Discover how Christmas is celebrated in Iceland, including Icelandic Christmas traditions, fun activities, the 13 Yule Lads that bring gifts to children, and more. Read on to learn all about Christmas in Iceland and plan a unique holiday visit!
Christmas, or "jol" in Icelandic, is the biggest celebration of the year in Icelandic culture, bringing families together and spreading festive cheer all around the country. Reykjavik buzzes with people preparing for the holidays, and there's nothing quite like taking a stroll along the decorated streets of Iceland's capital — lit with Christmas lights and often draped in snow.
December is a popular time to visit Iceland, thanks to the holiday spirit and fun Christmas activities. Christmas vacation packages are popular, and you'll be able to try delicious Icelandic holiday food, get to know the unique Icelandic Yule Lads (the Icelandic version of Santa Claus), and visit charming Christmas markets in the capital.
It's also a great time to enjoy the local culture while trying out fun winter activities, such as ice caving and hunting for northern lights. As December is one of the darkest months of the year, the long nights offer great conditions for spotting the aurora borealis dancing over the frosty landscapes.
Interested in having a memorable Christmas vacation in the land of ice and fire? Read on to discover what makes Christmas in Iceland so special and learn about Icelandic Christmas traditions.
- Read about Iceland in December
- Find out all you need to know about New Year's Eve in Iceland
Key Takeaways
Is Iceland a good place to spend Christmas? The answer is "yes!" There's so much to love about Iceland over Christmas:
- Christmas in Iceland lasts for 26 days.
- Iceland has 13 Yule Lads (the equivalent of having 13 Santa Clauses!)
- Icelandic Christmas food is delicious.
- The northern lights often appear in Iceland during the holiday season.
- You can spend your Christmas vacation in Iceland visiting ice caves, going glacier hiking, or snowmobiling.
- On New Year's Eve, Icelanders shoot up an incredible number of fireworks, and the sky above Reykjavik is lit up for several hours!
What to Know About Christmas in Iceland
December is the darkest time of the year in Iceland. But the darkness is lit with Christmas lights and often accompanied by a beautiful blanket of snow. It's even possible to see the northern lights dancing in green, white, pink, and purple streaks across the sky on clear nights. During this fascinating time of year, nature truly comes alive!
There's a high chance of experiencing a white Christmas in Iceland, although it's not a given. Snowfall in Reykjavik can get as high as 15 inches (40 centimeters) thick in December! Additionally, the further north or into the countryside you go, the more likely you are to have a white Christmas.
So, when is Christmas in Iceland? Christmas (or Yule) in Iceland lasts for 26 days, from the 11th of December until the 6th of January. Iceland has 13 Santa Clauses or Yule Lads, and the Christmas season starts when the first Yule Lad comes to town 13 days before Christmas Eve.
One by one, each of the 13 Yule Lads comes to town every night before Christmas, leaving children gifts in the shoes they left on their windowsills. The last one arrives on December 24th. The holiday season is considered over on the 6th of January, the 13th day of Christmas, when the last Yule Lad returns to his home in the mountains.
During the month of December, all corners of Reykjavik — from the city center to the suburbs — are painted in a colorful palette of Christmas and Advent lights. People start decorating as early as October to light up the nights that just keep getting darker until Christmas Day!
- Learn about the Weather & Temperature in Iceland
- See also: The Best Reykjavik Christmas Markets
How Does Iceland Celebrate Christmas? | Yuletide in Iceland
The Icelandic word for Christmas is "Jol," which is derived from the same origins as the English word Yule. Jol was observed in Iceland and the other Nordic countries long before the region became Christianized. In pagan times, people celebrated that the days were starting to become longer following the winter solstice, which falls on December 20- 23rd.
With Christianity, the winter solstice festival became infused with various Christian traditions. These include lighting the Advent candles the last four Sundays before Christmas and going to mass on Christmas Day.
Icelandic Christmas celebrations are also influenced by some Danish and American traditions. This is especially true when it comes to food, as many people use Danish decorations and eat "Ris a la Mande," a rice pudding dessert. Additionally, despite the Yule Lads being wholly of Icelandic origins and unrelated to Santa Claus, they are sometimes seen wearing the Coca-Cola red color of Santa and giving children presents much like ol' Saint Nicholas.
The Icelandic nation is mainly Lutheran, with some atheists and other religions. There's also Paganism, which is inspired by the tradition of the old Norse gods. The "official" Christmas celebration in Iceland occurs at precisely 6 PM on Christmas Eve when the National Broadcasting Service rings church bells on the radio and wishes all Icelanders a Merry Christmas.
