Have you ever thought about visit Iceland to celebrate Christmas? Whether you’re fascinated by folklore or excited to experience the festive atmosphere, Iceland offers something special for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Christmas in Iceland.
Icelandic Christmas Traditions
Why there are 13 Days of Christmas in Iceland?
In Iceland, the Christmas season is marked by the arrival of the 13 Yule Lads (Icelandic santa claus) , mischievous characters who descend from the mountains starting on December 12th. Each night, a different Yule Lad visits, leaving small gifts or tricks in children’s shoes placed by the window. This tradition adds a whimsical touch to the Icelandic holiday season.
The 13 Icelandic Yule Lads are unique to Icelandic folklore, each with distinct personalities and names. Here is a detailed list of the Yule Lads and their mischievous activities:
- Sheep-Cote Clod (Stekkjastaur): Arrives on December 12th. He tries to suckle yews (female sheep) in farmer’s sheep sheds.
- Gully Gawk (Giljagaur): Arrives on December 13th. He hides in gullies and steals foam from buckets of cow milk.
- Stubby (Stúfur): Arrives on December 14th. A short lad who steals food from frying pans.
- Spoon Licker (Þvörusleikir): Arrives on December 15th. He licks spoons, making them sticky and dirty.
- Pot Scraper (Pottaskefill): Arrives on December 16th. He steals unwashed pots and licks them clean.
- Bowl Licker (Askasleikir): Arrives on December 17th. He hides under beds and steals bowls of food left there.
- Door Slammer (Hurðaskellir): Arrives on December 18th. He stomps around and slams doors, keeping everyone awake.
- Skyr Gobbler (Skyrgámur): Arrives on December 19th. He eats up all the skyr, a traditional Icelandic yogurt.
- Sausage Swiper (Bjúgnakrækir): Arrives on December 20th. He loves stealing sausages, especially those hung up for smoking.
- Window Peeper (Gluggagægir): Arrives on December 21st. He peeks through windows to look for things to steal.
- Door Sniffer (Gáttaþefur): Arrives on December 22nd. He has a huge nose and an insatiable appetite for stolen baked goods.
- Meat Hook (Ketkrókur): Arrives on December 23rd. He uses a hook to steal meat, particularly smoked lamb.
- Candle Beggar (Kertasníkir): Arrives on December 24th. He steals candles, which were once a sought-after item in Iceland.
photo from shopicelandic
Days of Christmas in Iceland
The Christmas celebrations in Iceland extend well beyond December 25th. Festivities begin on December 23rd with St. Thorlak’s Day, where fermented skate is traditionally eaten. The main Christmas celebrations occur on December 24th, known as Aðfangadagur, when families gather for a festive meal and exchange gifts.
The season continues until January 6th, known as Þrettándinn, or the Thirteenth Day of Christmas, which is marked by bonfires and fireworks to bid farewell to the Yule Lads.
The Christmas Cat
One of the more peculiar Icelandic Christmas traditions is the Christmas Cat, or Jólakötturinn. This mythical creature is said to lurk in the snowy countryside, and it is believed that it will devour anyone who has not received new clothes before Christmas Eve. This tradition encourages people to finish their work and reward their children with new garments, adding an element of excitement and urgency to the festive season.
Icelandic local Christmas Celebrations
Advent marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Iceland. Homes and streets are adorned with beautiful Christmas lights, creating a warm and festive atmosphere despite the long winter nights. A beloved tradition is the Christmas Book Flood (Jólabókaflóð), where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve, followed by cozy reading sessions with hot cocoa.
Christmas Food and Drink in Iceland
Traditional Icelandic Cuisine
Icelandic Christmas cuisine is both hearty and delicious. Smoked lamb (hangikjöt) is a staple, often served with boiled potatoes and béchamel sauce. Another must-try is laufabrauð, leaf bread in English, a thin, crispy bread decorated with intricate patterns. These traditional foods not only taste amazing but also offer a slice of Icelandic culture.
Other festive dishes include ptarmigan (rjúpa), a wild bird often served during Christmas, and herring dishes, which are popular appetizers. Icelandic households take pride in their homemade gravlax (cured salmon), usually served with a sweet mustard-dill sauce.
Festive Beverages
Warm up with a cup of Jólaglögg, a spiced mulled wine that’s perfect for cold winter nights. Icelanders also enjoy festive beers and a unique malt and orange soda blend called Malt & Appelsín. These drinks are essential to the Icelandic Christmas experience.
Christmas Events and Activities
Christmas Markets
Reykjavik hosts several Christmas markets that are perfect for holiday shopping and enjoying festive treats. Here are some of the major Christmas markets you can visit within the greater Reykjavik capital area:
Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village
photo from the official website
- Location: Thorsplan Plaza, Hafnarfjörður, about 20 minutes from downtown Reykjavik.
- Dates: November 17th to December 23rd.
