Every country has its own unique way of celebrating holidays, and Iceland is no exception. Christmas in Iceland offers a blend of distinctive traditions and festive activities, making it an incredible holiday destination.
This guide provides an overview of Icelandic Christmas customs, key events, and practical tips for travelers planning a visit. We will explore Icelandic Christmas traditions, the annual Yule Book flood, and highlight the best Christmas markets in Reykjavik.
We will also explore the best natural attractions to visit during the Christmas season and essential tips for planning your Christmas trip to Iceland. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the information needed to make the most of your Christmas in Iceland.
Icelandic Christmas Traditions
Iceland’s Christmas season is rich with unique folklore and traditions that stand out from typical Western customs. Among these are the tales of the 13 Yule Lads and the fearsome Yule Cat, each adding a distinct element to Icelandic holiday festivities.
Why Does Iceland Have 13 Yule Lads?
Iceland doesn’t have a Santa Claus, but it does have 13 Yule Lads that visit on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, that’s also the reason why there are 13 days of christmas in Iceland.
Originating from its rich folklore that blends elements of both pagan and Christian traditions, these figures are the 13 sons of the trolls Grýla and Leppalúði. In the past, they were known for causing trouble during the Christmas season, but over time, their roles have evolved, and today, each Yule Lad visits children on the nights leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts in their shoes if they’ve been good, or a potato if they’ve been bad.
Each Yule Lad is named and has its own interesting qualities:
- Stekkjastaur – Harasses sheep.
- Giljagaur – Hides in gullies, waiting to steal milk.
- Stúfur – very short and steals pans to eat crusts left on them.
- Þvörusleikir – Steals wooden spoons to lick.
- Pottaskefill – Scrapes leftovers from pots.
- Askasleikir – Hides under beds to steal bowls of food.
- Hurðaskellir – Loves to slam doors, especially at night.
- Skyrgámur – Eats all the skyr (a type of traditional Icelandic food similar to yogurt).
- Bjúgnakrækir – Steals sausages.
- Gluggagægir – Peeks through windows to find things to steal.
- Gáttaþefur – Uses his large nose to sniff out baked goods, especially bread.
- Ketkrókur – Uses a hook to steal meat.
- Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer) – Follows children to steal their candles.
This tradition reflects Iceland’s unique cultural heritage, where storytelling and myth play significant roles in holiday celebrations.
Photo from forlagid.is
What is the Yule Cat / Christmas cat?
The Yule Cat, known as Jólakötturinn, is a fearsome creature from Icelandic folklore associated with the Christmas season. According to legend, this giant cat prowls the snowy countryside during Christmas time, looking for people who have not received new clothes to wear before Christmas Eve.
Those without new garments are said to be eaten by the Yule Cat. This tradition served as a way to encourage children and workers to finish their chores and knitting before the holiday, ensuring that everyone had new clothes for the festive season. The Yule Cat is part of Iceland’s unique blend of folklore that adds an element of dark humour to the holiday celebrations.
photo from Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
The Annual Christmas Book Flood
The Annual Yule Book Flood, or Jólabókaflóð, is a favourite Christmas tradition in Iceland that involves the giving and receiving of books on Christmas Eve. This custom dates back to World War II when currency restrictions limited the import of many gift items but allowed for paper, leading to a boom in book publishing.
Today, Icelanders exchange books as presents on December 24th and spend the evening reading together. This tradition highlights the Icelandic love for literature and reading, making books an integral part of the country’s holiday celebrations.
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Best Christmas Markets in Iceland
1. Heidmork Forest Christmas Market (Icelandic: Jólamarkaður í Heiðmörk)
Inside the Heidmork Forest, just outside Reykjavik, you’ll find the Heidmork Forest Christmas Market. This market offers a unique Christmas experience compared to the busier markets in the city center.
Unlike other markets offering a general selection of Christmas goodies, Heidmork Forest Market highlights products handcrafted from natural materials or inspired by the surrounding forest, such as essential oils, wooden carvings, and knitted items.
