Celebrating Christmas in Iceland
"Gleðileg jól" to you from Iceland this Christmas.
Merry Christmas from Iceland - "Gleðileg jól" to you.
Christmas in Iceland is a fascinating blend of Christian tradition, ancient folklore, and deeply rooted seasonal customs. While the festive atmosphere begins to build earlier in December, the formal Christmas period traditionally starts on 23 December and concludes on 6 January, known as Þrettándinn (the Thirteenth Day or Epiphany).
Like many countries, Icelanders celebrate Christmas with family meals, gifts, and time together. But unlike places with a single Santa Claus figure, Icelandic children are visited by 13 Yule Lads, each arriving one by one in the lead-up to Christmas.
The Icelandic Yule Lads
The Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) are folkloric figures who come down from the mountains, one each night from 12 December to Christmas Eve. Children place a shoe on the windowsill, and if they have behaved well, they receive a small gift. If not, they may find a potato instead – a tradition that is mostly symbolic today.
The Yule Lads are the sons of Grýla and Leppalúði, fearsome trolls from Icelandic folklore. Grýla is infamous for eating naughty children, while Leppalúði is portrayed as her rather lazy husband. Written sources describing the Yule Lads date back several centuries, with the tradition becoming more formalised over time.
Each Yule Lad has a mischievous personality reflected in their name. A few of them include:
- Þvörusleikir – Spoon Licker
- Pottasleikir – Pot Licker
- Askasleikir – Bowl Licker
- Hurðaskellir – Door Slammer
- Skyrgámur – Skyr Gobbler
- Bjúgnakrækir – Sausage Snatcher
- Gluggagægir – Window Peeper
- Gáttaþefur – Doorway Sniffer
After Christmas, the Yule Lads return to the mountains one by one, starting on Christmas Day, with the last leaving on 6 January.
Decorations and Christmas lights in Iceland
The lights across the shopping streets in Iceland get turned on during November and the streets start to enjoy the festive air of people ready celebrate the years end, snow or no snow. Some years, Reykjavík hosts a Yule Lad or Christmas creature hunt. Fourteen creatures take up residence in and around various places in Reykjavík, including the city centre. The game, which is set-up as a treasure hunt, invites participants to hunt for the Christmas Creatures and answer a few simple Creature related questions.
Christmas lights begin appearing across Reykjavík and other towns in November, adding warmth and colour to the dark winter streets. As December approaches, the city takes on a festive rhythm, snow or no snow.
In some years, Reykjavík hosts seasonal Yule Lad or Christmas creature hunts around the city centre, inviting locals and visitors to search for festive figures and take part in light-hearted quizzes and activities.
Seasonal Christmas food markets and pop-ups also appear in the lead-up to Christmas, often showcasing traditional Icelandic flavours with modern twists, created by local chefs and restaurateurs.
Another festive highlight is the evening of 23 December, when Reykjavík’s city centre comes alive. There is often a free outdoor concert at Ingólfstorg Square, creating a strong sense of shared Christmas spirit. Shops typically remain open late for last-minute gift shopping.
As in Finland, Icelandic cemeteries are often beautifully illuminated with candles and lights during the Christmas period, creating a quiet and reflective atmosphere.
Traditional Christmas days in Iceland
### Þorláksmessa – St Þorlákur’s Day (23 December)
Þorláksmessa commemorates Saint Þorlákur Þórhallsson, Iceland’s patron saint and former Bishop of Skálholt. On this day, many Icelanders eat fermented skate (skata), a dish known for its strong ammonia scent and unmistakable flavour.
This is also the day when many families decorate their Christmas tree. Shops remain open late into the night, making it one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Aðfangadagur – Christmas Eve
Christmas celebrations officially begin at 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve, marked by church bells ringing across the country. This moment signals the start of Yule.
After the evening meal, children open their presents, and families settle in to enjoy the calm and closeness of the night. Christmas Eve is considered the most important part of the holiday in Iceland.
Jóladagur – Christmas Day
Christmas Day is typically spent with extended family. Traditional dishes include hangikjöt (smoked lamb), often served with potatoes and béchamel sauce. Some families also eat rjúpa (rock ptarmigan), a native upland bird.
Another festive staple is laufabrauð, or leaf bread – thin sheets of dough intricately cut with decorative patterns and fried until crisp. Many families have their own patterns, passed down through generations.
Baking is an important part of the season, with a wide variety of cookies traditionally prepared and shared, although these days shop-bought treats are happily accepted as well.
Between Christmas and New Year, Icelanders enjoy getting out and about. Bars reopen on 26 December, and the days between the holidays are often filled with concerts, gatherings, and social events.
Gamlárskvöld and Nýársdagur – New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
New Year’s Eve is one of the most spectacular nights of the year in Iceland. Folklore says that on this night cows can talk, seals take human form, the dead rise from their graves, and elves move house.
Bonfires are lit across neighbourhoods, followed by an extraordinary display of fireworks. This tradition is known as “sprengja út árið”, meaning “blowing out the year”.
Enjoying Christmas in Iceland with the locals
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, traditional Icelandic Christmas buffet feasts are extremely popular and should be booked well in advance.
On Christmas Eve, most restaurants close, but some hotel restaurants and select venues remain open. In Reykjavík, Restaurant Reykjavík is known for maintaining a lively festive atmosphere.
Just offshore from the city, Viðeyjarstofa on Viðey Island offers a charming Christmas dining experience in Iceland’s oldest stone building. Reached by a short ferry ride, it provides a peaceful escape from the city centre. Seasonal menus often feature dishes such as goose breast, reindeer pâté, Icelandic langoustine, and salmon with orange and cardamom.
For something more rustic, Fjörukráin offers a Viking-inspired dining experience, while Perlan, Reykjavík’s revolving restaurant, provides elegant fine dining with panoramic views. For more festive dining options, also see our article Festive Dining in the Nordic Capitals.
Christmas Day itself is generally quiet. It is a wonderful time for a walk, exploring what is open for meals, and enjoying the winter light. Depending on the year, you may also find seasonal festive activities around the harbour area.
If you would like help creating a unique Christmas in Iceland experience, we would be delighted to assist.
For more inspirations, please also see the following:
Photo credits: Visit Reykjavik