Not only would this festival be filled with twinkle lights, but there are also stories meant to be shared along with its designs that speak about Berlin’s culture, arts, and traditions. If the lights bring more spark to the area, then the stories are sure to bring more life.
Festival Dates
As if fall couldn’t get more beautiful—Berlin holds their light exhibition every fall, turning every infrastructure they have into the most colorful and bright attraction that there is. Even historical monuments such as the Berlin Cathedral and Brandenburg Gate.
The last time Berlin transformed their city into a magical Fairy of Lights was during the October 7 – October 16 2022 . Each night of this period was bathed with nothing but wonderful colors and awestriking designs, made by local artists and ones from abroad.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
The light exhibition in Berlin happens in the all around the city itself. Every tourist attraction and/or historical monument situated in Berlin is fashioned with lights that are of different colors.
Each landmark, square, and building inside the city is designed with different light patterns as well—this makes them look like they’re wavy or perhaps rippling with the way the lights move.
If you’re perhaps going to Berlin by train, then you should know that there are two airports that serve the city, which would be the Berlin Tegel Airport and the Berlin Schönefeld Airport. The former is treated and seen as the city’s most important airport, though.
If you’re from the U.S., you should know that the main airlines that go to Berline are United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Lufthansa, and Brussels Airlines.
If you’re just around Europe, you could easily go to Berlin with a low-budget cost flight in comparison to the other states and countries.
From London, you could also go to Berlin by train. Just like the plane ticket, train tickets on the way are not much expensive, as well.
You are also given the option to arrive in Berlin by riding a coach. In fact, a myriad of coach companies, one of the many examples would be Eurolines, connect the largest cities of Europe with Berlin. The downside to this is that traveling by coach may make you a bit uncomfortable, and the travel time is indeed slow.
Just like with the coach, traveling by car is also slow and may take you at least a day and two at most to arrive in Berlin. However, this could also depend on the traffic you may face and from where you departed.
Festival Hours
The Berlin Festival of Lights is free for sightseeing during the late hours of 8 p.m. until midnight. Even so, you are free to wander around the area during the daytime and admire the other attractions just before the festival starts.
Going way before 8 p.m. will give you a lot of time to make the most out of your Berlin trip. Although its Festival of Lights is its most famous attraction, Berlin still has a lot to offer you.
Roam around, eat food, and buy souvenirs hours prior, and witness how the lights turn on and create magic just as the clock hits 8 in the evening. It’s understandable if four hours seem too little, though, but you have to leave the ball as soon as the clock ticks 12.
That’s okay, though, because you are still welcomed to visit the night after.
Cost to Visit the Festival
With all the beauty of the lights surrounding you, you would start to think that going there for free is a dream, wouldn’t you? But it’s not, and you’re very much awake! The Berlin Festival of Lights requires no amount of admission fee for any age.
It makes the light festival much more amazing than it was before. Who would pass up an opportunity to sightsee every piece of artwork a variety of artists have collaborated on for free? You shouldn’t. This is why there will definitely be a smile plastered on your face as you come to realize that you wouldn’t be spending anything just to marvel at the festival’s beauty.
You should still bring pocket money with you, however. Since it’s a festival, stalls and a myriad of souvenirs for sale are sure to be present, and it would be a big bummer if you couldn’t purchase one. A trip’s not complete if you don’t get yourself or your loved ones from home a souvenir—and you can serve this as a remembrance of your wonderful trip, as well.
Weather and What to Wear
The Berlin Festival of Lights takes place every fall, and cold nights shouldn’t be surprised by then. The necessary clothing you must bring with you would be outfits that could cover you enough to keep you warm.
It’s your choice if you want to go all out for an OOTD post on your social media or not, but the important thing is you’re able to protect yourself from the harsh cold nights that may come. A long-sleeved or turtle neck is enough, and you don’t have to be too extravagant and wear layers and layers and layers of clothing—winter’s still too far away when it’s still September, anyway.
The best tip that you should keep in mind is that you should be comfortable with what you wear and that it’s enough to withstand the weather during the fall season.
Where to Sleep
After a tiring day of walking to look at one exhibit and to the next, you’ll surely feel restless and would like nothing else but a nice place to stay for the night. Fortunately for you, Berlin has a lot of accommodating hotels to offer.
25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin
If you arrive by car and would like to park, you have to know first that the public parking nearby the hotel charges a fee.
You would like to stay in this place, however, as it features free high-speed Wi-Fi, soundproof and allergy-free rooms, and a minibar inside your space, as well. If you brought your fur friend with you, then this hotel is perfect as it is dog/pet-friendly, too!
Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Hackescher Markt
If there was a way to describe this hotel, then it would be “this hotel has everything you need”—and it’s not even an exaggeration. Wi-Fi, hot tub, gyms, bars—this hotel has it all for you! The rooms are air-conditioned, with room service, a dishwasher, flatscreen TV, and even a private balcony.
To top it all, the hotel staff is always friendly and accommodating to all your needs and concerns.
What to Eat
A trip will fail to be perfect if you haven’t tried eating at the restaurants in the city. So why not try eating at these restaurants during your stay?
Skykitchen
If you really want to get a taste of Berlin, then Skykitchen’s the one you should go to. This restaurant uses a lot of its local ingredients and makes sure that a fine cuisine is made from it, as well. You can either have lunch or dinner at the place. They also have vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free menus.
Café Morgenland
For a rather cheap menu, but one that’s still good, then Café Morgenland is your go-to-place. You can stay here for snacks and for splendid breakfast or brunch, and relish in the goodness that comes with their menu. All members of the staff are accommodating, as well.