Local vendors also sell homemade Icelandic treats, jams, and cheeses. The market also features bonfires, storytelling, and guided walks, allowing visitors to both enjoy the festive spirit and Iceland’s nature.
photo from Jólamarkaður í Heiðmörk
2. Ingolfstorg Square in Reykjavik
Ice skating on Ingolfstorg Square is a Christmas tradition in Reykjavik, Iceland. Each year, a temporary ice rink is set up in the square, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy the festive activity. Next to the rink is a Christmas market with wooden stalls that have an array of holiday treats,drinks, handmade crafts, and seasonal decorations.
The skating rink is free to use and is a great option for families visiting Iceland during the holidays. You can rent skates and helmets on-site if you don’t have your own
3. Christmas Forest at Reykjavik City Hall
Every December, Tjarnarsalur, a public space located in Reykjavik City Hall, is transformed into an indoor forest decorated with twinkling lights, festive ornaments, Christmas trees, and even artificial snow. It’s a calm and inviting space where visitors can come escape the cold weather and watch musical performances, storytelling sessions, and workshops for children, making it a family-friendly activity.
4. Arbaer Open Air Museum
The Arbaer Open Air Museum in Reykjavik hosts a Christmas market each year, where the museums over 20 relocated historic buildings are adorned with seasonal decorations. Visitors can stroll through the buildings and explore vendors selling vintage-style toys, crafts and edible treats.
There are live demonstrations of traditional Icelandic Christmas preparations, including the art of Leaf Bread (Laufabrauð) decoration and locals spinning sheep wool, candle-making and baking.
You can also sample traditional food like hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and enjoy warm drinks at the museum cafe. The Christmas market is typically held on two Sundays in mid-December.
Photo/Árbæjarsafn
5. Hjartartorg Christmas Market
The Hjartartorg Christmas Market is a seasonal market held on weekends throughout December in Reykjavik’s central Hjartartorg Square.
The market features various wooden stalls selling traditional Icelandic crafts, clothing, jewelry, and Christmas decorations. Local food vendors offer a range of options, including reindeer sausage, warm poffertjes and traditional Icelandic treats like Kleinur (sweet and slightly spicy doughnut). Visitors can also enjoy different live entertainment each weekend.
Hjartartorg Square is nearby to Reykajvik’s busiest shopping street, Laugavegur, so you can also get some Christmas shopping done at the same time. The market is typically open on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays, with extended hours on December 23rd.
6. The Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður
About 20 minutes outside of Reykjavik, you’ll find the village of Hafnarfjörður, which transforms into an enchanting Christmas Village and market during the weeks of Advent.
The market is open every weekend, with brightly decorated wooden huts selling a variety of holiday items, from handmade crafts to Icelandic food and drinks. The market also features live music, performances, and activities for children, including visits from the Icelandic Yule Lads (Jólannar) in their colourful costumes.
The Christmas Village is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy Icelandic Christmas traditions.
photo/Hafnarfjordur city
7. Laugardalur Christmas Valley
During December, Laugardalur Park in Reykjavik gets decked out with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical winter wonderland.
It’s not a traditional market, however the family-friendly destination gives visitors the opportunity to ice skate around a decorated Christmas tree at the Skautahöll ice skating rink.
Outdoor grills are open for people who want to grill dinner, and you can walk through the Botanical gardens while staying warm with a hot chocolate. You can also visit the nearby Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo. Keep in mind that the Christmas Valley festivities only happen on select evenings from December 1st until Christmas, typically Fridays to Sundays.
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photo/visitrekjavik
What Else Can You Do When Visiting Iceland for Christmas?
Beyond sharing in traditional Christmas festivities, visitors to Iceland during the holiday season can explore various outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and natural wonders. You can chase the northern lights, relax in geothermal hot springs, and visit historical sites and museums to learn about Icelandic history and folklore.
