Icelandic Christmas Traditions to Discover During Your Reykjavík StayIcelandic ChristmasTraditionsto DiscoverDuringYour ReykjavíkStay

Christmas in Iceland is full of charming traditions, from mischievous Yule Lads to delicate leaf bread and a love of books. While many of these customs are enjoyed at home, there are ways to experience Icelandic Christmas traditions during your Reykjavík stay. Festive treats, twinkling lights, and local events across the capital make the holiday season all the more special.

What Are the Main Christmas Traditions in Iceland?

Icelandic Christmas traditions are a mix of folklore, religious history, family gatherings, local food, and modern customs. Instead of squeezing all the festivities into one weekend, Icelanders celebrate throughout the holiday season. Advent builds toward Christmas Eve on December 24, when many families gather for festive meals and gift-giving. The Christmas season then traditionally wraps up with Þrettándinn on January 6th.

Here’s a quick look at some of Iceland’s best-loved Christmas traditions and how you can experience them during your Reykjavík stay.

Top 8 Iceland Christmas Traditions Worth Discovering

Part of the charm of visiting Iceland during the holidays is experiencing the many festive traditions first-hand. From centuries-old legends to cozy literary customs, here are some of the most Icelandic traditions worth exploring during your Reykjavík stay.

1. Jólasveinar: Iceland’s 13 Mischievous Yule Lads

Instead of just one Santa Claus, Iceland has 13 Yule Lads or the Jólasveinar. According to folklore, these mischievous brothers descend from the mountains one by one, from December 12 through Christmas Eve. Each has a distinct personality and a habit of causing minor household chaos. There’s Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker), for example, and Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper).

Many Icelandic children still leave a shoe on their bedroom windowsill each night during this period. As the story goes, well-behaved children wake up to small treats or gifts in their shoes. On the other hand, those who misbehave might find a raw potato instead.

The Yule Lads are also part of a larger folklore family. Their mother is Grýla, a famously fearsome giantess. Jólakötturinn (the Yule Cat) is a gigantic feline said to prey on those who don’t receive new clothes for Christmas.

Although these are legendary characters, they’re very much part of modern Iceland Christmas traditions. Travelers in Reykjavík can look out for public Yule Lad appearances and festive displays inspired by these mischievous figures.

2. Jólabókaflóð: Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood

Literally translating to the “Christmas Book Flood,” Jólabókaflóð is a reflection of the country’s shared love of literature. In the months leading up to Christmas, Icelandic publishers release a large share of their new titles for the year. A catalog called Bókatíðindi (Book Bulletin) is even distributed to households, showcasing the latest releases.

Many of these books end up as Christmas gifts for family and friends. Exchanging books on Christmas Eve is a cherished custom, with some people spending part of the evening reading their new gifts.

While family traditions vary, visitors can easily join in the spirit of Jólabókaflóð. Drop by a local bookstore downtown, pick up an Icelandic novel or a translated work, and enjoy a quiet evening with a good story. After exploring Reykjavík’s winter streets, there’s no better excuse to get cozy in one of the rooms and suites at Exeter with a new book.

3. Laufabrauð: The Art of Icelandic Leaf Bread

Laufabrauð, or leaf bread, is a traditional wafer-thin, crispy fried bread decorated with intricate geometric patterns. The tradition has strong roots in northern Iceland, where flour was once a scarce commodity. Rolling the dough paper-thin helped make the most of limited ingredients, while the delicate cutouts turned each piece into something special.

Making laufabrauð remains a cherished pre-Christmas family activity in Iceland. The patterns are carefully carved using sharp knives or special cutting wheels (laufabrauðsjárn). Once decorated, the dough is briefly fried in oil or fat until crisp and golden. The finished bread is often served alongside traditional Christmas dishes such as smoked lamb.

Visitors can get a closer look at this culinary craft by checking for seasonal bakery offerings or public demonstrations. For example, Árbær Open Air Museum hosts Christmas programs where visitors can watch traditional leaf-bread decorating in action.

