Slowly but surely, the mild autumn is coming to an end, making way for the colder season. And before we know it, the magic of pumpkins will give way to sparkling winter magic. In just ten days, Berlin’s first Christmas market will open its doors, and in less than four weeks, one of the capital’s most beautiful gardens will be aglow with spectacular light installations. But in between, another highlight awaits you: Soon you’ll be able to take to the ice again—against a backdrop that could hardly be more magical. Starting November 4, 2026, DARK MATTER in Berlin-Lichtenberg will once again transform into an enchanting winter wonderland.
Through February 14, 2027, visitors can immerse themselves in an extraordinary world of light, music, and movement. What makes this special is that the spectacular light installation isn’t just something to admire—it’s also something to experience on ice skates. And this year, the winter experience is set to be even more impressive, with a larger ice rink and new lighting effects. As temperatures drop outside and the days grow shorter, a fascinating winter wonderland comes to life in a former Berlin industrial hall. Spanning approximately 1,000 square meters, the DARK MATTER exhibition hall transforms into a luminous forest where more than 600 fir trees hang upside down from the ceiling. Among the floating trees, some 300,000 points of light create an almost surreal atmosphere, while music and shifting light choreographies set the entire installation in motion.
At the heart of the experience is an ice rink fully integrated into the art installation. Visitors can glide on skates through the sparkling winter forest while experiencing the extraordinary interplay of light, sound, and movement. Unlike at ordinary ice rinks, the light show doesn’t just take place above guests’ heads. The ice surface itself becomes part of the production and, thanks to integrated light points, transforms into a shifting sea of colors, patterns, and animations. For the 2026/27 winter season, the experience has been expanded compared to last year. While the installation impressed visitors last season with more than 250,000 light points, this winter there will be around 300,000. The ice rink has also been enlarged and integrated even more closely into the overall concept. New string lights complement the floating fir trees and provide additional visual effects.
Another special feature is the approximately 45-minute performance, in which light, music, and movement merge into a coordinated choreography. The entire hall constantly shifts its atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience different lighting moods. Those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground can also enjoy the installation without ice skates. Amid the glowing trees, visitors can take their time marveling at the extraordinary winter landscape. Winter drinks and seasonal specialties are also available for a cozy break. With mulled wine, non-alcoholic punch, and small treats, guests can warm up and soak in the special atmosphere.
FOREST – WINTERLIGHTS will take place from November 4, 2026, through February 14, 2027, at DARK MATTER, located at Köpenicker Chaussee 46 in Berlin-Lichtenberg. The winter exhibition will be open Tuesday through Sunday, offering plenty of opportunities to visit the extraordinary indoor winter forest during the cold season. Those who want to take to the ice can rent skates on site. The installation can also be visited without ice skating. The exact opening hours, available ticket categories, and current prices can be found on the official DARK MATTER website.
