The Spirit of Christmas in Iceland

Despite the long winter nights, Christmas in Iceland feels bright and welcoming. Locals decorate homes, streets glow with fairy lights, and cafés fill with seasonal treats like laufabrauð (leaf bread) and hot chocolate. The whole country slows down and enjoys a cosy, family-oriented celebration rooted in folklore and history.

Unlike many countries that celebrate only on December 24th or 25th, Icelandic Christmas stretches across several days. The build-up begins in early Advent, and the festivities continue until January 6th, known as Þrettándinn (the Thirteenth Night), when the last of the celebrations end.

The Key Dates of Iceland Christmas

December 23: Þorláksmessa

The night before Christmas Eve is very important in Iceland. Locals take a final festive walk around town, meet friends, or enjoy a warm drink outside. In many families, this is the night when fermented skate is served — a very traditional (and very smelly!) dish that adventurous travelers sometimes try.

December 24: Christmas Eve

This is the main celebration. At 6:00 pm sharp, church bells ring across the country, marking the official start of Christmas. Families gather for dinner, exchange gifts, and spend the evening together. Almost all businesses close, and the streets become quiet and peaceful.

December 25–26: Jóladagur & Annar í jólum

Christmas Day and Boxing Day are slow, cosy days. Families visit relatives, share leftovers, and enjoy time indoors. Travellers will find restaurants and tours with limited availability, but winter activities usually continue.

December 31 – New Year’s Eve (Gamlárskvöld)

New Year’s Eve is one of the most important nights of the year in Iceland. Unlike Christmas, which is quiet and family-focused, December 31 is loud, bright, and full of energy.

Communities gather around bonfires (brennur) in the evening, a long-standing tradition symbolising the end of the old year. After that, Icelanders celebrate with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world. And you know what? They are not organised by the government, but lit by locals themselves! Fireworks are sold to support the Icelandic Search and Rescue teams, so almost everyone participates. 

At midnight, the sky erupts with colour, creating a magical atmosphere across the country. It’s a unique moment to experience, and with clear skies, you may even see fireworks and northern lights together.

January 6: Þrettándinn

This marks the end of the Christmas season. Folklore becomes central again: elves, magical creatures, and the last Yule Lads are celebrated with bonfires and fireworks in some towns.

The Icelandic Yule Lads: A Mischievous Christmas Tradition

One of the most iconic elements of Iceland Christmas is the Yule Lads (Jólasveinar). These 13 troll-like brothers come from Icelandic folklore and arrive one by one during the 13 nights before Christmas. Each Yule Lad has a particular personality and a funny habit, like slamming doors, stealing sausages, licking spoons, or peeking through windows.

A few well-known Yule Lads include:

• Spoon-Licker (Þvörusleikir)
• Door-Slammer (Hurðaskellir)
• Bowl-Licker (Askasleikir)
• Sausage-Swiper (Bjúgnakrækir)

Children leave a shoe in their window, and each night a Yule Lad puts a small gift inside — if the child has behaved well. Naughty children might receive a potato instead.

Grýla and the Christmas Cat

The Yule Lads’ mother, Grýla, is an old troll who supposedly comes down from the mountains to find badly behaved children. The Christmas Cat (Jólakötturinn), a gigantic creature from Icelandic stories, is said to eat anyone who does not receive new clothes for Christmas.

These traditions reflect Iceland’s rich folklore and are still very much alive today — especially in Reykjavík and Akureyri, where you will see Yule Lads decorations everywhere in December.

Christmas Traditions in Icelandic Homes

Food

Christmas meals vary by family, but common dishes include:

• Roasted lamb (hangikjöt)
• Ptarmigan
• Smoked or baked ham
• Leaf bread (laufabrauð), a thin, decorative bread fried in oil
• Malt & appelsín, a Christmas soda mix

Icelanders decorate their homes with candles, wreaths, and lights, creating an atmosphere of warmth. The Danish influence also appears in many households, especially in desserts and cookies.

Gifts and Celebrations

Children receive 13 small gifts from the Yule Lads throughout December, plus the main presents on Christmas Eve. Books are extremely popular gifts, Iceland has something called the “Christmas Book Flood” (Jólabókaflóð), when new books are released just before the holidays.

Icelandic Christmas Markets

If you’re visiting in December, Christmas markets are a must-see. They add charm and atmosphere to the season and are some of the highlights for people searching for Iceland Reykjavík Christmas market experiences.

Hljómskálagarður Market, Reykjavík

One of the most popular ones, located by the lake in the city centre. You’ll find local crafts, Christmas decorations, baked goods and warm drinks.

Hafnarfjörður Christmas Market

Hafnarfjörður is known for its elvish folklore, making it a dreamy place for a Christmas stroll. The market features handmade products, performances, and plenty of lights.

Akureyri Christmas Market

Often set in a snowy landscape, perfect for those travelling to North Iceland in winter.

Many parks and streets in Reykjavík also offer small pop-up stalls, lights, and live music during Advent.

What to Do in Iceland During Christmas

December is a fantastic time for winter activities. Even though the days are short, Iceland’s landscapes shine during the festive season with snowy mountains, frozen waterfalls, and the northern lights dancing across the sky.

Here are the best activities to enjoy during Christmas:

1. Northern Lights Tours

Winter is the peak season to see the aurora. You can join organised northern lights tours, self-drive under a clear sky, or take a super jeep tour for the best visibility. Many operators run tours every night depending on the forecast.

2. Ice Cave Tours

Visiting an ice cave, like Katla Ice Cave, is one of the most unforgettable experiences. The blue and black colours inside the caves make Christmas holidays feel even more magical.

3. Glacier Walks

Glacier walks are available in several areas (Sólheimajökull, Skaftafell, Vatnajökull). With a certified guide, you can safely explore crevasses and ice formations.

4. Snowmobiling

A thrilling winter activity and a great way to experience Iceland’s landscapes. Snowmobiling tours operate on glaciers like Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull.

5. Hot Springs

After a cold day outside, nothing feels better than relaxing in geothermal water. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are popular options, but there are many local hot pools as well.

6. Explore Christmas Lights in Reykjavík

The capital becomes beautifully illuminated. Don’t miss the massive Christmas tree at Austurvöllur Square or the lights on Skólavörðustígur leading up to Hallgrímskirkja church.

Driving and Practical Tips for Christmas in Iceland

If you’re visiting Iceland during Christmas, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Weather: Expect snow, wind, ice, and short daylight hours. Check the forecast regularly. 
• Road conditions: Some roads, especially in the Highlands, stay closed in winter. Always check www.road.is before travelling.
• Opening hours: Most shops close early on December 23 and almost everything stops on December 24–25. Plan food, fuel, and activities ahead. 
• Warm clothing: Bring layers, waterproof outerwear, winter boots, hat, gloves, and scarf. Temperatures may be mild in Reykjavík but much colder in the countryside.

Why Visit Iceland at Christmas?

Iceland in December is enchanting. Snowy landscapes, northern lights, folklore, and cosy celebrations make the experience unforgettable. Whether you’re here to explore traditions like the Yule Lads, visit Reykjavík Christmas markets, or enjoy adventure tours, the holiday season combines culture, warmth, and winter wonders in a way you won’t find anywhere else.

Christmas in Iceland is not only a festive moment — it’s a mix of ancient stories, natural beauty, and modern traditions that make the darkest time of the year shine.

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