On New Year’s Day 2025, Warnemünde is gearing up for a spectacular celebration as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Warnemünde Turmleuchten, drawing tens of thousands to the beach promenade of this Baltic Sea resort. Event organizers promise an exciting mix of art and entertainment featuring light displays, music, fireworks, lasers, and videos, all themed "Magical Moments." With free admission, the event organized by the Hanseatic Event Agency is expected to be lively and memorable.
The festivities begin at 3:00 PM with various pre-program activities before the main performance starts at 6:00 PM. Musician Ola van Sander will serve as the event’s "musical host," presenting his new arrangement and vocals of the song "Am Fenster" by the band City. Seven musical pieces will be performed throughout the evening, ensuring something for everyone.
This year’s Turmleuchten is anticipated to attract many overnight guests to Warnemünde, with hotels, guesthouses, and holiday apartments booked through the tourism office's system reporting occupancy rates typically around 98% for the New Year’s period. The influx of visitors is not just for the Turmleuchten; it's also about enjoying the scenic beauty and festivities surrounding the holiday.
Authorities have prepared for the large crowd, implementing specific safety measures aimed at ensuring the enjoyment of all attendees. Adriana Ott-Ebert, the incident commander and head of the Lichtenhagen police precinct, emphasized the importance of balancing safety and allowing families to enjoy the festivities. This year, the promenade will be dividedinto three distinct audience sections, each with defined capacity limits to manage the expected 60,000 visitors.
Security will be heightened, with increased police presence. The use of fireworks and drones will be strictly prohibited to maintain safety—both for attendees and to protect the natural environment. Access to some beach areas and dune paths will also be restricted on the day of the event, allowing only certain entry points to safeguard the sensitive coastline.
To support the flow of attendees, the central district of Warnemünde will be closed to traffic from 10:00 AM, with additional restrictions implemented later on as festivities build. The organizers advise using public transportation for easier access. Local transport services will be significantly reinforced, with increased schedules for buses and trams, including S-Bahn services running on tighter intervals during high-traffic times.
City-goer Georgi Gogow will perform as the featured artist, adding to the evening's artistic charm. The event is not only about entertainment but is also seen as one of Europe's largest New Year celebrations. The atmosphere promises to be alive, filled with emotional performances as planners expect each visitor may find at least one piece of music or spectacle to resonate with them deeply.
For those wishing to stream the celebrations from home, the local news outlet OZ will provide live coverage of the event. Challenges inherent to broadcasting such large gatherings are acknowledged, yet the excitement of the event continues to draw interest from around the region.
Known for its vibrancy and charm, the Warnemünde Turmleuchten event has garnered attention over the years for its elaborate shows and creative expressions of New Year's festivities. The 2025 celebration marks not just the start of the new year, but also highlights the community spirit and cultural pride shared among those who gather to welcome it.
Residents and visitors alike are gearing up for this occasion, eagerly chanting "Magical Moments" as the curtain rises on the new year. With careful planning and execution, the event promises to be both enjoyable and safe for all those attending, reinforcing Warnemünde’s reputation as a premier destination for celebratory gatherings.