Head to Iceland this winter and take part in some of the country’s most charming seasonal traditions. From hearty family feasts to playful gift-giving customs and lively public celebrations, these Icelandic events are full of personality and make for memorable winter experiences. Try one of these traditions or start a new one of your own.
Christmas Celebrations and the Feast on Aðfangadagur
On Christmas Eve—Aðfangadagur—Icelanders typically gather with immediate family for a special dinner centred on hangikjöt, or “hung meat.” This smoked lamb is traditionally air-dried in a smokehouse for two to three weeks, producing a deep, savory flavor. It can be served in several ways: thinly sliced, as tartare, or even slightly cured. Common accompaniments include potatoes in béchamel sauce, green peas, pickled red cabbage or beetroot, and Icelandic Christmas bread—a thin, circular, fried bread that’s especially popular at this meal. To drink, many enjoy Jólaöl, a festive Christmas ale brewed with malt and often mixed with Appelsín orange soda for a sweet, malty twist.
© Visit North Iceland
The 13 Yule Lads
The Yule Lads are a quirky and beloved part of Icelandic Christmas folklore. These 13 mischievous characters—known by playful names such as Spoon Licker, Door Slammer and Sausage Stealer—arrive one by one on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Each night a different Yule Lad visits towns and homes, leaving small gifts or treats for well-behaved children who put a shoe or stocking on their windowsill. Kids who misbehave might find a rotten potato instead of a prize, a humorous reminder to keep good behavior through the season.
Christmas Garden in Akureyri
For a festive, almost storybook outing, visit the Christmas Garden in Akureyri. The garden celebrates holiday traditions from Iceland and around the world, showcasing decorations, artisan crafts and seasonal foods. Stroll beneath beams where smoked lamb is displayed, encounter representations of the Yule Lads, and admire decorative “leaf bread” baked into intricate patterns. It’s a great place to browse handmade gifts and experience a distinctly Icelandic holiday atmosphere.
© Visit North Iceland
Ring in the New Year at Hallgrímskirkja Square
New Year’s Eve in Iceland is often celebrated with fireworks and communal gatherings. One popular spot is Hallgrímskirkja Square in the heart of Reykjavik, where locals and visitors gather for an hour-long fireworks display and light show centered around the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. Across the country, many communities mark the evening with bonfires in a tradition called Áramótabrenna—friends and family gather around the flames, wave sparklers and celebrate the turning of the year together.
If you prefer a quieter evening, many Icelanders tune in to the televised comedy special Áramótaskaup. Broadcast nationally, this satirical show parodies the year’s events with sketches and songs performed by some of Iceland’s most popular actors. The program is an established cultural fixture: households often pause social activities to watch, making it a cozy and reflective way to welcome the New Year.