The Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival is the perfect event to experience on winter trips to Iceland. This is one of the top events in Reykjavik in February and lights up the days with art installations, cultural performances, live music, and family-friendly activities throughout the city.
Held during one of the most atmospheric times of year, the Winter Lights Festival is among Iceland’s top festivals and a highlight of the winter season. Read on to discover what to expect, learn practical tips, find where to stay, and make the most of this unique winter event in Reykjavik.
Key Takeaways
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The Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival is a free yearly event in Reykjavik.
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It takes place in early February from Thursday to Sunday.
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The 2026 Winter Festival in Reykjavik will take place on February 5-8.
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It features colorful light displays, cultural events, and activities for families.
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Each year is a little different, with 150+ events across the capital area.
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You can find the Winter Festival schedule on the City of Reykjavik website.
What to Expect at the Reykjavik Winter Festival
The Winter Lights Festival is a fun and colorful event that brightens up Reykjavik during the dark days of winter. It takes place every year in early February when there’s only a little daylight.
Over a few nights, the city fills with illuminated displays, music, and creative shows. Famous places such as Laugavegur Street, Hallgrimskirkja Church, and Tjornin Pond glow with lights during the festival. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with locals and visitors enjoying the event side by side.
If it’s your first time in Iceland, this is a great way to discover Reykjavik in winter. You can catch a light show at the Reykjavik Art Museum, listen to live music outside Harpa Concert Hall, or warm up in a thermal pool like Laugardalslaug.
Families can stop by the Reykjavik City Library or Maritime Museum for hands-on activities, and other museums and galleries stay open late with special events.
Main Highlights of the Winter Lights Festival
The Winter Lights Festival includes a few main events that happen across Reykjavik. These include Museum Night, Pool Night, and the Light Trail. All three are free to attend and do not require tickets.
Museum Night in Reykjavik
Museum Night usually takes place on the Friday of the festival week, from 6 PM to 11 PM. Many of the top museums and galleries across Reykjavik stay open late with special programs, performances, and family-friendly activities.
What to Expect:
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Visitors can enter venues such as the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum, and Arbaer Open Air Museum for free.
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Many museums offer special exhibits, live music, pop-up shows, creative workshops, and storytelling sessions throughout the night.
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Focus on 3 to 5 locations that interest you most. This makes the evening more enjoyable and less rushed, since venues can get busy and travel between them takes time.
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Start in the city center, where many museums are close together.
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Free Straeto shuttle buses run between major zones to help people reach locations outside the city center.
Pool Night in Reykjavik
Photo from Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival.
Pool Night is usually held on the Saturday of the festival week, from 5 PM to 11 PM. Laugardalslaug, the largest of the swimming pools in Reykjavik, and the Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach host a relaxing and festive evening with lights, music, and naturally heated pools.
What to Expect:
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Expect free evening entry at participating pools.
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Some locations may host live DJ sets, performances, or themed lighting displays.
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You should bring your own swimwear and a towel.
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Showering with soap before entering is required in all Icelandic swimming pools. This is a normal part of local pool culture and helps keep the water clean for everyone. Shower facilities are separated by gender and usually provide soap
The Light Trail in Reykjavik
The Light Trail runs each evening of the festival, typically from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. This self-guided walking route leads through downtown Reykjavik, where streets, buildings, and public spaces are lit up with creative displays.
What to Expect:
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The trail includes light installations along Hallgrimskirkja Church, Skolavordustigur Street, and Austurvollur Square.
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The displays are created by both Icelandic and international artists, with a mix of colorful, interactive, and artistic designs.
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The route is open and welcoming to all ages, and it offers many opportunities for photos and quiet exploring.
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You should dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes, as sidewalks may be icy or wet in winter. Layers, gloves, and a waterproof outer layer will help keep you comfortable.
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Plan to spend at least one hour on the trail or more if you want to stop for photos, watch performances, or take breaks in cafes along the way. Try to start your walk early in the evening, shortly after the lights switch on.
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Keep a downloaded map of the Light Trail on your phone. The festival website usually shares the full route and schedule in advance.
Practical Info and Travel Tips for the Winter Lights Festival
If this is your first time visiting Reykjavik for the Winter Lights Festival, these tips will help you enjoy your trip. Knowing what to wear, where to stay, and how to get around can make things easier.
What To Wear in February in Iceland
February in Iceland is cold. The temperature is usually between 28 F and 37 F (–2 C to 3 C). There might be snow or strong winds. Since many events happen outside in the evening, you need to stay warm and dry. Here’s what to pack for your trip:
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Warm underclothes (thermal top and bottom).
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A waterproof and windproof jacket.
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Hat, scarf, and gloves.
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Warm socks and boots with a good grip.
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Wear layers so you can take something off when you go indoors.
How To Get Around Reykjavik in February
The city center is small, so you can walk to most events, especially if you choose accommodation in downtown Reykjavik. Some museums and pools are farther away, so it helps to know your options. Here’s how you can get around during the festival:
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Walking is the easiest way to enjoy events in downtown Reykjavik, like the Light Trail and concerts. Most venues are close together, but sidewalks can be icy.
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Public Reykjavik buses (Straeto) are good for reaching places like Laugardalur Valley or Kopavogur Town. Use the Klappid app to check routes and pay for tickets.
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Free shuttle buses run on Museum Night and stop at key locations to take you to venues farther away, like Perlan Museum or Arbaer Open Air Museum.
