Review: Winter Festival 2025

A Winter Full of Light, Warmth, and Hope

For four weeks, the Theresienwiese was all about the festival motto: “Now more than ever! For peace, democracy, and the environment.” Illuminated images and messages shone from the roof of the Mercato tent, and a large glittering peace dove welcomed the Tollwood audience. In the Engagement Lab, visitors received tips on how to advocate for their personal heartfelt causes, while the Theater Tent offered space for exchange and discussion with the series “Voices That Move.” The Tollwood Winter Festival 2025 was a place for inspiration and hope.

Messages for Peace
“Peace is like a friend to me”—this was written by a little girl on one of the peace plaques adorning the large peace sign created by Veronika Angloher. Since one sculpture wasn’t enough for all the peace messages, there are now 2,300 such plaques—2,300 wishes for a better world—hanging on a total of five peace signs. People immortalized their hopes: “You can’t change the wind, but you can set the sails differently.” The festival motto “Now more than ever! For peace, democracy, and the environment” touched hearts and inspired participation.

Wonder at the Mysterious
In the Theater Tent, French exceptional artist Johann Le Guillerm amazed audiences night after night. In “Terces” (backwards: Secret), he breathed life into objects, creating the “magic of things.” For example, he stacked 60 books into towers and, for the finale, built a dome from 52 wooden poles—based on the principle of Leonardo’s bridge, without screws, without nails, in perfect balance. Almost all performances were sold out.

Live Music, Fire Shows, and More
Tollwood once again invited everyone to enjoy culture: in the Hexenkessel, people danced to around 153 hours of live music. On the Fire Show stage, artists enchanted audiences with imaginative fire performances—sometimes acrobatic, sometimes rhythmic, sometimes with graceful dance. Sparks flew and flames danced every time. And back again: the Perchten, bringing luck and blessings to the festival grounds.

Mobile Therapy and a Living Music Box
Across the Theresienwiese roamed wondrous creatures such as the dragon “Ember,” the Cromosauro, and the camel “Châmoh.” They captivated children and adults alike, making them marvel and laugh. On the Performance Stage in the heart of the festival, unusual acts rotated. For example, “The Brooklyn Healer” invited visitors into his car for mobile therapy—with a wink; the living jukebox “Jackbox” played hits live—always different and absurdly funny.

And with the grand finale, Munich celebrated the New Year: the New Year’s Eve party transformed the grounds into a sparkling landscape with live music, DJs, and the traditional midnight waltz under the starry sky. Back again: the cult club Harry Klein. Probably Munich’s most beautiful New Year’s celebration—and the perfect start to a new year full of possibilities.