Why is the Helene Fischer Show 2025 canceled – and what will replace it on ZDF
For many Germans, Christmas simply isn’t complete without “Die Helene Fischer Show.” Since 2011, the spectacular music gala has been a fixed part of ZDF’s festive programming – a three-hour celebration of song, dance, acrobatics and star guests. But in 2025, millions of fans will have to do without it: ZDF has officially confirmed that this year’s edition has been canceled. The reason is deeply personal – Helene Fischer has recently given birth to her second child and is on maternity leave. Instead of the iconic show, ZDF will fill the December 25 primetime slot with a special holiday film, “Weihnachten im Olymp.” As reported by G.Business, this marks the first time in over a decade that the network will replace its biggest holiday event.
From Siberia to superstardom – the story of Helene Fischer
Helene Fischer was born on August 5, 1984, in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. Her parents, descendants of Volga Germans, emigrated to Germany in 1988, settling in Wöllstein, Rhineland-Palatinate. After finishing school, she trained in singing, dance and acting at the Stage & Musical School in Frankfurt am Main, where she appeared in musicals such as The Rocky Horror Show.
Her career took off in 2005 after a televised duet with host and entertainer Florian Silbereisen, with whom she later had a ten-year relationship. Her debut album “Von hier bis unendlich” (2006) marked the beginning of a phenomenal rise. Combining traditional Schlager pop with modern production, Fischer created a new sound and image for German entertainment.
Today she is one of Europe’s most successful artists, with over 18 million albums sold, 17 Echo Awards, multiple Bambi and Goldene Henne trophies. Her 2013 hit “Atemlos durch die Nacht” became an anthem and one of the most-played German-language songs of all time.
“Die Helene Fischer Show” – a Christmas tradition for millions
Since its first broadcast in 2011, “Die Helene Fischer Show” has become a holiday institution. Originally produced by ARD and later moved to ZDF in 2013, the show traditionally airs on December 25 at 8:15 PM and attracts more than five million viewers annually.
The show is a spectacular mix of live music, dance numbers, acrobatics, and star guests from Germany and abroad – from Elton John to Andrea Bocelli. It is recorded weeks in advance, usually in Messe Düsseldorf, with an audience of more than 10,000 people. Each year, Fischer performs her own hits and Christmas songs in elaborate stage settings with dozens of dancers and musicians.
A brief look at its most successful editions:
| Year | Venue | Highlights | Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Berlin | Andrea Berg, David Garrett | 5.2 million |
| 2016 | Düsseldorf | Tom Jones, Andreas Gabalier | 5.1 million |
| 2019 | Düsseldorf | Sarah Connor, Mark Forster | 4.9 million |
| 2023 | Düsseldorf | Roland Kaiser, Johannes Oerding | 5.0 million |
The production has long been the centerpiece of ZDF’s Christmas programming and a symbol of Fischer’s ability to combine showbusiness perfection with emotional sincerity.
2025: The show takes a break – here’s what replaces it
The news broke on October 7, 2025: “Die Helene Fischer Show” will not air this Christmas. ZDF officially stated that Helene Fischer is taking a break for maternity leave after giving birth to her second child. For fans, a Christmas without Fischer’s music feels almost unimaginable – yet this year it becomes reality.
Instead of the traditional live show, ZDF will broadcast the 90-minute TV film “Weihnachten im Olymp” (Christmas in Olympus) starring Mariele Millowitsch and Joachim Król. The romantic holiday comedy follows a department-store director who, on Christmas Eve, recalls a magical night 40 years earlier when she and her great love were accidentally locked inside the store. Fate brings them together again decades later, reviving old memories and new feelings.
According to ZDF, the film is a “heartwarming Christmas fairy tale full of nostalgia and second chances” – a production meant to capture the emotional spirit that Fischer’s show traditionally brought to the screen. The film premieres on December 25 at 20:15, but will be available for streaming from November 15 on the ZDF Mediathek.
This year, ZDF is saying goodbye to its grand live stage but still promises “festive emotions” for viewers at home.
A history of pauses and comebacks
While this year’s cancellation comes as a disappointment, it’s not the first interruption in the show’s history.
- 2020: canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2021–2022: further breaks due to logistical restrictions.
- 2023: triumphant return, combining live music, aerial stunts and international guests – with record-breaking ratings.
This time, however, the reason is personal rather than professional. Fischer’s decision to prioritize her family over her career has been met with widespread respect. Fans describe it as a “pause, not an end.”
Helene Fischer’s private life – love, family, and balance
For years, Fischer and TV presenter Florian Silbereisen were Germany’s entertainment “dream couple.” After their separation in 2018, she found a new partner in Thomas Seitel, a dancer from her stage team. Their first daughter was born in December 2021; the second child arrived in summer 2025.
Helene rarely speaks about her private life, but in a 2024 interview she reflected: “Success means nothing if you don’t have someone to share it with.”
The next chapter: A 360° stadium tour in 2026
The pause in 2025 doesn’t mark an end – rather, it’s a reset before a major comeback. For 2026, Fischer has announced a spectacular 360° stadium tour across Germany, Austria and Switzerland to celebrate 20 years of her career.
The opening concert will take place on July 17, 2026, at Allianz Arena in Munich. The stage will be built in the center of the stadium, allowing audiences to experience the performance from all sides. Ticket prices range from €79 to €165, and many dates are already sold out.
This tour is expected to set new standards for live performance in Europe – both technologically and artistically.
What fans can do in 2025
Even without the ZDF show, fans can still enjoy Fischer’s music and spirit this Christmas:
- Follow Helene Fischer’s official social-media pages for updates and announcements.
- Watch “Weihnachten im Olymp” on ZDF or stream it early on the Mediathek.
- Explore DVD and Blu-ray editions of previous Helene Fischer Shows.
- Subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive presale information about the 2026 tour.
- Listen to the new “Helene – Weihnachten Deluxe Edition”, a reissue of her best holiday songs.
The cancellation of “Die Helene Fischer Show 2025” marks the end of an era – but only temporarily. The singer is taking a well-earned break to focus on her family before returning to the stage stronger than ever.
Helene Fischer’s career embodies modern German entertainment: discipline, glamour, and emotional connection. And while the stage may remain dark this Christmas, millions of fans know – she’ll shine again soon.
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