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Taxis are available but cost more. They are useful if you're staying farther out or coming back late.
Where To Stay in Reykjavik in February
It’s best to stay near the events, so you can walk and enjoy more of the festival. Here are the top hotels to stay in if you’re planning to attend the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik.
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Hotel Fron – Located on Laugavegur Street, this simple and affordable hotel is close to light displays, shops, and cafes.
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Center Hotel Laugavegur – A modern hotel in the middle of downtown, great for exploring the Light Trail and grabbing dinner between events.
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Canopy by Hilton – A stylish hotel near both Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja Church, perfect for being in the heart of the festival.
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Kvosin Downtown Hotel – A cozy boutique stay close to Austurvollur Square and cultural venues featured on Museum Night.
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Skuggi Hotel – Just a short walk from Hlemmur Food Hall and Laugavegur Street, this hotel offers a calm atmosphere near bus lines and restaurants.
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Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel – Located by the Old Harbor, it’s close to waterfront art displays and local seafood spots.
Suggested Winter Lights Festival Itinerary
If you're visiting Reykjavik for the Winter Lights Festival, you can enjoy Iceland's top natural sites by day and the festival’s art and music by night. Most festival events begin in the early evening, so you’ll have daylight hours (about 5–7 hours) to explore other parts of Iceland.
Here's a sample 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
Day 1: Geothermal Baths and Light Trail
Arrive in the morning or early afternoon and check into your hotel. Start with a light walk around the city center and enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of the best cafes in Reykjavik. In the afternoon, visit the Sky Lagoon or go to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak in geothermal waters.
When evening arrives, explore the Light Trail through downtown Reykjavik. Watch buildings light up with artistic displays, enjoy live music, and stop for a cozy dinner or hot chocolate at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2: Whale Watching and Museum Night
Start your day with a whale-watching tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. These tours last about three hours and may include sightings of minke whales, dolphins, or seabirds. Afterward, have a late lunch and browse some of the top shops on Laugavegur Street.
In the evening, join Museum Night, when more than 40 museums and cultural centers stay open with free admission. Expect special exhibitions, live music, and interactive activities, with free shuttle buses helping you visit several venues in one night.
Day 3: Golden Circle and Pool Night
Spend a day on a Golden Circle tour and explore one of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing routes. It includes stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area. You’ll be back in Reykjavik around dinner time, with time to rest and grab a meal.
In the evening, head to Pool Night at one of the city’s geothermal pools. These locations come alive with ambient lights, DJs, and a fun atmosphere, letting you unwind in warm water under the winter sky.
By planning your days around daylight hours and keeping your evenings open for the festival, you’ll get the most out of your trip without feeling rushed.
FAQs About Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik
If you're heading to the Winter Lights Festival, this section covers key details to help you prepare. It includes practical tips on timing, locations, and more.
When does the festival take place?
The Winter Lights Festival takes place over four days and usually happens during the first week of February. Dates vary slightly each year, so check the official festival page for updates.
Where is the festival held?
Events take place across all six municipalities in the Reykjavik Capital Area. These include Reykjavik, Hafnarfjordur, Kopavogur, Gardabaer, Seltjarnarnes, and Mosfellsbaer.
Is the festival free to attend?
Yes. All official events are open to the public at no cost, including Museum Night, Pool Night, and the Light Trail.
Can I see the northern lights during the festival?
February is a good time for northern lights, but seeing them depends on the weather and sky conditions. During the Winter Lights Festival, most events take place in downtown Reykjavik, where city lights can make it harder to see the aurora.
It is sometimes visible from the city, especially on very clear nights. However, your best chance is to go on guided northern lights tours or visit the top places to see the aurora in Reykjavik.
Is Reykjavik crowded during the Winter Lights Festival?
The city is livelier than usual but not overwhelmingly crowded. Popular events like Museum Night may draw larger crowds, so it's good to plan your route or arrive early at certain venues.
When should I arrive in Reykjavik for the festival?
Try to arrive on or before the first day. Festival events start in the early evening, so arriving in the morning or afternoon gives you time to settle in.
Do I need to book anything in advance?
Festival events do not require tickets, but it’s smart to book your hotel and any tours early. February is a popular time, and many places fill up.
Is the festival suitable for children?
Yes. It includes family-friendly events such as interactive museum exhibits, hands-on workshops, and colorful light displays.
Is English spoken at the festival?
Yes. While Icelandic is the main language, most event signage and staff can assist you in English.
Are restaurants and cafes open during the festival?
Yes. Most stay open throughout the festival. Many are near event venues, so it’s easy to grab food or warm drinks between activities.
Is the festival safe to attend?
Reykjavik is very safe. Events are well-lit and welcoming, and people of all ages attend. Just wear warm clothes and good shoes, as sidewalks can be slippery.
Experience the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik
The Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik shows that this season can be full of light, fun, and creativity. With glowing art, warm pools, and friendly events, it’s a special way to enjoy the city during the coldest time of year.
If you're planning a trip to Iceland in February, try to include the festival in your plans. Solo travelers, families, and groups of friends can all enjoy the free events and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great way to make memories that will last long after the snow is gone.
You can easily book hotels in Reykjavik near the festival area, explore the top things to do in the city, or dine in the capital’s best restaurants. If you’re planning day trips during your stay, there are plenty of winter tours that fit well with the evening festival schedule.
Thinking about visiting Reykjavik in winter? Let us know if the Winter Lights Festival is on your list. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
