Illustration of a snowman and small decorated trees in a snowy yard beside a red house, all glowing with warm string lights (Essener Lichtwochen)
Christmas Lights

Essener Lichtwochen

Visitors can wander through the festively illuminated downtown streets to view glowing trees, angels, comets, star balls, and a light fountain on Kennedyplatz. The 45-meter-high Lichtrad Ferris wheel offers panoramic views over the illuminated city center after dark. Food and drink stands throughout the area provide sweet and savory treats alongside hot beverages.

Oct 25, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

Opening day: 13:00–18:00 for the walking acts, marching band and magician, and for the shops’ Sunday opening; 18:00 opening speech, followed by a city-center walk. Lichtrad: Sunday–Thursday 12:00–20:00; Friday and Saturday 12:00–21:00; Volkstrauertag, 15 November, 14:00–20:00. Gastronomy stands: Sunday–Thursday 12:00–21:00; Friday and Saturday 12:00–22:00.

Food & Drink

Gastronomy stalls serve sweet and savory snacks, plus warming or refreshing drinks; they close on November 22, December 24–26, December 31, and January 1.

Accessibility

The opening speech has a sign-language interpreter.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Festive-light fans and city explorers

Vibe

Glowing and festive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Ride the 45-meter Lichtrad after dark for its panoramic view of the illuminated city center, and note its listed holiday closures.
  • On October 25, join the 6 p.m. opening speech and following orchestra-led walk; the speech includes sign-language interpretation.
  • Visit on October 25 between 1 and 6 p.m. for open-shopping Sunday, walking acts, a marching band, and a magician.
  • Plan food or Ferris wheel visits around their closures: November 22, December 24–26, December 31, and January 1.
  • Bring warm layers for an evening stroll through the outdoor city-center displays, especially if you plan to stay after dark.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Opening day features walking acts, a marching band and a magician.
  • Opening-day speech by the mayor has a sign-language interpreter, followed by a city-center walk with the Schönebecker Jugend-Blasorchester.
  • City-center shops have a Sunday opening on October 25.
  • The Lichtrad has different hours on Volkstrauertag and is closed on the listed dates.
  • Gastronomy stands are closed on the listed dates.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I see around the city center?

The displays include illuminated trees, angels, comets, star balls, and the light fountain at Kennedyplatz.

Can I ride the Lichtrad?

Yes. The 45-meter Ferris wheel offers views over the illuminated city center, but it has listed closure dates.

What food and drinks are available?

Gastronomy stands serve sweet and savory food, along with warming or refreshing drinks.

What happens on opening day?

The program includes walking acts, a marching band, a magician, an opening speech, and a walk through the illuminated city center.

Is any part of the opening program accessible to sign-language users?

The opening speech has a sign-language interpreter.

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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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