Fireworks

KÖLNER LICHTER

KD a spectacular aerial fireworks display aboard the KD

Cologne lights, fireworks on the Rhine, logo in the center

In 2026, the Cologne Lights will once again transform the cathedral city into a spectacular sea of lights, sparks, colors, and emotions. The best view? From the water, of course, and therefore—clearly—on board 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

At a glance

  • KD landing stage Cologne
  • 01.08.2026
  • 6:00 p.m. Boarding, 12:30 a.m. end
  • NEW! Anniversary ship MS RheinGalaxie
  • Includes beverages, buffet creations, live cooking, flying dessert buffet, birthday cake
  • DJ, live act, and surprise program
  • For additional ships and event concepts, see below.

from €249 per person

Cashless payment

Safe and fast – For party and event transportation, we accept only cashless payments (with no minimum amount and, of course, no fees).

Cologne Lights ship selection


anniversary ship "MS RheinGalaxie"

August 1, 2026 (advance ticket sales start February 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.)
We are celebrating a double anniversary:
200 years KD 150 years of 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)
© KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH

KD party ship MS RheinMagie 

01.08.2026

  • Party trip to the fireworks from/to Cologne
  • KD Landebrücke No. 1, Cologne-Altstadt, see
  • 6:00 p.m. Boarding
  • 19:00 Departure
  • 00:00 Return*
  • 00:30 End of the event

Party ride. Very limited seating available.

  • 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
MS RheinMagie illuminated in the evening in front of the Deutz Bridge
© KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH

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 €
© Fotolia

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 €
Ship MS Petersberg on the Rhine illuminated blue in the dark
© KD Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH

Important information

*Depending on the start and duration of the fireworks display, there may be delays in the event schedule and possibly a later return.

Unfortunately, the MS RheinDiamond (formerly Jules Verne) is not wheelchair accessible. The open deck and restrooms are only accessible via steps.

The minimum age for party cruises aboard the MS Oceandiva Nova and MS RheinMagie is 18.

On board the ships, including table reservations, KD will assign tables and seats KD availability. Of course, we will 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 will be arranged together with other guests and, for larger groups, at several adjoining tables.

Guests who are intoxicated or whose attire or behavior is inappropriate may be Boarding . For safety reasons, the consumption of cannabis products is strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to change ships at any time. Further information on the dress code and answers to other questions can be found here.

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.

Insurance conditions
Tariff sheet

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.

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Service Center

Service times:
Mon:
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tue - Fri:
8:30 am to 4:30 pm


Frequently asked questions

Here you will find answers to the most important questions about KD's services.

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