„The stars aren´t the only things shining tonight.“; Imperial Lights
There are experiences that feel like stumbling unnoticed into another time – not like a time machine, but more like a gentle immersion into a world that is simply more. That’s exactly what I thought last Friday when my husband and I visited the Imperial Lights at Schönbrunn for the first time. And yes, „first time“ is meant quite literally here, because this event is truly a first this year. A completely new concept, a totally new approach to a place that we Viennese all know so well. And yet, this time everything was different.
Even at the entrance, I had the feeling that a curtain was being drawn back to a magnificent sea of lights. No exaggeration – the Imperial Lights are designed in such a way that you truly feel like you’re part of a royal evening spectacle. And quite honestly, if there were an emperor and empress today, they would surely have created something similar for themselves. Perhaps even more opulent. I immediately pictured Sisi strolling through the grounds in a sparkling coat, while Franz Joseph rejoiced that everything was finally glittering again.
But let’s stay in the present – and with my personal impression of the imperial lights.
A walk like ...
a little journey through time
Right from the start, you’re immersed in a blend of light art, installations, and sound design. Everything is so lovingly crafted that you realize: this isn’t meant to be a mere „walk through and look“ event. You’re meant to feel it. And you do.
We could already hear the music from afar, and after a few steps, we stood before a piano that was playing itself. Of course, I immediately stood in front of it and pretended to be the reincarnation of Mozart. My husband laughed, I dramatically leaned over the keys, and the people around us were definitely having a good time. And that’s precisely the beauty of Imperial Lights: you’re allowed to participate. In fact, you’re encouraged to. It’s not a strictly guarded art installation, no „please do not touch“ signs, but a playful approach that truly brings the whole thing to life.
A few meters further on, there was an oversized keyboard that you could play with your feet. Yes – you actually step on it and make sounds. It’s brilliant for couples. Really. First, one of you stumbles and misses, then together you hit a harmonious chord, and suddenly you’re standing there like two exuberant children trying to sing a duet. So, if the Imperial Lights can do one thing, it’s create a feeling of lightness.
Small but perfectly formed
– somehow charming
Many of you have already asked me if this event is comparable to the Illumina in Laxenburg. And yes – a comparison is apt. The Illumina is larger, more expansive, and impressive in its sheer size. The Imperial Lights, on the other hand, are somewhat smaller, but significantly closer, more central, and everything feels a bit more compact, yet also more intense. You don’t walk for miles; instead, you stroll leisurely from one point to the next.
And the biggest advantage? You’re right next to the Schönbrunn Christmas Market. At least in theory. In practice, it’s already closed at 9 p.m. – funnily enough. Nobody expected that. My husband and I were standing there, quite romantically, still full of impressions from the Imperial Lights, when suddenly the lights went out like a school classroom after the last lesson. But anyway, I’ll tell you the full drama in another blog post.
The moment that topped everything
But there was one highlight that truly overshadowed everything else. And that was the beautifully illuminated carriage. It looked like it had been lifted straight from a fairytale book – delicate lights, a warm glow, the feeling that „this is the place for the grand finale.“ And apparently, someone felt exactly the same way, because the moment we arrived, something happened: a proposal.
I swear, I had goosebumps. The scene: him a little nervous, her completely surprised, everyone around us breathing in sympathy – and of course, she said yes. For a moment, I felt like I was secretly an extra in a Netflix Christmas movie. The imperial lights really make moments like these possible because everything is designed to make you feel a bit like you’re in a royal fantasy world.
And yes – I had to blink back a few tears. Romance and lights… you know me. I’m a romantic. And especially at this time of year.
A little adventure
– for an empress
The route itself is beautifully illuminated, but something we thought along the way: the signage could be clearer. Several times we stood there thinking, „Um… I hope we’re going the right way and not missing anything.“ The Imperial Lights aren’t huge, but a visible map at the start would have been really helpful. Especially since you really want to see everything.
Nevertheless, we were through in about an hour – leisurely, without any stress, with plenty of photo stops. The Imperial Lights have just the right pace: you can let yourself drift along without being completely exhausted afterward. And yet, it still feels like a truly memorable experience.
Why the Imperial Lights are so special
I think what makes this event so special is the blend of nostalgia and interactivity. Everyone knows Schönbrunn. Everyone knows the park. Everyone knows the architecture. But the Imperial Lights give the whole thing a character that hasn’t been experienced before.
Here are a few impressions that describe it particularly well for me:
• You walk along old avenues, but everything glows in new colors.
• You recognize the silhouette of the castle, but suddenly it seems like the backdrop to a new, sparkling story.
• You’re in the heart of Vienna, but it feels like you’re far removed from everything familiar.
• You experience a castle that we usually know only during the day – but the Imperial Lights transform it into a place that begs for an evening adventure.
And because it’s the first time Schönbrunn has put on such a spectacular light show, it has this fresh, exciting feel. You can really sense that something new is being created here. Something that might even grow in the coming years. Perhaps it will become bigger, expanded, even more interactive. Perhaps it will one day become THE winter event in Vienna. But this very first time has something magical about it.
my summary
a new winter must-do
When I think back to how we walked hand in hand through the sea of lights, how we laughed, how we played like two children… then I know that the Imperial Lights are an event I would definitely recommend.
It’s closer, cozier, and the walk to the Christmas market afterward is—in theory—perfect.
It’s romantic without being cheesy.
It’s playful without being childish.
And above all: It’s new. Fresh. Different.
The Imperial Lights completely captivated me, and I’m already looking forward to seeing how the concept develops in the coming years. Perhaps it will become even bigger. Perhaps it will become even more interactive. Perhaps some elements will remain exactly as they are because they are just right.
But what I know for sure is this: if it remains even remotely as magical as it was this year, then it will become a fixture for many winters in Vienna. And perhaps in a few years, I’ll be standing in front of that carriage again, once more surrounded by sparkling lights, and maybe I’ll witness the next proposal. Or perhaps I’ll simply be enjoying a lovely evening with my husband. Either would be perfect.
The Imperial Lights – an hour that will stay with you.
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