Light festival returns with shorter run, bigger displays

A rendering of a 3D light projection mapping

Macau’s annual Light Up festival returns this year for a 37-day run from December 6 to January 11, 2026, with a focus on large-scale installations across different districts.

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) announced that the event’s budget has been reduced to MOP17.83 million, allowing organizers to concentrate on immersive exhibits, community activities, and culinary attractions aimed at boosting tourism and the nighttime economy.

Themed “Lightscape–Horizon,” this year’s event focuses on three main exhibition areas: Nam Van, the Northern District, and NAPE, and will feature 28 installations along with community activities and culinary attractions, all aimed at boosting tourism and enhancing the nighttime economy, according to MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes.

Speaking at the press conference yesterday, the official explained that the decision to reduce the budget and shorten the event’s duration was intentional.

It allows the festival to concentrate on three areas with larger installations and more focused activities, “to attract tourists and residents to visit, experience, ‘check in,’ and consume.” She also stated that activities were funded primarily by Macau’s six leisure enterprises.

This year, new features include weekend pop-up events and a special 3D light projection mapping titled “Macao Odyssey: The Story Unfolds” at the Macao Grand Prix Museum. This presentation, designed by the local KCT Cultural Tourism team, will be accompanied by themed carnival activities offering gourmet food, drinks, and games to enrich the visitor experience.

Emphasizing the event’s international focus combined with local innovation, the MGTO head explained that this year’s theme highlights Macau’s unique dual heritage as both a “Historic Centre” and a “Creative City of Gastronomy.”

In addition, MGTO said it will operate two free “Light Up Bus Routes” during Light Up Macao 2025. Services will operate from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Fridays to Sundays and on designated festive days throughout the event.

The tourism bureau stated that the event aims to blend food, culture, creativity, and technology to create a “light and shadow extravaganza.”

International Artist

Participation

A panel showcasing the works of international and local artists featured in this year’s festival followed the MGTO director’s speech and event introduction yesterday.

South Korean artist Jeon Young Ill presented “End of Light: The Black Hole,” which combines traditional Hanji paper with modern lighting to create immersive and philosophical effects. Beijing-based Weixin Huang introduced “Starry Snow,” a digital installation inspired by the Edelweiss star that reflects his expertise in architectural and material innovation. Locally, Hei Lok, president of the Macau Artists Society, showcased “Zodiac Atlas,” described as “a canvas for projections and a stage for wishes.”

Other notable international participants who were not present at the press conference but are part of the festival include the returning Australian duo Amigo & Amigo, Portuguese artist Emanuel Barbosa, and the U.S. design studio Pneuhaus, recognized for its work at events like Burning Man and Vivid Sydney.