In the special atmosphere of the Palmengarten, the Winter Lights have become one of the most popular events of the cold season in recent years. In view of the energy crisis, many have wondered whether such an event can take place at all this year. Now comes the answer: yes, the popular light shows will be offered again this season, but of course there will be a special focus on energy efficiency. "Especially in these challenging times, we all also need moments that are good for our souls. In doing so, we naturally pay attention to maximum energy efficiency," emphasizes Rosemarie Heilig, Head of the Department for Climate, Environment and Women. For this reason, the Palmengarten, in consultation with the Winter Lights initiator Wolfgang Flammersfeld, has developed a concept that preserves the magic of the light show while minimizing energy consumption. Saving yes, but nevertheless a light is to be brought here to the people into the hearts.
For years modern LED technology is used for the winter lights, which saves compared with conventional illuminants approximately 80 per cent energy. In addition, the headlights do not run at full load and their number is limited to a necessary minimum. With the help of modern timer technology, all lights can be switched on and off to the minute, allowing the lighting time to be optimally shortened to the duration of the event. In addition, the Palm Garden reduces the lighting of the paths to a safety-relevant minimum.
So you can visit the Winter Lights 2022 with a clear conscience and enjoy the glow of the lights. For the tenth anniversary, Winterlichter initiator Wolfgang Flammersfeld has again brought popular classics such as the glowing snowdrops and the hydro shield above the octagon fountain, which this year shows fascinating water motifs. In addition, new illuminated objects such as "The Three Graces" and the "Waves" can be discovered while strolling through the magically illuminated plant world. At the Blossom and Butterfly House, glowing butterflies will also fly through the dark garden for the first time. The Torchlight Trail radiates pure coziness, with small torches showing visitors the way in a very atmospheric way. There's no question about it: even in their tenth edition, the Winter Lights have lost none of their fascination. Simply beautiful!
Relocation of the winter lights café
Another energy-saving measure is the relocation of the popular Winter Lights Café from the Galerie am Palmenhaus to Café Siesmayer. "This will significantly save heating energy to warm the gallery as well as electricity to run the café," says Palmengarten Director Katja Heubach. "Since Café Siesmayer is already heated by daytime operations, it can continue to be used sensibly in the evening." However, this also means that for the first time during the Winter Lights period, all the show houses, now including the Palm House, will be closed from 4pm. This decision is intended to reduce the heat loss that would result from the flow of visitors opening and closing the doors. The optimal temperatures for the plants can thus remain constant without having to constantly reheat the houses. In addition to the Winter Lights Café, small meals and warm drinks will also be served by Villa Leonhardi, the gastronomy at the Lindengarten and - on weekends and holidays - the kiosk at the water playground.
"The response of previous years has shown how much our visitors enjoy the Winter Lights," says Heubach. "We want to give them that ray of hope again this year - of course, in a way that lives up to our responsibility for the current circumstances." Those who would like to visit the Winter Lights have the opportunity to do so from Saturday, December 10, to January 8, 2023, daily between 5 and 9 p.m. (last admission: 8 p.m.), excluding Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Tickets are available in advance online at frankfurtticket.de. At the box office are only - if available - remaining tickets available.