Rent a car and go see Icelandic nature and attractions
During Christmas in Iceland, visitors can experience a variety of natural attractions around the country with a rental car. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore the diverse regions of Iceland at your own pace, with total freedom to build a customized Iceland itinerary based on your interests.
When visiting Iceland at Christmas, renting a 4X4 rental car is essential, regardless of where you plan to visit. The weather in Iceland can be very unpredictable, and with snow and ice on the roads you will need a vehicle that can tackle those conditions.
One of the most popular sights that people come to see during the Christmas season is the northern lights in Iceland. Iceland’s iconic landscapes also offer opportunities to explore its glaciers with ice caving tours and waterfalls, such as Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, and geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon.
The country’s volcanic terrain also provides black sand beaches, lava fields, and steaming geysers, like the famous Strokkur geyser, located in the Geysir Geothermal Area on the Golden Circle route. You can also go snowmobiling over glaciers or explore ice caves, but you’ll need to book a tour for those.
See the northern lights
Iceland offers several prime locations to view the northern lights. One of the most popular spots is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with minimal light pollution and expansive open spaces, providing optimal viewing conditions. Lake Myvatn in North Iceland, also offers excellent opportunities to see the lights, with the lakeshore and surrounding volcanic landscape making an incredible backdrop.
Closer to Reykjavik, the Snaefellnes Peninsula offers dark skies and unobstructed views, making it a convenient option for those staying in the city or anyone with a shorter Iceland itinerary, such as an Iceland stopover.
However Christmas season is one of the most likely opportunities due to the limited daylight hours.
Try Traditional Icelandic Christmas food
Traditional Icelandic food offers a great way to experience the country’s culinary heritage during the holiday season. One iconic dish is Hangikjöt, smoked lamb that’s typically served cold with potatoes in béchamel sauce, peas, and pickled red cabbage.
Síld (Pickled herring) is an appetizer usually served on rye bread, and another festive favorite is Laufabrauð, a thin bread with a signature pattern that’s deep-fried until crispy and served alongside smoked or salted fish. No Icelandic Christmas feast would be complete without Hamborgarhryggur, a traditional baked ham often glazed with a sweet mustard sauce.
For dessert, there are a variety of treats, including Vinarterta (Celebration cake), a layered cake filled with prune jam, Lakkrís toppar (Meringue cookies), Möndlu grautur (Rice pudding), Piparkökur (Ginger cookies), Jólakaka (Christmas cake) filled with raisins or other dried fruit and Súkkulaðibolla, delicious chocolate-coated coconut balls.
Tips for Planning a Christmas Trip in Iceland
Planning a Christmas trip to Iceland requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Book in advance: Christmas is a peak travel period in Iceland, so it’s essential to book accommodations, tours, and transportation well in advance to secure your preferred options.
- Dress appropriately: Icelandic winter weather can be cold and unpredictable, so be sure to pack warm layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, hats, gloves, and scarves to stay comfortable outdoors. View our Iceland packing list for a full list of items to bring.
- Rent a 4×4 car: If you plan to self-drive during your trip, especially in winter, it’s crucial to rent a 4×4 vehicle equipped to handle Iceland’s snowy and icy roads. This will ensure safer and more reliable transportation, especially if you’re exploring remote or rural areas.
Following these tips will help you make the most of your Christmas experience in Iceland while staying safe and prepared for the unique challenges of Iceland winter travel in this beautiful country.
Experience Christmas in Iceland
Christmas in Iceland offers a memorable experience filled with unique traditions, festive markets, and breathtaking natural attractions to explore with a rental car. From the folklore of the Yule Cat and 13 yule lads to the Christmas markets scattered throughout the capital, there’s no shortage of holiday spirit to immerse yourself in.
To make the most of your Icelandic holiday experience, remember to plan ahead, dress appropriately for the winter weather, and rent a 4×4 car for safe and reliable transportation. Start your Icelandic Christmas adventure by booking a rental car with Hertz Iceland today.
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