When visiting Iceland during the Christmas season, it's good to know how Icelanders say "Merry Christmas." In Icelandic, it's "Gledileg jol!"
- See also: Icelandic Literature for Beginners
Christmas Eve in Iceland
The day before Christmas Eve is Mass of St. Thorlak or "Thorlaksmessa." This traditional holiday celebrates the patron saint of Iceland, Þorlákur helgi Þórhallsson, despite Iceland not being Catholic anymore.
During Thorlaksmessa, people attend family gatherings and feast on fermented skate and oat porridge. An almond is sometimes hidden somewhere in the batch of porridge, and whoever gets the almond wins a prize!
So what does Christmas Eve look like in Iceland? Most Icelanders celebrate Christmas Eve with an impressive home-cooked, multi-course dinner with family. After dinner is finished, people open their presents.
After opening the presents, some people go to a midnight Mass and meet with their neighbors and friends. Others stay at home and perhaps use their gifts. For example, they might read a book they were given or play cards while eating chocolate and snacks.
Candles and playing cards are common traditional Icelandic Christmas gifts. It's almost certain you'll receive at least one book as well. Icelanders are obsessed with books, especially during the Christmas holidays!
The wealth of books published in Iceland around the holidays is sometimes called the Christmas Book Flood (Jolabokaflodid). That's because the market is literally flooded with books for the holidays!
Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Iceland
People in Iceland spend Christmas Day with their families. They relax, eat, play games, or watch Christmas films. Many attend big family gatherings wearing their best Christmas clothes, bringing savory roll cakes and Icelandic Christmas cookies.
December 26th (Boxing Day) is called the "second day of Christmas" in Iceland (Annar i Jolum) and is a public holiday. It tends to have a more casual feel and is less traditional than the previous three days. People go out and meet their friends and attend parties and late-night gatherings. In addition, many stores are also open on this day.
- See also: Nightlife in Reykjavik
Christmas in Reykjavik
Photo by Óli Haukur Mýrdal
There are many things to love about a Reykjavik Christmas! Be sure to attend some Christmas concerts, many of which feature angelic choirs or some of Iceland's most beloved musicians.
Ice skating is sometimes possible when the small lake in the city center, Tjornin, freezes over during the winter. There's also an ice skating rink in the city center on Ingolfstorg Square, close to a festive Christmas market.
If you're in Reykjavik during Christmas, walk the downtown streets and enjoy the festive decorations. You might even catch a glimpse of one of the Yule Lads once they come to town!
Additionally, you can get an amazing view of Reykjavik from the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church's tower. You could also do some Christmas shopping around town, and just a short walk from the city center is the Old Harbour, where you can join whale-watching tours.
To see what Christmas was traditionally like in Iceland, consider visiting the Arbaejarsafn Open-Air Folk Museum. Over the holidays, the museum hosts special events where visitors can make candles, taste traditional Icelandic treats, and warm themselves with a cup of hot chocolate.
Speaking of hot chocolate, Reykjavik is full of cozy cafés where you can sit down for a coffee (or a pint) and play board games or listen to live music. Visiting bookstores is also a must, as books are a very popular Christmas gift among Icelanders.
Christmas Traditions in Iceland
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Otets.
Icelanders love the Christmas season, and there are plenty of Christmas holiday traditions in Iceland! Most people feel that the holiday season starts four Sundays before Christmas Eve — on the first day of Advent. Lighting the Advent candles is an old Christmas tradition in Iceland, and it involves these simple steps:
- Make a wreath out of fir tree branches, leaves, berries, and pine cones (or anything you want, really — there are no rules when it comes to this).
- Place four candles in the wreath.
- On the first Sunday in Advent, light the first candle. On the second Sunday, light the first and second candles, and so on. You'll end up with four different-sized candles!
Photo from Wikmedia, Creative Commons, by Surya Mjöll. No edits made.
Another Christmas tradition in Iceland is to cut patterns into a thin, crispy bread called "laufabraud" or "leaf bread." The bread gets its name not because it's made with leaves but because the shape of the patterns in the bread resembles leaves.
The dough of this bread is extremely thin and circular-shaped, like a pancake. After cutting the bread into a lovely pattern, you fry it and serve it with butter. The texture is similar to a papadam, though it tastes different.
Why does Iceland celebrate Christmas on the 24th?
When Icelanders speak about "jol," they generally are referring to December 24th. The name for this day is "Adfangadagur" in Icelandic. The reason Icelanders celebrate Christmas on the 24th is because, in the old Icelandic calendar, the start of a new day was at sunset.
