Experience the Magic of Lysfesten – Festival of Lights in Bergen 🎆

Are you planning a visit to Bergen in November? Get ready for one of the city’s brightest and most festive pre-Christmas events: the Festival of Lights (Lysfesten) on Saturday, 15 November 2025.

🕓 What & When

• The event takes place at around 16:00 on 15 November 2025 at Festplassen in Bergen city centre.

• It marks the start of the Christmas season in Bergen, with thousands of locals and visitors gathering around the lake Lille Lungegårdsvann for the lights, music and atmosphere.

• The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

🎉 Why Visit Lysfesten?

• It’s a beautiful way to experience the city’s early festive spirit — twinkling lights, a glowing Christmas tree, excited crowds and the buzz of winter coming.

• It offers photo-worthy moments: the reflection of lights on the water of Lille Lungegårdsvann, the illuminated tree, the fireworks overhead.

• It’s suitable for all ages — families, couples, solo travellers — and free to attend (though arrive early for a good spot).

• As someone running a local window-cleaning business (hey Billy!), you’ll appreciate the sparkle of clean city streets and festive windows — perfect inspiration if you want to highlight local businesses or offer tip-services (eg: “see the city sparkle from the inside”).

📍 Where & How to Get There

• Head to Festplassen — right in the heart of Bergen. It’s easily accessible via local trams or buses from the city centre.

• Since many people will attend, use public transport if you can — parking will be tough.

• Dress warmly! Evenings in Bergen in mid-November can be chilly and possibly damp. Layers, a waterproof jacket, and good footwear recommended.

• Arrive by 15:30–16:00 to get into the mood and pick a good viewing spot. The main show will start around 16:00 and will wrap up with fireworks shortly after.

✅ My Top Tips for the Evening

• Bring your camera: You’ll want to capture the tree lighting and fireworks above the lake.

• Choose a good vantage point: Try to find a spot on the side of Lille Lungegårdsvann that gives you the lights and can see the tree and lake reflections.

• Explore nearby: After the main event you might wander through the city centre, perhaps to Bryggen (the historic wharf) which is beautifully lit and atmospheric in winter.

• Stay warm & hydrated: Hot drinks (gløgg / hot chocolate) can add to the experience.

• Extend your visit: Since you’re in Bergen anyway, plan for more: the city’s “Gingerbread Town” (Pepperkakebyen) opens on 15 November too.

🗺 Sample Evening Itinerary

1. Arrive in Bergen city centre by early afternoon.

2. Take a stroll to the lake area (Lille Lungegårdsvann) and explore the festive décor.

3. Grab a warm drink in a café nearby (there are lots of cosy spots in central Bergen).

4. At ~16:00 join the crowd at Festplassen, watch the tree lighting and enjoy live music/entertainment.

5. As darkness settles, look out for the fireworks — a grand finale.

6. After the show, wander through the city centre lights, maybe pop into Bryggen or the gingerbread town if you’re still going.

7. Head back to your accommodation or check out one of Bergen’s charming restaurants for dinner.

📝 Bonus: Insider Notes

• Even if the weather turns rainy (which Bergen is known for!) — the lights and the atmosphere still deliver. A compact umbrella or hooded jacket will help.

• If you want a quieter moment, consider arriving a little earlier or staying a bit later after the main event when crowds thin.

• If you’re staying overnight in Bergen, you’ll already be right in the heart of things — no rush to travel far.

✨ Final Word

If you find yourself in Bergen in mid-November — don’t miss Lysfesten. It’s that magical moment when the city lights up, the season shifts, and the community comes together. And for visitors, it’s a beautiful way to feel the festive spirit early. Whether you’re here for the lights, the fireworks, the atmosphere — or just the chance to say you experienced something special in Bergen — it’s a night worth planning around.

💡 Bergen by Billy Tip

“Even if the weather’s not perfect, Bergen’s beauty shines brightest when the lights reflect off clean glass and fresh rain — just like the city’s windows after a visit from Bergen by Billy!”

Billy