Warnemünde, Germany - The much-anticipated Warnemünder Turmleuchten 2025 has been canceled due to severe weather warnings. Originally scheduled for the evening of January 1, 2025, the show was expected to draw thousands of attendees to the picturesque coastal location. Unfortunately, forecasts of gusty winds, with speeds potentially reaching up to 95 km/h, prompted the cancellation.
The announcement was made on New Year's Day, just 7.5 hours before the event was set to begin. According to Martina Hildebrandt, a spokesperson from the organizing Hanseatische Eventagentur, "The hope for improved weather conditions for Warnemünde has regrettably been dashed." This sentiment echoed the feelings of many who had anticipated the opportunity to attend the event.
A crisis meeting held by the event organizers, alongside representatives from the Rostock-Warnemünde Tourism Board, police, fire services, and safety personnel concluded the event could not be safely executed. The decision prioritized the safety of both visitors and participants before and behind the scenes.
The cancellation marks the third time the Warnemünder Turmleuchten has been called off, previously facing similar fate due to health regulations or adverse weather conditions. It is particularly disappointing for organizers this year, as the event was meant to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Historically, the Warnemünder Turmleuchten combines light, music, fireworks, and video art, delighting attendees every New Year's Day. This year’s theme, “Magical Moments,” was set to feature various artistic presentations. Despite the setback, the organizers promise to announce a suitable make-up date within the coming days. This rescheduled event is tentatively planned for March or April, depending on coordination with the tourism board to fit the new date seamlessly within the local event calendar.
The annual event traditionally attracts tens of thousands of visitors, not just locals but also tourists eager to experience the spectacle. Hotels, accommodations, and local businesses benefit significantly from this inflow of guests, especially during the holiday season, often reporting nearly full capacity.
“The safety of visitors and participants behind the scenes is of the utmost priority. Given the current weather conditions and expected storm gusts, the execution of the event is impossible,” Hildebrandt stated after the decision was made.
Looking forward, event organizers assured the public they are working diligently to provide news of the rescheduled event soon. This will allow everyone to still enjoy the planned festivities, albeit on a different date.