Essener Lichtwochen
Visitors stroll through city shopping streets decorated with illuminated trees, angels, shooting stars, glowing spheres, and a light fountain on Kennedyplatz. A 45-meter-high Ferris wheel provides panoramic views over the festively lit city center. Gastronomy stands throughout the area serve sweet and hearty dishes along with hot and cold beverages.
What to Expect
Illuminates downtown Essen with festive light installations and a Ferris wheel.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
City Center
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
EMG - Essen Marketing GmbH
Food & Drink
Gastronomy stands at the event serve sweet and hearty specialties, plus warming and refreshing drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Light-display fans and leisurely city strollers
Vibe
Festive and sparkling
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Opening day (October 25): walking acts, marching band, magician, and shops 13:00–18:00; official opening at 18:00, followed by a walk. Lichtrad, October 25–January 2: Sunday–Thursday 12:00–20:00; Friday–Saturday 12:00–21:00; November 15 14:00–20:00. Lichtwochen-Gastronomie, October 25–January 2: Sunday–Thursday 12:00–21:00; Friday–Saturday 12:00–22:00.
- Accessibility: A sign-language interpreter signs the mayor's opening speech on 25 October.
Tips & Advice
- Visit after dark to see the illuminations at their brightest; the 45-meter Lichtrad offers views over the lit city center.
- On October 25, catch the opening-day walking acts, marching band and magician, then join the 18:00 illuminated-city tour with the mayor and youth orchestra.
- The Lichtrad has special hours on November 15, running 14:00–20:00, so schedule a ride within that window.
- The Lichtrad closes November 22, December 24–26, December 31 and January 1; avoid those dates if a Ferris-wheel ride is a priority.
- Food stands stay open until 21:00 Sunday–Thursday and 22:00 Friday–Saturday, later than the Lichtrad on most evenings.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening day, 25 October: a shopping Sunday in the city center with walking acts, a marching band and a magician.
- Official opening by Mayor Julia Jacob at the Marktkirche on 25 October, with a sign-language interpreter, followed by a walk through the illuminated city with the Schönebecker Jugend-Blasorchester that everyone can join.
- The Lichtrad has shorter hours on Volkstrauertag, 15 November.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on opening day?
City-center shops open for a shopping Sunday, with walking acts, a marching band and a magician in the streets. Then Mayor Julia Jacob officially opens the Lichtwochen in front of the Marktkirche. Afterwards she leads a walk through the lit-up city center with the Schönebecker Jugend-Blasorchester, and everyone is welcome to join.
What is the Lichtrad?
It's a 45-meter Ferris wheel in the city center. After dark it gives you a view over the whole festively lit downtown.
What lights will we see?
The shopping streets are lit with illuminated trees, light trees, angels, and shooting stars and comets flying over the city. There are also glowing spheres, star balls and the light fountain on Kennedyplatz.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. Food stands serve savory and sweet dishes along with warm and cold drinks. They stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Are there days when the Lichtrad and food stands are closed?
Yes. Both are closed on 22 November (Totensonntag), 24–26 December and 1 January. The Lichtrad is also closed on 31 December and has shorter hours on 15 November (Volkstrauertag).
More Christmas Events Near Essen
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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