The Festival of Lights has been an annual celebration in Vienna for a long time. Unfortunately, it was canceled due to COVID in 2020 and in 2021, and it was also canceled in 2022. But, it returned to Vienna in 2023 and 2024, and now it is time for a new celebration in 2025.
The Festival of Lights (known as Lichterfest among the locals) takes place by Alte-Donau (Old Danube) and can easily be accessed with public transportation. The easiest way to get there is with the red metro and then travel to the metro stop titled Alte-Donau. What is going on in this area?
On the festival day, lots of people bring forth boats and gondolas and light up the Old Danube and the area. This is also done by the arrangers of the event, making it all shine with beautiful lights throughout the evening.
The finale of the event is a giant firework. It is totally free to attend the event and to watch what’s going on. If you want to have a good view of the fireworks, it is smart to arrive around 21.00. There are many restaurants in the area from which you can view the fireworks. Do not forget to reserve a table in advance if you want to dine in one of these, because they are very popular as many people want to eat in those restaurants while enjoying the view of the fireworks.
It is also important to notice that the event has a “secondary” date in case it has to be postponed due to bad weather or other unfortunate circumstances.
Radio Wien arranges the event.
The official name of the event is Radio Wien Lichterfest. Since the radio station arranges the event, they also bring a party to the event. They have their own party boat from which they play loud music, have live DJs performing and much more.
Radio Wien Lichterfest 2025
The dates are not yet announced, but we believe the primary date will be July 19 and July 26 will be the secondary date.
- Dates in 2024: Primary date: July 20th & Secondary date: July 27th
If everything goes as planned on the primary date (no rain), no event will be arranged on the secondary date.
Are you looking for accommodation nearby?
The map below shows you different accommodation options in the area near the event? Would you like to have a short walk from the event to your hotel or apartment as the party ends?
Booking.comAre you looking for information about other ongoing events in Vienna? You can find out what’s going on in Vienna in our Vienna calendar. We are unable to write about all events in our Vienna Guide, but we try to feature the most interesting and important events.
Would you rather read about Vienna’s most important attractions and museums with interesting permanent and temporary exhibitions? You will find lots of information at the different pages of our Vienna Guide.
