November 1. Each evening, the light displays will illuminate the city from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. A total of 11 locations across the city center will participate, including iconic sites such as Braunschweig Castle, City Hall, the Gewandhaus, and the Grand House of the State Theater. Admission to this open-air event is free for all visitors.
Throughout the festival, buildings and squares will be brought to life through light and media art, showcasing both historic and modern architecture in a fresh, captivating way. Organizers expect hundreds of thousands of guests over the five days.
The event is produced by Applaus Kulturproduktionen GmbH, while the artistic concept and technical execution are overseen by Festival of Lights International GmbH, a company with a global footprint that has realized similar light art projects in cities around the world.
Led by Managing Director and Founder Birgit Zander, the team behind the festival carries the magic of light across the globe. Their work breathes radiant life into cities, connects people across borders, and transforms architecture into deeply moving, emotional experiences. "From New York to Dubai and Zagreb, we've already transported millions into luminous dream worlds, gifting them with unforgettable moments of joy and wonder," says Zander. "Now, we're thrilled to turn Braunschweig's historic buildings and beloved squares into a dazzling stage, bringing them to life with artful light projections in spectacular fashion."
Made Possible by Volkswagen Financial Services
The festival is funded by Volkswagen Financial Services AG, which serves as the main sponsor, making the event free for the city's residents and visitors. Additional support comes from Braunschweig Stadtmarketing GmbH, BSVG (Braunschweiger Verkehrs-GmbH) as the mobility partner, and the Braunschweiger Zeitung as the media partner.
