1 November 2026

Kiel’s Sea of Lights

Every year, the Kiel Sea of Lights brightens up the dark winter months in Kiel.Sailing.City and leaves young and old alike in awe. Along the main light trail, visitors can be captivated by an impressive combination of light and music. As well as the light shows, the Sunday shopping opening hours also invite visitors to take a stroll.

Sunday shopping

As part of the ‘ICH FÜHL MICH KIEL’ event, in addition to the shops in Kiel city centre, Galeria/Holstentörn and Sophienhof, as well as the shops in Holtenau, CITTI-Park, IKEA, Möbel Höffner and Famila Kiel-Wik, will be open from 1 pm to 6 pm.

Light art in Kiel

The sixth edition of Kiel’s ‘Sea of Lights’ features spectacular projections onto building façades. Spread throughout the city centre and along Holtenauer Straße, the buildings and parks are brought to life. Along the main light trail, visitors can be captivated by all facets of music, art and light at over 10 different locations.

Street performers, light projections and stylishly arranged parks will amaze young and old alike. As darkness falls, the light installations along the main light route come to life. In addition, Kiel’s shops will open their doors from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm under the slogan ‘Ich fühl mich Kiel’ for a leisurely Sunday shopping spree.

Download the programme

The venues

St Nicholas’ Church

Geometric light projections transform the interior of St Nikolai into a walk-in work of art. Colourful light installations and specially composed sounds create a fascinating atmosphere.

Council Service Garden

Illuminated footpaths and MovingLights guide you through the park. Just go with the flow, discover fascinating light installations at every turn and enjoy the very special atmosphere of this evening.

Lorentzendamm Savings Bank

Stroll along the illuminated avenue and enjoy a real highlight with the Glass SUPs on the Kleiner Kiel. The Sparkasse is also making its mark, showcasing a colourfully decorated façade.

Hiroshima Park

Projections transform trees into abstract, luminous shapes in a very special way, accompanied by tranquil sound design.

Town Hall Square

Fascinating projections of mysterious underwater creatures and maritime imagery transform the building façades into vibrant ocean landscapes – a visual spectacle that invites you to marvel and dream.

Asmus-Bremer Square

There’ll be plenty of food and drink on offer here – tuck in to your heart’s content, whilst young and old alike can get creative making candles. There’ll also be musical performances to keep the atmosphere lively.

Holstenstraße

Glowing walking acts make their way through the audience, enchanting the crowd. Atmospherically lit scarves float above the visitors’ heads, glowing in the light like sailing works of art.

Holstenfleet

Winter illuminations in Kiel – The magical glow of the boats on the Holstenfleet:
Atmospherically lit sailing boats and twinkling lights create a beautiful backdrop

Marina

A laser show and spectacular fire acrobatics: experience magical effects right above the water! To make the experience complete, delicious food and drinks invite you to linger a while.

Holtenauer Straße: Ansgar Church

A particular highlight is the illuminated Ansgar Church, featuring a video projection on the church façade accompanied by atmospheric music.

Holtenauer Straße: Bernhard-Minetti-Platz

At Bernhard-Minetti-Platz, there are various play and craft stations for the little ones, as well as face painting, glitter tattoos and a cosy reading corner.

shore power supply system

The PORT OF KIEL’s shore power system adds a special touch to the harbour during the Kiel Sea of Lights festival. Around 12,000 LEDs create a varied display of colours and effects.

Highlights of the Kiel Sea of Lights

Marina

Laser show and spectacular fire acrobatics

A mesmerising spectacle on the water! Let yourself be enchanted by spectacular acrobatics and an impressive laser show. Delicious food and drink will be on hand to keep you well fed and hydrated.

Town Hall Square

Spectacular maritime projections

Huge projections of mysterious underwater creatures and striking maritime images transform the complex of buildings around Town Hall Square into vibrant ocean landscapes.

A sea of lights on Holtenauer Straße

On Sunday 1 November, Holtenauer Straße will be transformed into a sea of lights for the Sunday opening from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

Fun, games and creativity for the whole family: at Bernhard-Minetti-Platz on Holtenauer Straße, a variety of play stations, face painting, glitter tattoos, and craft and painting activities invite everyone to join in. In the cosy reading corner, visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in exciting stories and enjoy a creative break. As darkness falls, the Ansgar Church will finally be illuminated in a kaleidoscope of colours. Marvel at an impressive video mapping display whilst strolling along Holtenauer Straße.

A colourful market atmosphere on Asmus-Bremer-Platz

As part of the pre-event programme at Asmus-Bremer-Platz, there’ll be plenty of tasty treats as well as some great activities for the little ones:

Octavia Kliemt erzählt ein Märchen, drei Kinder hören ihr zu

Asmus-Bremer Square

Atmospheric live music

Singer-songwriter Helge Keipert and JAM! will be providing the musical entertainment at Asmus-Bremer-Platz.

Mädchen in Wintermantel beim Kerzenziehen

Asmus-Bremer Square

Candle-making at the Krummbek Candle Barn

12:00 – 16:00: Young and oldalike can have a go at candle-making and take home some lovely souvenirs!

Mädchen macht beim Mitmachzirkus mit in der Kieler Innenstadt

Asmus-Bremer Square

Hands-on circus

From 12:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 21:00, the interactive circus “Der mit dem grünen Hut” invites all children to join in! Here you can try out various circus skills.

Candle Count Competition

Enter and win:

Vouchers: €100 Sophienhof, €50 Lüneburg-Haus, €50 Atelier 85, €20 idee.Creativmarkt, €30 Milara Fashion, €30 Schweinske and 2 x €50 Schuh Heinrich

... and lots more great prizes:

A set of 4 table sauces & a €10 voucher from Hans im Glück, 2 x two places on themed tours (details on our website) from SEALEVEL, a Hoptimist ‘Smiley Cool’ by Hugo Hamann, a fragrance from Parfümerie CB, a cosmetics set from natürlich schön, a lamp from husens, a surprise package from the Welcome Centre and pearl earrings from Goldschmiedepunkt

Here’s how it works: Simply download the card, count the candles, enter the total number and hand in the card between 1 and 2 November 2026 at the Welcome Centre, Stresemannplatz 1–3 (until 6 pm), or at wittstock!, Holtenauer Str. 93.

Download map

Site overview plans:

RP = Town Hall Square
AB = Asmus-Bremer-Platz
HS = Holstenstraße
HF = Holstenfleet
BH = Boat Harbour
SL = SEALEVEL
NK = St Nikolai Church
LS = Shore power facility
RG = Ratsdienergarten
LD = Lorentzendamm
HP = Hiroshima Park