Fireworks
KÖLNER LICHTER
KD a spectacular fireworks display high in the sky aboard the KD —featuring a drone show for the first time!
In 2026, the Kölner Lichter will once again transform the cathedral city into a spectacular sea of light, sparks, colors, and emotions—and for the first time in history, it will be complemented by an impressive drone show!
The best view? Of course, it’s from the water—and that means, without a doubt, aboard the KD.
On the first weekend in August, hundreds of thousands of visitors will once again line the riverbanks, bridges, and ships to experience one of Europe's most fascinating music-synchronized fireworks displays on the Rhine. This year's exclusive highlight: celebrate KD 200th anniversary with us KD the elegant event ship MS RheinGalaxie. No matter which of our offers you choose, you will enjoy an evening full of atmosphere, first-class entertainment, and incomparable views of the sparkling spectacle above the Rhine.
Program & Services
01.08.2026
- Boat trip from/to Cologne
- 6:00 p.m. Boarding
- 19:00 Departure
- 00:00 Return*
- 00:00/00:30 End of the event
* The large music-synchronized final fireworks display is planned for approx. 23:00. Depending on the start and duration of the fireworks, there may be delays in the event and possibly a later return.
- Various ships & programs
- see announcements below
Cologne Lights ship selection
KD party ship MS RheinMagie
01.08.2026
- Party trip to the fireworks from/to Cologne
- KD Bastei North KD , see
- 6:00 p.m. Boarding
- 19:00 Departure
- 00:00 Return*
- 00:30 End of the event
Party ride. Very limited seating available. Please observe ourdress code.
- KD event ship MS RheinMagie
- DJs from KD & live act
- the best hits of the current charts
- Party on the open-air deck in good weather
- Beer, KD, sparkling wine and soft drinks included
- Additional à la carte drinks and snacks
- Ticket prices incl. fireworks tax
- Phase 1 – sold out
- Phase 2 – sold out
- Phase 3 – €189
anniversary ship "MS RheinGalaxie"
August 1, 2026 (sold out)
We’re celebrating a major double anniversary:
200 years KD 150 years of the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger
- Fireworks cruise from/to Cologne
- KD no. 4, Cologne Old Town, see
- 6:00 p.m. Boarding
- 19:00 Departure
- 00:00 Return*
- 00:00 End of the event
- KD event ship MS RheinGalaxie
- Table reservation
- Dining options:
- diverse buffet creations with an exquisite selection of high-quality dishes
- Live cooking stations
- Flying dessert buffet
- festive birthday cake
- Includes beverages (beer, wine, soft drinks, and sparkling wine)
- DJ & live act
- Surprise Program
- €249 (Phase 1 – sold out)
- €269 (Phase 2 – sold out)
- €289 (Phase 3)
Dinner Moment "MS RheinDiamond" (ex MS Jules Verne)
August 1, 2026 (sold out)
- Boat tour from/to Cologne Old Town
- KD Landebrücke No. 5, Cologne-Altstadt, see
- 6:00 p.m. Boarding
- 18:30 Departure
- 00:00 Return*
- 00:00 End of the event
- KD event ship MS RheinDiamond (ex Jules Verne)
- Table reservation
- Includes a main course buffet with live cooking stations, plus a served appetizer and an intermediate course (gourmet menu)
- incl. flying dessert buffet and ice cream station
- incl. welcome drink (champagne) and KD signature drink (anniversary drink) for the fireworks (other drinks à la carte)
- DJ & Live Act
- Ticket price 249 €
All-inclusive evening cruise on the MS Petersberg
August 1, 2026 (sold out)
- Boat tour from/to Cologne
- DSC landing stage, Cologne Zoo, see
- 6:00 p.m. Boarding
- 19:00 Departure
- 00:00 Return*
- 00:00 End
- MS Petersberg
- incl. table reservation
- incl. welcome sparkling wine
- incl. buffet and drinks (beer, wines, soft drinks)
- DJ
- Ticket price 239 €
Important information
*Depending on the start time and duration of the fireworks display, there may be delays in the event schedule and possibly a later return time.
Unfortunately, the MS RheinDiamond (formerly Jules Verne) is not wheelchair accessible. The open deck and restrooms are accessible only via steps.
A minimum age of 18 applies for the party cruise aboard the MS RheinMagie.
Snack menu
On board the ships, including for table reservations, table and seating assignments are made by KD availability and feasibility. Of course, we take into account the number of people booked and group sizes. Please note that our tables are designed for a limited number of people. Depending on the number of people booked, seating may be arranged with other guests, and for larger groups, at several adjacent tables.
Guests who are intoxicated or whose attire or behavior is inappropriate may be Boarding . The consumption of cannabis products is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. We reserve the right to change ships at any time. Further information on the dress code and answers to additional questions can be found here.
Cashless payment
Safe and fast – For party and event transportation, we accept only cashless payments (with no minimum amount and, of course, no fees).
Ticket insurance
After booking in our online store, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to our partner "Ergo Reiseversicherung", which you can use to take out ticket insurance.
Our fleet
Right in the middle of the action in the vibrant metropolis - where KD ships set sail, life is happening! On board the KD , every occasion becomes a very special experience.
