Forest - Winterlights by Dark Matter
Christmas market in Berlin from 4 November 2026 to 14 February 2027
Dark Matter invites you to a particularly sparkling highlight during the Christmas season. Over 600 floating Christmas trees transform the imposing transformer hall in Lichtenberg into a poetic winter forest, under which you can glide along on an ice rink.
This Christmas season, Dark Matter invites you to a particularly sparkling highlight. Over 600 floating Christmas trees transform the imposing Transformator Hall in Lichtenberg into a poetic winter forest, beneath which you can glide along an ice rink.
Just like the expansive light and sound installations in the halls of the former factory site – which are open all year round – ‘Forest – Winterlights’ combines space, sound and light to create a unique experience. Let yourself be swept away on a sensory winter stroll that unfolds in 45-minute, recurring cycles.
At the centre is an ice rink – even larger this year – which, for the first time, forms part of the art installation itself. Thousands of lights integrated into the ice make colours, patterns and animations light up right beneath your skates.
The festive light installation by light artist Christopher Bauder is accompanied musically by a composition by Dutch musician Chris Kuijten, in which danceable rhythms alternate with calmer, meditative sounds. Glide on your skates through the resounding, luminous forest, or enjoy this artistic winter wonderland away from the ice rink whilst sipping mulled wine, hot chocolate and Christmas treats.
An extraordinary Christmas market for anyone looking for something special – and wishing to experience the glamour, lights and Christmas romance with that typical Berlin flair.
Highlights of Forest – Winterlights
- Over 600 floating, upside-down fir trees
- More than 300,000 lights in a walk-through light installation
- An ice rink forms part of the installation
- A soundtrack composed by Chris Kuijten for an immersive experience
- Winter drinks and small culinary specialities available on site
Tips for your visit to Forest – Winterlights
Combine your visit to DARK MATTER with a detour to the creative neighbourhood around Lichtenberg. The nearby Funkhaus Berlin on the River Spree offers an exciting mix of architecture and the music scene. If you’re in the mood for culinary discoveries, you’ll find cosy cafés and creative restaurants in the trendy neighbourhood around the Weitlingkiez.
Opening times and admission prices
- Dates: 4 November 2026 to 14 February 2027
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 2 pm–10 pm, Friday 12 noon–11 pm, Saturday 11 am–11 pm, Sunday 11 am–10 pm
- Admission: Please book tickets online
- Winterlights: Children from 12 euros, student tickets from 15 euros, standard tickets from 17 euros
- Combined ticket for Winterlights + exhibition: Children from 22 euros, students from 27 euros, standard from 33 euros
- Admission to the ice rink is included in all tickets
- Ice skate hire: 5 euros + deposit
How to get there
We recommend travelling by public transport. Take tram 21 from Frankfurter Tor to Gustav-Holzmann-Straße. From there, it’s just a three-minute walk to Dark Matter.