- Opening Times: Fridays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and weekends from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Highlights: This market features around twenty Christmas huts selling biscuits, cookies, hot drinks, local handicrafts, and festive decorations. Visitors can enjoy horse carriage rides, live music, and other entertainment. A recent addition to the village is the Hjartasvellið ice rink, perfect for a family outing.
Ingólfstorg Christmas Market
photo from visit reykjavik
- Location: Ingólfstorg Square, downtown Reykjavik.
- Dates: Weekends in December and the week leading up to Christmas.
- Opening Times: Typically open from late afternoon to evening.
- Highlights: This market features a beautiful ice-skating rink surrounded by Christmas stalls selling refreshments and merchandise. The square is lit up with 100,000 light bulbs, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors.
Hjartatorg Square Christmas Market
- Location: Hjartatorg Square, near Laugavegur, the main shopping street in Reykjavik.
- Dates: December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 21-23.
- Opening Times: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on the 21st and 22nd, and 9:00 PM on the 23rd).
- This market follows the European tradition with wooden booths selling handicrafts, delicacies, and hot chocolate. The festive decorations and lights create a vibrant Christmas spirit.
Heiðmörk Christmas Market:
photo from visit reykjavik
- Location: Heiðmörk Forest, on the outskirts of Reykjavik.
- Dates: Weekends in December.
- Opening Times: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Highlights: Set in a tranquil nature reserve, this market offers products made from natural materials, live music, readings from Icelandic authors, and a children’s entertainment corner. Visitors can also purchase sustainable Christmas trees.
Árbær Open Air Museum Christmas Market:
- Location: Árbær Open Air Museum, Reykjavik.
- Dates: First three Sundays in Advent (December 3, 10, and 17).
- Opening Times: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Highlights: This market offers a glimpse into Icelandic Christmas traditions with activities like knitting, crafting decorations, making traditional leaf bread, and tasting festive foods like smoked lamb and Skate. The museum also features performances and storytelling sessions, making it an educational and festive experience
Local Activities
Engage in local traditions like ice skating at Ingólfstorg Square, where the atmosphere is beautifully festive with lights and decorations. For the adventurous, ice caving tours and snowmobiling across glaciers provide thrilling ways to explore Iceland’s natural wonders during the festive season.
photo from visit reykjavik
Practical Travel Tips
Accommodation Recommendations
From luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, Iceland offers a range of accommodation options perfect for the Christmas season. Many places offer special Christmas packages, so it’s a good idea to book early to secure the best deals.
Dining and Shopping
Enjoy Christmas menus at local restaurants and cafes. When shopping, look for unique Icelandic gifts and souvenirs at the Christmas markets and local stores. Icelandic wool sweaters, chocolates, and local crafts make for wonderful gifts.
Visiting Iceland in Winter Using a Rental Car
Renting a car in Iceland gives you the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace. You can visit remote Christmas attractions, enjoy the festive lights, and attend events without worrying about schedules. This flexibility is especially useful in winter when daylight is limited.
Top Winter Driving Tips
Winter driving in Iceland can be an adventure. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:
Equip Your Car Properly:
- Winter Tires: Ensure your rental car is equipped with high-quality winter tires. These provide better traction on icy and snowy roads.
- Emergency Kit: Your car should include an emergency kit with essentials like a blanket, food, water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a shovel.
- GPS and Maps: While most rental cars come with GPS, having a physical map as a backup is a good idea.
Check the Weather and Road Conditions:
- Weather Forecasts: Regularly check weather forecasts from sources like the Icelandic Meteorological Office (Vedur.is) for updates on road conditions and storms.
- Road Information: Visit the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website (Road.is) for real-time information on road conditions and closures.
Drive Cautiously:
- Speed Limits: Adhere to speed limits and drive slower than usual to accommodate for icy and slippery conditions.
- Braking: Brake gently to avoid skidding. If you start to skid, steer into the skid to regain control.
- Lights: Keep your headlights on at all times, as daylight hours are minimal during winter.
Plan Your Route:
- Route Planning: Plan your route in advance, considering the limited daylight and potential road closures. Stick to main roads whenever possible.
- Fuel: Keep your fuel tank full to avoid running out in remote areas. Gas stations can be sparse in rural Iceland.
Stay Connected:
- Mobile Phone: Carry a fully charged mobile phone with emergency contact numbers.
- Communication: Inform someone about your travel plans and estimated arrival times.
Other things to do in Iceland winter
Plan routes to see Christmas lights, visit iconic Christmas trees, and catch fireworks displays. Combine visits to traditional locations with other winter activities like ice caving tours and Northern Lights chasing. Renting a car allows you to explore these attractions at your own pace and convenience.
Why Renting a Car from Firefly Car Rental
Renting with Firefly means reliable, winter-ready vehicles and excellent customer service. Many satisfied customers have enjoyed their Christmas in Iceland with a Firefly rental car, appreciating the flexibility and comfort it provides during their holiday adventures.
Conclusion
Experiencing Christmas in Iceland is truly magical. From the whimsical Yule Lads to the dazzling Northern Lights, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to share your own Christmas in Iceland stories and photos in the comments or on social media. Happy holidays!