Therefore, when the sun sets on December 24th, around 6 PM, that's when Christmas Day starts according to the old calendar. This is when the Yule celebration begins!
On December 23rd, the shops are open until late, usually until 10 PM or midnight. Bars are open until 1 AM (as they normally are), and people like to dress up in nice clothes and go downtown to meet friends.
Some people buy last-minute presents, even intentionally leaving the final gift until this night. If you're a local, you're bound to spend most of the evening greeting friends. You may even stop by in a bar or café for a pint or a cup of hot chocolate.
The Yule Lads also walk around greeting (and pranking) people, and their terrible mother, Gryla, might even make an appearance. The 23rd of December is, for many Icelanders, the most anticipated day of the buildup to Christmas!
The 13 Icelandic Yule Lads
Illustration by Haukur Valdimar Pálsson
What is Santa Claus called in Iceland? The short answer is that there is no Santa Claus. But, there are 13 Yule Lads!
They're called "Jolasveinar" in Icelandic and named after their characteristics. The Icelandic Yule Lads live in the highlands with their troll parents, Gryla and Leppaludi. They have a big, black cat called Jolakotturinn (the Christmas Cat).
Their mother, Gryla, is a giant, frightening troll who eats naughty children and cooks them in a large pot. Their father, Leppaludi, is a lazy troll who's not too keen on eating children. He's a rather useless chap and does whatever Gryla tells him to do, so he often picks up the naughty kids for her.
The Icelandic Christmas Cat also loves the taste of humans, whether they've been naughty or nice. However, the only people the cat gets to eat are those who didn't get a new item of clothing before Christmas. So, if you don't want a giant troll cat to eat your loved ones in Iceland, you'd better give them at least one pair of socks!
Every year, a huge sculpture of the Christmas Cat is displayed on Laekjartorg Square in downtown Reykjavik, seen in the picture below, which is worth seeing in person.
- Discover more: The Icelandic Yule Lads and Their Mother Gryla
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by ProcrastinatingHistorian.
As mentioned previously, Gryla and Leppaludi have 13 sons — the Yule Lads! They're all a bit naughty, although they've softened up a bit in recent years. Children leave their shoes on their window sills for the Yule Lads to give them presents every morning for all 13 days. However, if you've been naughty, you'll just get a rotten potato.
The first Yule Lad, Sheep-Cote Clod, comes to town 13 days before Christmas Eve, on the night of December 11. He has a wooden leg and likes to frighten farmer's sheep. The following night, Gully Gawk shows up, known for stealing milk right from the cow's udders!
Illustration by Haukur Valdimar Pálsson
The next night, Stubby arrives, the shortest of them all. And on it goes every single night. Spoonlicker comes next, then Pot Scraper, Bowl Licker, Door Slammer, and Skyr Gobbler. Sausage Swiper follows, then Window Peeker, Door Sniffer, Meat Hook, and — finally — Candle Beggar.
After December 24th, the Yule Lads head back to their home. The first one to arrive, Sheep-Cote Clod, leaves on Christmas Day. One by one, the Yule Lads head to the highlands until the holiday season is officially over. When Candle Beggar finally heads home on the 6th of January, the day is called "the Thirteenth" or "Threttandinn."
On that day, bonfires are lit around the country, and, sometimes, a parade of trolls, elves, and other creatures stroll down the main street. Many people also use up the leftovers of their New Year's Eve fireworks to "blow away" the Christmas season until next December.
Christmas Food in Iceland
Photo taken from Ljúfmeti og lekkerheit
Sweets are a meaningful Christmas food in Iceland. One of the most popular Christmas desserts in Iceland is the "Sara" — it takes quite an effort to make. This treat is named after Sarah Bernhardt, the famous French actress. It's a biscuit-based cream-filled almond macaroon that's dipped in chocolate.
These cookies are actually Danish, as they were created in 1911 by a Danish pastry chef named Johannes Steen. He made the cookies to commemorate Sarah's arrival in Denmark to mark the publication of her memoirs in Danish. What matters most is that they are delicious and best served slightly frozen!
You'll find several other sweet treats in bakeries and shops in Iceland. People make gingerbread, chocolate cookies, licorice tops, and various other confections to enjoy over the holidays.
How much effort people put into baking differs from house to house. Some people go all-in and start baking cookies at the beginning of December or even earlier. Others take it easy and buy cookies from shops or bakeries or buy ready-made cookie dough in the supermarket.
Christmas Dinner in Iceland
There are quite a few traditional dishes in Iceland, such as the aforementioned laufabraud. Some are eaten on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve, and most people will have one, two, or three of them.
