Start the anniversary year with us – we are celebrating 25 years of Disney's THE LION KING in Hamburg.

Disney's THE LION KING will celebrate its 25th birthday in December 2026 at the Stage Theater on the harbor – and all of Hamburg will celebrate with us! Look forward to an anniversary year full of surprises and 25 very special stories. Because one day is not enough for us – we're making the whole year a birthday.

The starting signal was already given on December 2, 2025 – we celebrated the 24th birthday with numerous guests and great anticipation. But that was just the beginning. An anniversary year awaits Hamburg with many surprising promotions and exclusive events related to the show, with exciting collaborations and well-known well-wishers. Disney's THE LION KING will be visible at the harbor, around the Alster, and also on the Elbphilharmonie. The highlight is the grand gala on December 2, 2026 – exactly 25 years after the premiere performance.

25 years – 25 special stories.
25 years of Disney's THE LION KING in Hamburg – a quarter of a century full of fascination, enthusiasm, and great experiences on, in front of, and behind the stage. We will show you extraordinary behind-the-scenes insights: the craftsmanship behind the stage art, the fantastic costumes, the creative puppets, and the sophisticated stage technology. We report on small details and big emotions, on dedication and passion. How does the original creative team look back on the creation of this unique production? How did the iconic title song “The Circle of Life” and the unmistakable sound that still characterizes THE LION KING today come about? What significance does the international cast from over 40 nations have for the special character of this Disney classic? Each of the 25 stories shows what has made this show in Hamburg so successful for 25 years.

25 Years of Disney's THE LION KING in Hamburg is also a look into the future. The global hit, which has received 70 international awards, will continue to have a permanent place in the Port of Hamburg and in the hearts of the audience. The fascination of this colorful story about the little lion Simba, about growing up, about family and friendship is unbroken. Every time the curtain opens and Rafiki's voice rings out at the beginning, the eternal circle of life in the African savanna begins anew. This is another reason why many of our guests keep coming back. Quite a few who were already there as children visit us today with their own children. And that will certainly continue for the next 25 years.

Photo credits: Deen van Meer and Lois Greenfield