Iceland's Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Iceland is nothing short of enchanting. Apart from the dazzling lights and charming Christmas markets, there are elements that add mischief to the magic. From legends of the monstrous cat that prowls the streets for prey to getting a rotten potato in your shoes, this Nordic country has a plethora of Advent traditions to enrich the season.

 

Should I Spend Christmas in Iceland?

If you and your loved ones are keen to spend a Christmas away from home, Iceland is a special and fantastic choice - for several reasons! If you want a festive period you won’t forget, Iceland can offer something really out of the ordinary this December. For example, did you know:

1. Advent lasts 26 days here.

2. You’re almost guaranteed a white Christmas! Snow in Reykjavík is a real possibility.

3. New Year’s Eve is a spectacular occasion in Reykjavík and beyond.

4. You’re in with a chance to see the Northern Lights during the festive run-up!

5. Delicious baked goods are in abundance around Christmas in Iceland.

 

What Makes Christmas Unique in Iceland?

Iceland as a holiday destination is a fascinating and unique place year-round, let alone at Christmas time. Traditional folklore doesn’t die down during this time of year. Stories about trolls and elves heard all year become the Yule Lads and Christmas Cat legends in December, enough to sate even the largest appetites for magic and make-believe. 

And for those who may be a little old for these stories, Iceland can still be a wonderland. Make Christmas Day a little more exciting with a brisk hike through lava fields, or mix up your Advent with an exciting itinerary of breathtaking waterfalls and exhilarating activities! Glacier hiking, ice caving, and so much more await you during winter in Iceland.

Read on to find out more about unique Christmas traditions in Iceland.

 

The Yule Lads (Jolasveinar)

Is it true that Iceland has 13 Santa Clauses? The short answer is no. But you may spot the Yule troll family during your Christmas in Iceland. These 13 boys, known as Yule Lads, are mischievous figures who come down from the mountains one by one in the days leading up to Christmas. With names like Door Slammer and Pot Scraper, the Yule Lads are known for creating a ruckus during Advent. Their father, Leppaludi, is a lazy troll who often picks up naughty children for their giant mother, Grýla, who cooks them in a pot and eats them!

Did you know that in 1746 parents were officially banned from tormenting their kids with stories of Yule Lads ? However, the tradition may have secretly survived through the ages, for these tales still ring true among Icelandic families today. If children misbehave or don’t go to bed on time, parents warn them that the Yule Lads will know and give them a potato.

26 Days of Christmas (Jol)

On the night of December 11, the first Yule Lad comes to town, marking the start of Christmas in Iceland. On the next night, the second Yule Lad comes to town, and so on until Christmas. One by one the Yule Lads head back to the mountains from Christmas Day.

Known as “the Thirteenth” or  “Þrettándinn,” the 6th of January is the day when the last Yule Lad goes home. On this day, bonfires and leftover New Year’s Eve fireworks are lit to mark the end of Christmas. Sometimes, you may also see a parade of magical creatures like trolls and elves down the main street!

Hidden Shoes

Why do children in Iceland put their shoes in their bedroom window 13 days before Christmas? To receive presents from Yule Lads, of course. So are these trolls maybe not so bad after all? Well, that depends upon the child in question. If they are kind and well-behaved, they will get a sweet treat or present. But, if they are naughty, they might just find a rotten potato in their shoe waiting on the window sill. Trouble-making is for the lads alone!

Christmas Cat (Jólakötturinn)

Have you heard of the big black cat who roams the streets during Christmas in search of prey? If you do not get new clothes during the Advent season, you may just end up as a meal for this cat. The Yule Cat is one of the Christmas traditions in Iceland that encourages the gift of warm clothing.

If you are staying in Reykjavík during your Christmas in Iceland, you cannot miss the imposing statue of the Yule Cat on Lækjartorg Square in downtown Reykjavík. Add this to your Christmas itinerary along with the charming Christmas markets to be found around the country.

Þorláksmessa

On the 23rd of December, Icelanders honour their patron saint of Iceland, Thorlak Thorhallsson. On this day, known as St. Thorlac's Mass (Þorláksmessa), families get together to buy the last Christmas gifts. An age-old tradition associated with Þorláksmessa is to decorate the Christmas tree as this day marks the start of the holiday season.

On the 24th of December, Icelanders have a Christmas pudding called ris a la mande. Depending upon family traditions, it may be served either at lunch or dinner. Be sure to claim your prize if you find an almond in your ris a la mande. 

Leaf Bread (Laufabrauð)

Would you like to cut some patterns into Laufabrauð? This thin and crispy pancake-style bread is an integral part of Christmas traditions in Iceland. The name comes from the leaf-shaped patterns cut into the bread, which is then fried and served with butter. This is often a side dish for Hangikjöt (smoked lamb) which is often served on Christmas Day. 

Aðventuljós

Did you know that the holiday season in Iceland starts four Sundays before Christmas Eve? This period is called Advent. Lighting the Advent Candle is one of the oldest Christmas traditions in Iceland, and in many other places across the world. Traditionally, you place four candles in a homemade wreath and light the first candle on the first Sunday, the first and the second candles on the second Sunday, and so forth.

You may be surprised to know that one of the recent Icelandic Christmas traditions is aðventuljós - an electric candelabra with seven candles originating in Sweden.

The Christmas Book Flood (Jólabókaflóð) 

Is it true that Icelanders spend the night of Christmas Eve reading? That may not be entirely false given that Iceland is the third most literary nation in the world. This is due to the Icelandic Christmas tradition of giving and receiving books. It all began during World War II when Icelanders started exchanging books for commodities that were in short supply, paper was not rationed so books were abundant. This turned Icelanders into a country of bibliophiles. 

During the Reykjavík Book Fair in mid-November, every household in Iceland receives the Bókatíðindi or book bulletin to order books for Christmas.

 

Get ready for a magical Christmas in Iceland with our spacious car rentals and comfortable accommodation for the festive period.

Hótel Reykjavík Grand, Fosshótel Stykkishólmur, Fosshótel Húsavík are only a few of our many hotels hosting Christmas buffets, including a Big American Christmas buffet. Find out more about our Christmas offers.

Make your Christmas in Iceland exciting with these top 10 things to do in Iceland in winter.