Winter Lights Festival Reykjavík 2026: Vetrarhátíð
Maja Jarecka
February 5, 2026
Jiri sedlacek
February 5, 2026
Updates:
The Winter Lights FestivalVetrarhátíð returns to Reykjavík from February 5 – 8, 2026, transforming the city into a glowing celebration of art, culture, and light during Iceland’s winter season. This annual event brings together locals and visitors alike to enjoy over 150 free events across the capital area that embrace both light and darkness in creative and inspiring ways.
The festival is designed to lift spirits during Iceland’s darkest months, celebrating the return of longer daylight and bringing communities together through art, performances, and shared experiences.
All events are free of charge, making this one of Reykjavík’s most accessible and joyful winter traditions.
At the opening you’ll also see the premiere of the light installation Synergy 2.0 by Mercury Maze Studio — an interactive video, light, and sound work projected onto the building Hnitbjörg (which houses the Einar Jónsson Museum). This installation will be on display throughout the festival evenings from roughly 6:30 PM–10:30 PM.
✹ Feb 5 – 8: Light Trail & Art Installations
Location: City Centre – Hallgrímskirkja to Austurvöllur
Time: 18:30 – 22:30 nightly (approx.)
The Light Trail is a walking route through the heart of downtown Reykjavík, with light artworks set up along the way.
It stretches from Hallgrímskirkja church down the main street Skólavörðustígur toward Austurvöllur square near the Parliament and City Hall area.
Light art installations are displayed in public spaces along that path — outdoor plazas, building façades, bridges, and squares — and are illuminated nightly from about 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
Two major official installations chosen for the 2026 festival include:
Ljóslifandi – an experiential light piece at Austurvöllur square, inviting visitors through a sculptural corridor of light.
Í NÝJU LJÓSI – a light artwork near Reykjavík City Hall bridge, designed to encourage reflection and “new light” on ourselves.
Hallgrímskirkja Church is lit up with a commissioned light projection piece called Ljósmót, turning the church façade into a play of moving light and color.
Typical Route:
→ Hallgrímskirkja ↓ Skólavörðustígur → Austurvöllur Square → Reykjavík City Hall / Bridge area
✹ Feb 5 – 8: Evening Concerts
Every night of the festival features live music, local and international musicians, and performances at Reykjavík City Hall — a centerpiece of the Winter Lights program.
1. Reykjavík City Hall — Evening Concerts Every Night
Reykjavík City Hall (Tjörnin / City Center) hosts evening concerts with Icelandic and international artists on several festival nights:
Thu, Feb 5 – 21:00:Coby Say (songwriter, producer & DJ)
Fri, Feb 6 – 20:00:Cryptic Freedom Duo + “Sleepy” Doug Shaw
Sat, Feb 7 – 20:00:Benni Hemm Hemm with choir + visual environment by Abigail Portner These concerts are outdoors at City Hall’s plaza or nearby public space as part of the evening festival program.
2. Hallgrímskirkja Church — Opening & Special Music
Right after the Opening Ceremony on Feb 5, there’s a music concert at Hallgrímskirkja featuring HyperOrgel — interactive organ works driven by computer-controlled instruments:
Thu, Feb 5 – 19:30–20:45:HyperOrgel concert immediately following the opening ceremony. Hallgrímskirkja will also host other musical activities (evening concerts, lectures, organ works) throughout the festival days.
3. Other Festival Music & Performances
In addition to these main concert venues:
Various smaller music performances, DJ sets, interactive shows, and cultural gigs will take place around the city center, at museums, public squares, and nightlife spots during Museum Night and other evenings across the city. These vary year to year but are part of the 150+ free events of the festival.
✹ Feb 6: Museum Night Safnanótt
Location: Multiple Museums, Capital Area
Time: 18:00 – 23:00
On Friday, February 6, about 40 museums in the Reykjavík capital area stay open late with special exhibitions, performances, tours, and activities — all offered for free. It’s a cultural feast that invites visitors to explore Icelandic art, history, and creativity.
Museums and Cultural Venues Participating in Museum Night
Here’s the list of venues that are reported to take part during the Winter Lights Festival Museum Night 2026:
Major museums & cultural sites:
Árnastofnun / Edda
Bessastaðir
Hvalasýningin / Whales of Iceland
Hönnunarsafn Íslands (Design Museum Iceland)
Listasafn Einars Jónssonar (Einar Jónsson Museum)
Listasafn Íslands (National Gallery of Iceland)
Listasafn Reykjavíkur – Hafnarhús
Listasafn Reykjavíkur – Kjarvalsstaðir
Listasafn Reykjavíkur – Ásmundarsafn
Listasafn Sigurjóns Ólafssonar
Náttúruminjasafn Íslands / Perlan (Natural History Museum / Perlan)
Sjóminjasafnið (Reykjavík Maritime Museum)
Þjóðminjasafn Íslands (National Museum of Iceland)
Saturday evening is Pool Night. From 5 PM to 9 PM, several geothermal swimming pools around the city throw open their doors for free swimming, artistic performances, and music — creating a warm and magical contrast to the winter night.
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach – unique warm beach bathing area included in the list of participating places.
The free swimming and entertainment (lights, music) typically run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Why It’s Held
The Winter Lights Festival celebrates the return of light after Iceland’s darkest winter months and encourages people to enjoy the city in new and creative ways. It blends culture, art, community, and play, transforming Reykjavík’s urban spaces into stages for light art, music, interactive installations, and cultural experiences that are open to everyone.
Tips for Visitors
Wear warm layers — evenings can be chilly.
Most events run 6:30 – 10:30 PM nightly, so plan to explore after sunset.
Take a walking route from Hallgrímskirkja down through the Light Trail to see the installations.
Use the Reykjavík Art Walk app for maps and info on outdoor art during the festival (available in English).
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