Forchheim Digital Advent Calendar at the Imperial Palace
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Forchheim Digital Advent Calendar at the Imperial Palace

Digital advent calendar light show on Imperial Palace facade

About

Experience the magic of Forchheim's digital advent calendar, a beloved tradition since 1996. Each evening, the facade of the Imperial Palace transforms into a giant, illuminated calendar. Daily, a window is opened, and a Christmas angel draws a lucky winner for the accompanying Christmas lottery. Christmas Eve brings a special program with live music and the grand prize drawing, culminating in a dazzling light show.

Our Take

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, anyone seeking festive holiday cheer

Vibe

Magical, festive, community-oriented

Energy Level

Low - can be viewed from a distance or up close

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High - outdoor event

Special Events & Promotions

  • Daily window opening on the digital advent calendar
  • Daily Christmas lottery with prize drawings
  • Special Christmas Eve program with live music and grand prize drawing

Tags

Christmas marketlight displaysanimated displayssynchronized lightscommunity celebrationholiday traditionfamily friendlyfree eventlive musicseasonal activities

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

Forchheim, BY
91301

Event Details

Pricing

FREE

Duration

Daily light show starts at 5:00 PM; window opening around 6:30 PM. Christmas Eve program starts at 11:00 AM, with the last window opening at 5:15 PM.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

City Center

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Stadt Forchheim

Practical Information

Parking

Parking is available at Parkhaus Kronengarten (Bamberger Straße 6) and Volksbank Cityparkhaus (Paradeplatz 17). Numerous disabled parking spots are listed, and bus parking is available on Andreas-Steinmetz-Straße, Ruhalmstraße, and Steinbühlstraße.

Accessibility

The train station and ZOB bus stops are accessible. Information on specific accessibility for the event itself is not detailed.

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Food & Drink

Not specified for the advent calendar itself, but Forchheim offers various gastronomy options.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive a little before 6:30 PM to secure a good viewing spot for the daily window opening and light show.
  • Check the 'Weihnachtslotterie' details to understand how to participate and what prizes might be available.
  • Consider visiting on Christmas Eve for the extended festive program and live music, in addition to the advent calendar.
  • The Kaiserpfalz is a central landmark, making it easy to combine viewing the advent calendar with exploring other nearby attractions.
  • Dress warmly, as the event takes place outdoors in the evening during the winter season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Forchheim Digital Advent Calendar?

It's a nightly light show projected onto the Kaiserpfalz facade, featuring a new 'window' revealed each day from December 1st to 24th, accompanied by a Christmas lottery.

When does the light show start?

The digital advent calendar light show begins each evening at 5:00 PM, with the window opening and lottery draw typically occurring around 6:30 PM.

Is there a cost to attend?

Admission to view the digital advent calendar and the associated Christmas lottery events is free.

What happens on Christmas Eve?

On Christmas Eve, there's a special festive stage program with live music starting at 11:00 AM, and the main prize winner is drawn around noon. The final window opens at 5:15 PM.

How can I participate in the Christmas lottery?

Details on participating in the Christmas lottery are available via a link to 'Weihnachtslotterie' on their website, though specific participation mechanics are not detailed here.

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The ChristmasLocal.com editorial team

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