City Life & Community

News from Jena’s city life. Information on urban development, the University, local business, and stories about the people shaping Jena.

Lichtbildarena 2026: The Festival of ‘Goosebump Moments’ Returns

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The renowned travel and photography festival Lichtbildarena returns to Jena from November 13 to 15, 2026. Under the theme ‘Goosebump Moments,’ the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena will host emotional live reportages from across the globe. Featuring new interactive formats and a historic cinema bus, the event remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, bringing international perspectives and breathtaking visuals to the heart of Thuringia.

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Emergency Services in Jena this Friday: On-Call Doctors and Pharmacies on February 13, 2026

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Need medical assistance in Jena this Friday? As regular doctor offices close for the weekend, knowing where to go is vital. From on-call practices at the Universitätsklinikum to 24-hour pharmacies in the region, we provide a comprehensive guide to medical care and specialized services available in Jena, Weimar, and Apolda today.

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Love in All Its Diversity: Queer-Sensitive Couple Blessing on Valentine’s Day in Jena

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This Valentine’s Day, Jena’s city center parishes are moving beyond chocolates and flowers to host a queer-sensitive blessing service. Celebrating love in all its modern forms, the event at August-Bebel-Straße 17 welcomes couples, soulmates, and best friends alike. It offers an inclusive safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community to reflect on their relationships and find spiritual strength in a welcoming, non-commercial environment.

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Carl Zeiss Meditec Reports Loss: What Does the China Crisis Mean for Jena?

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Carl Zeiss Meditec has slipped into the red, reporting a €4.9 million loss in its first fiscal quarter. As currency fluctuations and shifting procurement rules in China impact the MDAX-listed company, questions arise about the future of its headquarters in Jena. With a strategic pivot toward local production in China looming, the medical technology giant faces a challenging year of transformation.

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A Special Milestone in the Delivery Room: Anastasia Theresa is Jena’s 100th Baby of the Year

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The year 2026 has barely begun, yet Uniklinikum Jena has already celebrated a significant milestone. On January 28, little Anastasia Theresa was born, marking the 100th birth of the year at the clinic. Weighing 3,450 grams and measuring 52 centimeters, the healthy baby girl is a joyful addition to her family and a testament to the busy start of the year for local midwives.

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Winter Holidays 2026 in Jena: Shadow Theater and Cosmic Journeys – Tips for Families

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School’s out for winter! From February 16 to 22, 2026, Jena transforms into a playground for young explorers. From magical shadow theater at the Romantikerhaus to intergalactic art workshops at the Kunstsammlung Jena, the city offers diverse and affordable programs for families. Discover how your children can combine education with entertainment this February, even if the weather stays chilly.

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Millions in Investments Despite Budget Freeze: City and Stadtwerke Jena Present Plans for 2026

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Despite a current budget freeze, the City of Jena and Stadtwerke Jena are pushing forward with 150 million euros in planned investments for 2026. While the municipal utility group focuses on the energy transition and housing, the city faces a paradigm shift in how it finances public services. Learn more about how Jena balances financial constraints with essential infrastructure modernization.

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Winter Holidays 2026 in Jena: Creative Tips for Children and Families

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As schools close for the Thuringian winter holidays from February 16 to 22, 2026, Jena offers a diverse program for families. From shadow theater at the Romantikerhaus to cosmic art workshops at the Kunstsammlung Jena, the city combines education with entertainment. Discover creative highlights and regional excursions designed to keep children engaged and inspired during the break.

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Jena Football Legend: Harald Irmscher Celebrates 80th Birthday

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Harald Irmscher, the ‘Sir’ of Jena football, turns 80. From legendary matches against Ajax Amsterdam to witnessing the 1974 World Cup victory over West Germany, Irmscher remains a cornerstone of FC Carl Zeiss Jena’s history. Discover the story of a man who traded jerseys with Franz Beckenbauer and still takes to the pitch today in the city he calls home.

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