Smoked lamb called "hangikjot," (literally "hung meat") is the most common. It's smoked with birch or horse dung and has a robust, salty flavor. Hangikjot can be served hot or cold, often accompanied by laufabraud, peas, and red cabbage. It's also served with a white potato sauce similar to bechamel sauce called "uppstufur".
Hangikjot is also enjoyed with a non-alcoholic Christmas drink called "jolaol" ("Christmas ale"), which is a mixture of malt and a fizzy orange soda called "Appelsin."
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Martin Sønderlev Christensen. No edits made.
"Hamborgarhryggur" is another typical dish. Essentially, it's a hog roast. It has a sweet glaze and sauce contrasting pleasantly with the meat's salt. Icelanders traditionally serve hamborgarhryggur with caramelized potatoes, pickled red cabbage, and canned peas.
Icelandic lamb is a popular alternative, especially leg of lamb. Game meat, such as reindeer and ptarmigan, are also common.
Reindeer only reside in East Iceland, but ptarmigan can be found all over Iceland. It's the most popular game meat, though hunters may take only a certain number of ptarmigan each year. For some people, Christmas doesn't come unless they get this dish!
Less common — but still popular — dishes include turkey, premium cuts of beef, and geese. Expensive seafood like langoustine or salmon is also served. Seafood or lobster soup is popular as a starter or main course.
If you go to a Christmas buffet in Iceland, you can taste hangikjot, gravlax, laufabraud, flatkokur (flatbread), and herring. There's so much unique Icelandic food to enjoy during the holidays, you'll never run out of dishes to try.
- See also: Icelandic Sheep: The Ultimate Guide
Icelandic Christmas Songs
Music plays a vital role in Icelandic Christmas celebrations, with a rich repertoire of songs that blend traditional melodies and contemporary tunes. Many of these songs are Icelandic renditions of international hits. Others are unique compositions that have become classics over time. Some beloved Icelandic Christmas songs include:
- "Hátíð í bæ": Sung by Egill Ólafsson, this song is set to the tune of "Winter Wonderland" and evokes nostalgia about siblings celebrating Christmas with their mother.
- "Þú komst með jólin til mín": A duet by Björgvin Halldórsson and Ruth Reginalds, this song is an Icelandic version of the Italian pop song "Chi Voglio Sei Tu," and has become a cherished Christmas love ballad.
- "Snjókorn falla": Performed by Laddi, this faithful cover of Shakin' Stevens' "Snow is Falling" has become one of the most popular Icelandic Christmas songs.
To immerse yourself in the festive spirit, listen to this curated YouTube playlist of Icelandic Christmas songs! This collection is a great showcase of the diversity and warmth of Iceland's holiday music and offers a glimpse into the country's Christmas traditions.
What to Do During Christmas in Iceland
During December, Iceland has Christmas markets to explore, an ice skating rink on Ingolfstorg Square, and holiday concerts are held in Harpa Concert Hall and all throughout the city. You won't want to miss the unique Christmas menus available at the best restaurants in Reykjavik.
You'll want to book your seat early, however, as many businesses are closed on December 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st, and January 1st. Only a few restaurants are open during the holiday season, and they tend to get fully booked!
The holiday season offers plenty of fun winter tours to choose from! You can go zooming across Iceland's glaciers on snowmobiling tours. Alternatively, you can visit a crystal blue ice cave in Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Ice skating, skiing, and glacier hiking are also popular activities, and the Icelandic landscapes are very beautiful when draped in frost.
- Check out: Best Winter Activities in Iceland
- See also: Top 11 Waterfalls in Iceland to See in Winter
Of course, a visit to Iceland in December is not complete without seeing the northern lights (or at least trying to). If activity is strong, the aurora borealis can be seen from Reykjavik. However, it's best to head out into nature, away from light pollution, for the best viewing chances.
If you're planning to rent a car in Iceland, you can head out to areas like Thingvellir National Park or the Hvalfjordur Fjord. Both of them are within an hour's drive from Reykjavik and away from the city lights. Keep an eye on the Iceland aurora forecast for the estimated aurora activity levels and the weather forecast to find places with clear skies.
If you prefer to skip the drive or don't want to bother with renting a car, there are plenty of northern lights tours to choose from! Experienced guides can bring you straight to the best viewing spots.
For a more typical local experience during a Christmas trip to Iceland, enjoy a soak at one of the many swimming pools around the country. Icelanders have a deep love for bathing in geothermal hot waters, particularly when the weather turns cold!
