The festival of lights
Summery color and light magic in ega Park
The Festival of Lights is the most colorful summer festival in Erfurt
The people of Erfurt not only enjoy a great city, they can also party fantastically. One of the most popular festivals in Erfurt summer is the festival of lights in egapark. The egapark in Erfurt is not just a simple park. No! During the two nights of the Festival of Lights, it is a sparkling, colorful wonderland that takes you into another dimension with a sea of sparkling lights. Guests come from all over Thuringia and even further afield to experience these great summer nights.
What awaits you at the Festival of Lights?
Imagine: thousands of lights transforming trees, flowers and bodies of water into a magical world. As if elves and fairies are having a party and you're all invited! There are WalkActs, i.e. illuminated sculptures, that wander among the many guests. Impressive light installations frame the diverse program throughout the ega Park. There is music from bands and canned music everywhere.
Our insider tip: The highlight of the festival is the light water show “Flames of Water”! Here, water fountains dance to the beat of the music and are accompanied by colorful lights. It's as if the Erfurt water spirits are putting on a performance just for you. And if you feel a little hungry after all the admiring and enjoying (I mean, we are in Thuringia after all), there are of course also delicious snacks and regional specialties.
At the end of the festival - as every year - there is a great fireworks display.
Our conclusion? The festival of lights in egapark is like a visit to a fairytale land powered by modern technology and a pinch of Thuringian charm. So, put on your most comfortable shoes and explore this light spectacle with family or friends!
The webcam with the view of ega Park
Here you can get an impression of the colorfully illuminated ega Park during the Festival of Lights.
Source mdr.de
How much does entry to the Festival of Lights cost?
€18 for adults, all other prices here
Do annual ticket holders have to pay an extra entrance fee?
No, with the ega Park annual ticket you can go to the Festival of Lights at no extra charge.
Do I need an extra ticket for the tram?
No, the Erurter public transport is included in the ticket price.
Are there any special safety regulations?
One thing is important: do not bring glass bottles. Plastic bottles are allowed.
Here is the current press release from SWE Stadtwerke Erfurt for the 2023 Festival of Lights
Exciting light shows, magical encounters and music on three stages
Two unforgettable summer evenings to enjoy, look, marvel and stroll through the artistically illuminated egapark - that's what the Festival of Lights promises on August 11th and 12th, 2023.
When it gets dark, thousands of lights and imaginative illuminations give the garden park a special magic. Romantic, glowing tea light bowls float on the water axis. From 6:00 p.m. the park awakens, the special lighting transforms the familiar and stimulates the visitors' imagination. The large crowd of Light Festival fans are carried away by the rhythm of the music, marvel at the dynamics of the light-water show on the large meadow and are fascinated by the video show that is projected onto the walls of the observation tower. Magical moments await you everywhere in the park: entertaining encounters on long legs in bright costumes - these are the stilt walkers - magical butterflies, dancers or fantasy figures. Antenne Thüringen heats up the party atmosphere on the park stage and bands play on two other stages. The creative workshop helps you recharge your batteries in the chill-out area. “Night in the Museum” – this is what the German Horticultural Museum invites you to do. Both days of the festival of lights are colorful and full of special moments. Nevertheless, every evening has its own special character: relaxed Friday is the day for strollers and connoisseurs. Saturday is the family celebration for all generations.
Gastronomy offerings in the park
The fountains on the festival site are highlighted with light, and giraffes and horses are placed as light figures in the arched bed. In addition to hundreds of colored spotlights that colorfully highlight groups of trees and bushes throughout the park, there are a variety of imaginative light installations: colorful watering cans and bright flowers in the Mainz Garden, white ball lamps and delicate swans in the Grass Garden. This year, bright flamingos and palm trees in the lily garden create an exotic flair. The large flower bed is decorated with colorful steles. The buildings in the park are given a coat of light or a glowing dress made of fairy lights. 95% of the installed lighting installations are based on LED technology to save energy.
More than 30 food and beverage stands complement the restaurant offerings in the park. There is nothing left to be desired: Thuringian Bratwurst and Brätl, fries, burgers, fish, pasta and pizza and as dessert ice cream, waffles, crepes... Plus a delicious drink - there is something for every taste.
And what would the Festival of Lights be without the fireworks as a brilliant finale? This is what the Festival of Lights visitors particularly look forward to every year. The big fireworks show will be set off at 10:50 p.m.!
Important ticket information
Tickets can be purchased in the online shop without queuing. Entry to the Festival of Lights costs 18.00 euros for adults. The normal day ticket is no longer valid from 2 p.m. However, it is possible to pay the difference between the day ticket and the Festival of Lights entry at the checkout. Discounted family tickets or after-work tickets are not valid for the Festival of Lights. The season and annual ticket is valid as an entry ticket for the Festival of Lights. There is no need to purchase an additional ticket. All information can be found at www.egapark-erfurt.de.
Visitors can easily get to egapark with the tram line 2. The tickets for the Festival of Lights are also a ticket and can be used 3 hours before the start of the event until 3 a.m. the following day in the Erfurt city area (tariff zone 10) for the journey to the festival and home.
Visitors come to egapark by tram line 2. To ensure a relaxed arrival and departure, EVAG is increasing its transport offering. Large trains are used and additional trains are available at the end of the event.
Photo: event egapark/SWE, Jacob Schröter
Excerpt from program highlights, Friday August 11th, 2023
Festival area 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Chillout area, cool drinks and fine beats with the creative gas station
Great meadow 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 3 performances
The popular light-water show Flames of Water is with a new production in 2023
Large meadow 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
IlluART: Light shows for young and old
Liliengarten 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
The Blue Stars Blues Band impresses with a great show
Philippswiese 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Video mapping show at the observation tower and atmospheric music with the jazz band Behle
Park stage 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Rock out and celebrate! The Antenne Thuringia presenters lead through the festival of lights - with the best music of the last three decades, the Antenne All-Stars, two bands and lots of fun.
German Horticultural Museum 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Museum discoveries at night and everything about down-to-earth gardening into space
Festival site 10:50 p.m.
The fireworks bring a brilliant finale
The Dankil Desert and Jungle House is open until 8:00 p.m. - experience the desert and the jungle at dusk!
Excerpt from program highlights, Saturday August 12, 2023
Festival area 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Chillout area, cool drinks and fine beats with the creative gas station
Great meadow 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 3 performances
The popular light-water show Flames of Water is with a new production in 2023
Large meadow 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
IlluART: Light shows for young and old
Liliengarten 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
The Blue Stars Blues Band impresses with a great show
Philippswiese 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Video mapping show at the observation tower and atmospheric music with the String Company
Park stage 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Rock out and celebrate! The Antenne Thuringia presenters lead through the festival of lights - with the best music of the last three decades, the Antenne All-Stars, two bands and lots of fun.
German Horticultural Museum 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Museum discoveries at night and everything about down-to-earth gardening into space
Observatory 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
We bring the stars from the sky for you or take a look for yourself!
Source: Stadtwerke Erfurt