Fair and lantern festival: An unforgettable weekend in Halle!

Fair and lantern festival: An unforgettable weekend in Halle!

From August 29th to 31st, 2025, Halle (Saale) will once again be the venue for the traditional lantern festival, which is now in its 88th year this year. The city is transformed into a veritable sea of ​​lights. The banks of the River are decorated with an impressive 130 shining lanterns, while a dazzling program awaits visitors on the Ziegelwiese, the Peißnitz Island and the banks of the River. The fairground on Gimritzer Damm becomes the center of an exciting fair, where not only exciting rides await adrenaline junkies, but also numerous culinary delicacies to feast on.

The offering at the fair promises entertainment for the whole family. Anyone who likes fast-paced rides can look forward to adrenaline highlights such as “Eclipse”, the fastest carousel in Germany, or the “Break Dance” with its crazy spins. For the little ones there is the “Black Pearl” and the wave slide. Do you know where is the best place to go? Of course, tram lines 4, 5 and 94 as well as bus lines 34 and 36 take guests directly to the festival grounds! And best of all, entry to the Lantern Festival is free, so you can enjoy to your heart's content without putting too much strain on your wallet.

Diverse program for young and old

With a colorful mix of music, tradition and modern entertainment, the Lantern Festival attracts thousands of visitors every year. The stages are occupied by a variety of musical acts. From Friday to Sunday there will be performances by the indie rock band WAL and many other artists. The fishing jousting on Saturday and the big duck race with 3,000 ducks promise additional excitement. The highlight of the festival will be an impressive fireworks display on Saturday evening that will light up the sky over Halle.

To ensure the safety of guests, there will be increased bag checks and a ban on glass bottles and weapons on the festival grounds. A special cannabis ban ensures that celebrating in a convivial atmosphere remains pleasant for everyone. The city will also use additional buses and trams to ensure smooth transport.

History of the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival has a long tradition. The city of Halle has been celebrating this spectacle since 1928 and has established itself as one of the largest festivals in Central Germany. Last year the city welcomed over 185,000 visitors, and many guests are expected again this year. The added value that this festival brings to the city is estimated at around 5 million euros, which once again shows how important the festival is for the local economy.

The Lantern Festival is being extensively prepared and the city has developed a security concept that includes, among other things, seven information stands with trained staff. The DRK is setting up a children's collection point on the Ziegelwiese so that families can enjoy the hustle and bustle without worry.

So, don't forget: From August 29th to 31st in Halle it's time to “turn on the lights and celebrate until the doctor comes!” If you have a knack for making good memories, you definitely shouldn't miss this festival, as entertainment for all generations is guaranteed.