The perfect start to the Christmas season

As an exchange student, Lysfesten, Festival of Lights, is a must to experience during November. It is a well-known tradition in Bergen, and an official opening for the Christmas season.

Upon arrival to Festplassen where the event takes place, I am surrounded by thousands of people of all ages. All focused on the main stage, where most of the performances take place.

The performances range from comedic shows to heartfelt ballads, and a choir of children in nisse-costumes. 

The crowd is actively participating. At times the whole venue around Lille Lungegårdsvann seems to light up as people are waving their phone flashlights along with the music. During well-known Christmas songs, I hear people all around me joining the choir.

One of the most anticipated events of the night is when the Christmas tree in the middle of the pond lights up. It is a beautiful sight accompanied by sighs of awe emerging from the crowd.

As the evening gets darker, I notice the atmosphere getting cozier minute by minute. People are laughing and chatting with each other. Children are climbing fences or sitting on their parents’ shoulders to see better.

The sky is clear and the stars join the show with their twinkling light. The moon rises from behind Fløyen, and at the end of the night, it glows next to the Christmas tree.

Although crowded, the overall mood at the event is calm. The people are cheery and the Christmas spirit is present. It seems to provide everyone with warmth to the otherwise chilly late autumn evening.

The night ends with a beautiful tuba solo under the Christmas tree. The song played is Deilig er jorden, a well-known Nordic Christmas song, whose serenity is captivating.

After the song comes the highlight of the night, the fireworks. It is like I am back at my hometown during New Year’s eve. Both children and adults are pointing at the sky and the sense of child-like wonder is present.

 All in all, it was very sweet seeing people of Bergen gather together and bring light to the otherwise dark season. Lysfesten is truly an event worth attending for everyone who wants to experience the Nordic Christmas spirit.