Each winter, Copenhagen transforms into a radiant urban gallery that combines art, architecture, and the magic of light — and in 2026 the Copenhagen Light Festival returns bigger and brighter than ever. Running from January 30 to February 22, 2026, this annual celebration invites locals and visitors alike to discover the city in a new, luminous perspective as darkness gives way to colour, creativity, and storytelling through light art.
A City Transformed by Light
The Copenhagen Light Festival is one of Europe’s premier winter cultural events. Over the course of nearly a month, dozens of light installations illuminate public spaces across Copenhagen’s city centre and harbour areas, including canals, bridges, squares, and pedestrian streets. The artworks — created by a mix of established and emerging Danish and international light artists and designers — blend technology, design, and artistic expression to engage visitors through both wonder and interaction. Most installations are outdoors and free to experience, making the festival accessible to everyone. As night falls (typically around 17:00 in February), the artworks come alive, reflecting off the water and weaving a route of glowing spectacles through the city streets until around 22:00 each evening.
Highlights of the 2026 Programme
The 2026 edition presents work that ranges from playful and immersive to poetic and contemplative. Among the standout pieces:
Green Laser Beam Project: A dramatic green laser beam projected across the cityscape linking iconic locations such as Tivoli Gardens and the historic Vor Frelser Kirke. This installation invites viewers to look up and reimagine Copenhagen’s architectural connections.
Outdoor Installations at DAC: The Danish Architecture Centre contributes three compelling light works — from sweeping sculptural wings to fog-enhanced displays and shifting organic forms — making it an ideal first stop for festival goers.
European “Imagine Peace” Collaboration: Several installations underscore a broader cultural theme of inclusion and shared European vision through light, born out of a Creative Europe collaboration with other cities.
Ways to Experience the Festival
While wandering the festively lit streets on foot is a classic way to soak in the atmosphere, the festival also offers guided experiences tailored to different tastes:
Canal Boat Tours: Glide along Copenhagen’s historic waterways after dark to view installations from the water — often reflecting in the canals for a doubly magical effect.
Wine & Walk or Social Beer Walks: Combine cultural discovery with curated tastings and storytelling as part of relaxed guided tours that blend light art with local social experiences.
Why It Matters
The Copenhagen Light Festival doesn’t just brighten the long winter nights — it reimagines urban space and highlights the interplay between light, architecture, and community. By bringing light art into public spaces across neighbourhoods and city districts, the festival draws people together, encourages exploration of lesser-visited corners of Copenhagen, and showcases the city’s dynamic creative culture.
Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a magical winter evening stroll, the festival offers an experience unlike any other — and a fresh way to see a familiar city.
Practical Travel Guide: Where to Walk, Warm Up & Stay
📍 Best Areas to Explore on Foot
The festival is designed as an urban night walk, and several areas work especially well:
Nyhavn & Inner Harbour
Classic Copenhagen scenery, with light installations reflected in the water — ideal for photography.
Christianshavn
Atmospheric canals, bridges, and quieter streets where light artworks feel more immersive.
Indre By
The historic heart of the city, where installations interact with centuries-old architecture.
Danish Architecture Centre (DAC)
A recurring hub of high-quality installations and a great starting point for an evening route.
☕ Where to Warm Up Between Installations
Winter nights in Copenhagen are magical — but cold. These stops are perfect for breaks:
Café Norden
Central, spacious, and ideal for a quick hot drink or light dinner.
The Living Room
Cozy, candle-lit, and relaxed — a hygge pause between light walks.
Broens Gadekøkken
Street-food vibes by the water, often buzzing during festival evenings.
🛏️ Where to Stay (Strategic Locations)
For easy access to multiple installations, these areas work best:
City Centre / Indre By – walkable routes, historic setting
Christianshavn – scenic canals and quieter nights
Near Kongens Nytorv – ideal transport hub for moving between districts
Hotels near the harbour or canals offer the bonus of reflections and night views directly from your surroundings.
🚤 Alternative Ways to Experience the Festival
If you want something different from walking:
Canal night tours showcase installations from the water
Guided light walks add artistic and architectural context
Social tours (wine or beer walks) combine light art with Copenhagen’s informal culture
📸 Practical Tips
Dress in layers — wind near the water can be biting
Installations usually switch on around sunset (16:30–17:00)
Bring a wide-angle lens or night mode smartphone
Weekdays are quieter; weekends are livelier but more crowded
Copenhagen Light Festival 2026 One-Evening Walking Itinerary (2–3 hours)
Total distance: ~2.5 km
Best start time: 17:00–17:30 (just after sunset)
Pace: relaxed, with photo stops and a warm break
1️⃣ Start: Danish Architecture Centre (DAC)
⏱️ 20–30 minutes
Begin your evening at one of the festival’s most consistent hubs. Installations here tend to be architectural, immersive, and well-curated, often interacting with the harbour and modern city skyline.
Why start here: easy orientation, strong first impression, and indoor facilities if needed.
📍 Tip: Grab a quick espresso inside before heading out.
2️⃣ Harbour Walk to Nyhavn
⏱️ 30–40 minutes
Follow the harbour edge toward Nyhavn, stopping along the way for light works reflected on the water, bridges, and façades. This stretch is ideal for photography: calm water, long perspectives, and glowing silhouettes.
📸 Photo tip: Shoot low and wide to capture reflections.
3️⃣ Pause & Warm-Up: Nyhavn cafés
⏱️ 20–30 minutes
Take a short break with:
hot chocolate or mulled wine
a light dinner or open sandwich
Nyhavn is lively during the festival and works well as a mid-route social stop.
4️⃣ Cross to Christianshavn
⏱️ 30–40 minutes
Cross one of the bridges toward Christianshavn. Here the atmosphere changes:
quieter canals
more intimate installations
subtle use of light and shadow
This is often where the festival feels most poetic and contemplative.
🌉 Highlight: Installations mirrored in narrow canals and under bridges.
5️⃣ Final Stretch: Canals & Squares of Christianshavn
⏱️ 20–30 minutes
End your walk wandering freely — this district rewards curiosity. Smaller installations, unexpected angles, and fewer crowds make it perfect for a calm finale.
Optional last stop for a drink if energy allows.
⏰ Time Variations
2 hours: Skip the café stop or shorten Nyhavn
3 hours: Add extra harbour detours or linger longer in Christianshavn
🎒 Practical Tips
Dress for wind near the water
Most installations switch off around 22:00
Weekdays = calmer | Weekends = more atmosphere
No tickets needed for outdoor works
Read more on CopenhagenLightFestival.org
