Church Illumination Spectacle: Key Points of the Night of the Churches Event
The city of Hamburg is set to host the 22nd Night of Churches on September 20, 2025, with over 80 church communities participating. This year's theme is "Light in the Dark", and the event promises a diverse range of activities for people of all ages and religious backgrounds.
The Hauptkirche St. Petri will be a hub of activity, hosting a participatory service, a sing-along, gospel music, interviews with the children's bishops, a reading and conversation with German children's and youth book author Stefanie Taschinski, and Magical Music and Stories for Children and Youth.
St. Annen will host a family service and organ music at 6 pm, followed by a panel discussion about experiencing light in the darkness. The Petrus-Kirche Lokstedt will host workshops for kids & teens in the afternoon and a live concert in the evening.
The Hamburg Guitar Forum will present its eleventh Guitar Night as part of the Night of Churches Hamburg, featuring a light show by Christoph Jürgens. The Stellingen Church will kick off the event with an opening service led by the band Farvenspeel at 6:30 PM.
St. Johannis Harvestehude will host a metal music event in cooperation with the heavy metal magazine "Rock Hard" and scene icon Sabina Classen. The Cabaret Church in Barmbek will feature performances by Lutz von Rosenberg Lipinsky, Ulan & Bator, Annie Heger, and Christoph Wiatre.
The Dreifaltigkeitskirche will host the dance performance "In silence, I'll be in good company" at 8:30 PM, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Another dance performance, "In silence, I'll be in good company", will take place at the Dreifaltigkeitskirche, with details yet to be announced.
At the Science Church, a discussion about the limits of knowledge and the role of AI will take place from 8:45 pm. The Stellingen Cemetery will have food and drink provided by the grill stand and Café "Wonne und Segen", and will host a Bright Night event, details of which are still to be revealed.
The opening ceremony will take place at the NDR main stage at 7 pm, with prominent guests and live music. The event will feature over 300 events, including discussions, music performances, and art exhibitions. The full program can be found at www.ndkh.de.
In addition, refugee aid Harvestehude will host an open evening with music and international food, organized by Hamburgasyl. An evening of sound, script, religion, and art will take place at the Kleine Michel, featuring live calligraphy, organ improvisation, and an exhibition of calligraphic works.
St. Severini Kirchwerder will host a musical slideshow, choir performance, illustrated lecture, short concert, and tango class from 6 pm. The Stellingen Cemetery will also have food and drink provided by the grill stand and Café "Wonne und Segen".
All events are free of charge and open to people of all ages and religious backgrounds. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural and spiritual offerings of Hamburg's churches.
