Night of Lights

Nótt Ljósa

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Cultural & TraditionalReykjanesbaer
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsUnlike Iceland's many midsummer festivals
Language["is"]Currency: ISK
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Night of Lights in Reykjanesbaer

Reykjanesbaer's Ljosanott, or Night of Lights, has run every September since 2000, when it began as the town's contribution to Reykjavik's year as European City of Culture. Now spanning Thursday through Sunday, it includes an art museum opening, a horse-drawn carriage parade, live concerts, and fireworks, drawing around 30,000 visitors to more than 100 separate events.

Reykjanesbaer held its first Ljosanott, or Night of Lights, on September 2, 2000, as the town's contribution to Reykjavik's year as a European City of Culture.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlike Iceland's many midsummer festivals, Night of Lights is deliberately staged in early September specifically to mark the return of darkness, celebrating illuminated lights rather than the sun

02

The mystery stays covered

Its origin as a one-time cultural contribution that became permanent, and its sponsorship link to nearby Keflavik International Airport, give it a distinct civic backstory among Icelandic town festivals

03

The city starts moving

Few other Icelandic town festivals can trace a single founding date and stated purpose this precisely, since most evolved gradually rather than launching as a one-off civic statement

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The children-led opening ceremony

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the horse-drawn carriage drive

The sacred route

Living ritual

the class procession

The local code

Living ritual

and the traditional meat soup served by Skolamatur are the festival's established recurring rituals

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

For Night of Lights, plan transport around the exact Reykjanesbaer venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Layered clothing suited to early autumn evenings, since Iceland's weather turns noticeably cooler by September; a light coat for the outdoor concert and fireworks.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Night of Lights, stay near the part of Reykjanesbaer you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["is"] · ISK

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map64.00 N, 22.56 WOpen in Google Maps

Reykjanesbaer, Reykjanes, Iceland

Nearest airportKEF — Keflavik
TransportFor Night of Lights, plan transport around the exact Reykjanesbaer venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Night of Lights, stay near the part of Reykjanesbaer you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Reykjanesbaer via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Reykjanesbaer, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearLayered clothing suited to early autumn evenings, since Iceland's weather turns noticeably cooler by September; a light coat for the outdoor concert and fireworks.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Iceland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Night of Lights?

Night of Lights is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Night of Lights take place?

The festival is listed in Reykjanesbaer, Iceland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Reykjanesbaer, Reykjanes, Iceland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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