In the capital region alone, there are 18 different pools to choose from, each offering a warm retreat from the winter chill. For a more luxurious experience, you can visit one of Iceland's more renowned hot spring spas as well.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous places in Iceland, and spas like the Sky Lagoon and Hvammsvik Hot Springs are also very popular among visitors. These spa experiences are a must while in Iceland, and they become even more special during the Christmas season!
- Check out the Best Swimming Pools in Reykjavik
- See also: Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon: Which One Should You Visit?
Christmas Concerts in Iceland
If you want to experience a unique blend of traditional Icelandic music and international holiday classics, there are plenty of concerts happening throughout the winter season. You can attend events in iconic churches, concert halls like the Harpa, and cultural centers. Here, talented musicians perform seasonal music inspired by Icelandic Christmas traditions.
The festive atmosphere and high-quality performances showcase the best of Christmas in Iceland while creating a memorable musical experience. These concerts are a great way to enjoy Iceland Christmas traditions and learn about the songs they enjoy during the holidays!
- Read more: The music scene in Reykjavik
Christmas Barhopping in Iceland
Barhopping is a great way to Reykjavik at Christmas, where the city’s nightlife takes on a festive energy. You can visit decorated bars and pubs offering seasonal drinks, music, and themed events tied to Icelandic Christmas.
There's no shortage of craft beer in Reykjavik, with numerous breweries and distilleries to choose from and enjoy. If you want to enjoy the capital's nightlife and experience Iceland over Christmas, barhopping is
Icelandic Christmas Tours and Packages
There are numerous adventures and sights awaiting you in Iceland throughout the year, and it's no exception during the holiday season. The following list includes the best Christmas tours and vacation packages:
Top Christmas Tours
Experience the festivities, culture, and delicious food of Iceland's capital with these top-rated Christmas tours:
- Family-Friendly 2-Hour Christmas Walking Tour in Reykjavik — Get into the Christmas spirit and discover Iceland's winter folklore on this family-friendly tour.
- Festive 3-Hour Christmas Food Tour in Reykjavik — Taste Reykjavik's culinary delights during this festive Christmas food tour.
- Private 3-Hour Christmas Food Tour in Reykjavik City — Discover Iceland's customs and holiday food on this private tour around Reykjavik.
Best Christmas Vacation Packages
If you want to experience an Icelandic Christmas without the hassle of planning, check out these exciting vacation packages:
- 3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour to the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon — Take a guided tour across Iceland and raise your chances of seeing the breathtaking northern lights with this vacation package.
- Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon — Spend your Christmas vacation soaking in Iceland's relaxing Blue Lagoon without any of the planning.
- 2-Day South Coast Winter Trip to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Crystal Ice Cave — Explore iconic and unforgettable Icelandic locations with an expert guide on this memorable 2-day South Coast trip.
Where to Stay in Iceland During Christmas
For a picture-perfect Christmas holiday in the snowy landscape, stock up on Icelandic Christmas food from a local grocery shop and book a cottage in the countryside. You can create your own Christmas and enjoy a romantic getaway or spend some quality time with the family.
Many of the cottages in Iceland have outside hot tubs on the porch for you to soak in during the long nights. This is a perfect way to catch the northern lights!
If you prefer to stay near the city center, there are some excellent hotels in Reykjavik right in the main downtown area, surrounded by great restaurants and local shops. Some hotels even offer special Christmas dinners. Two of them include the popular Hotel Reykjavik Grand and the Fosshótel Reykjavik, which hosts a proper American-style buffet.
- See also: Best Hotels in Downtown Reykjavik
- Check out the Ultimate Guide to Downtown Reykjavik
How to Prepare for a Christmas in Iceland
Before arriving in Iceland for the holidays, make sure you've packed properly. Here's a checklist of things you should consider bringing with you:
- Pack insulated winter clothing and waterproof layers because Iceland, during Christmas, can have snow, rain, and strong winds.
- Book tours and events early, as Reykjavik Christmas activities fill up quickly.
- Bring swimwear because many travelers enjoy outdoor hot springs during Christmas in Iceland.
- Pack a camera, as Iceland offers stunning photography opportunities at Christmastime.
- Plan indoor alternatives for bad weather because Iceland over Christmas can experience sudden snowstorms.
- Be sure to have cashless payment methods, as many places in Reykjavik accept credit and debit cards.
- Download offline maps and translation apps because rural areas in Iceland may have limited Wi-Fi connectivity.
- See also: What to Wear in Winter in Iceland
No matter how you choose to spend your Christmas in Iceland, you're certain to have a memorable and unique experience. Thanks to the country's distinct customs and traditions, winter in the land of ice and fire is unlike anywhere else in the world.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about Christmas in Iceland. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year – Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár!
