4 Light Festivals to Experience in Europe This Fall

Technology brought a new dimension to Europe’s traditional fall festivals and inspired new ones. From Portugal to Croatia, cities use light, contemporary art and technology to transform public spaces with immersive 3-D light-art shows and illuminated art installations. Add one of these cities to your fall itinerary and your family will see Europe in a new light (literally).

Porto, Portugal
Through Nov. 8, Serralves em Luz (Serralves in Light) transforms the villa, gardens, lakes and woodlands of Porto’s Serralves Foundation into a 45-acre light show. Twenty new, site-specific installations illuminate everything from the foundation’s Art Deco Serralves Villa to Serralves Park woodlands, gardens and lakes, creating an experience that unfolds across one of Europe’s most beautiful urban estates.

Oslo, Norway
Norway’s waterfront capital transforms its harbor district into a free art festival during Fjord Oslo, Nov. 5–8. This outdoor exhibition of light throughout Harbour Promenade in central Oslo is part of IMAGINE PEACE, a European Union initiative to celebrate cultural diversity, peace and sustainability.

Berlin, Germany
Berlin Festival of Lights returns Oct. 9–18 under the motto “Colours of Love,” bringing together light, art and music across Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks. The Festival of Lights will feature immersive 3-D light-art shows and music by popular DJs and artists.

Pula, Croatia
Spread across a half-mile route in 17 locations, Visualia Festival of Light (Sept.17–19) layers light art installations across the historic Roman architecture in Pula’s city center. Contemporary light technology puts a whole different perspective on the well-preserved Roman monuments, which include a Roman amphitheater and Pula Arena.