4. Jólaglögg: A Warming Christmas Drink

On chilly winter afternoons, jólaglögg offers a comforting way to warm up after exploring Reykjavík. It is part of the wider Nordic tradition of glögg or mulled wine. This seasonal drink is typically made with red wine, sugar, and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Some versions also include orange peel, raisins, or slivered almonds.

Alcohol-free versions made with spiced fruit juice are also available, so you don’t have to drink wine to enjoy the tradition. Look for jólaglögg on seasonal café and bar menus, where a warm cup is a welcome break from the winter chill.

5. Christmas Lights and Public Festivities in Reykjavík

Downtown Reykjavík gets a festive makeover during the holidays, with twinkling lights decorating streets, shops, and public squares.

One of the main gathering spots is Austurvöllur, home to the traditional Oslo Christmas Tree, a symbol of friendship between Reykjavík and Oslo. You might also spot illuminated displays inspired by the Yule Cat around the city. An evening stroll along Laugavegur Street is a lovely way to admire the decorations and do a little Christmas shopping.

There’s more to the season than pretty lights, too. Harpa Concert Hall hosts seasonal performances, while Árbær Open Air Museum offers a glimpse into old-fashioned Icelandic Christmas celebrations on select December dates. Depending on the program, visitors can catch traditional crafts, leaf-bread decorating, and even appearances by the Yule Lads.

6. Þorláksmessa: Iceland’s December 23 Tradition

Observed on December 23, Þorláksmessa honors St. Þorlákur, the patron saint of Iceland. Traditionally a day of final Christmas preparations, it has become one of the liveliest evenings of the holiday season.

The day is strongly associated with eating kæst skata (fermented skate). The fish is traditionally fermented, a process that gives it a distinctive ammonia-like smell and strong flavor. Usually served with boiled potatoes and melted fat, kæst skata tends to divide local opinion. Some Icelanders look forward to the annual feast, while others would rather avoid the lingering smell.

For visitors, Þorláksmessa is also a great time to explore downtown Reykjavík. Many shops stay open late, and the streets fill with last-minute Christmas shoppers and locals catching up with friends. Even if fermented skate isn’t your thing, it’s a wonderful opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere before Christmas Eve.

7. Christmas Eve: Iceland’s Main Christmas Celebration

In Iceland, the main Christmas celebration takes place on December 24 (Aðfangadagur). Traditionally, festivities begin at 6 PM, marked by church bells ringing across the country. Many families gather for a festive evening meal, followed by the opening of presents.

Traditional Christmas dishes include hangikjöt (smoked lamb), often served with white sauce and green peas, and hamborgarhryggur (glazed pork roast). Another holiday favorite is Malt & Appelsín, a nonalcoholic mix of sweet malt drink and orange soda. This popular Christmas beverage is different from alcoholic seasonal Christmas beers (jólabjór).

Visitors staying in Reykjavík on December 24 should plan ahead. Many shops, attractions, and restaurants close early or remain closed for the evening. Check opening hours and reserve a Christmas Eve dinner in advance if you plan to eat out.

8. Þrettándinn: Saying Goodbye to Christmas on January 6

The Icelandic Christmas season traditionally draws to a close on January 6 with Þrettándinn (Thirteenth Day). According to folklore, the last Yule Lad returns to the mountains on this night. It’s also associated with stories of elves and hidden people (huldufólk) moving between homes.

Some communities mark the occasion with bonfires, torchlight processions, and fireworks. If you’re visiting Reykjavík in early January, check local event listings for public Þrettándinn celebrations. It’s a festive way to say goodbye to Iceland Christmas traditions before the decorations come down.

Simple Ways to Experience Icelandic Christmas Traditions in Reykjavík

You don’t have to look far to get a taste of Icelandic Christmas traditions, especially when you’re staying downtown. Here are a few easy ways to join in the festivities:

• Explore festive streets: Take a walk around Austurvöllur Square, admire the Christmas lights, and browse local boutiques along Laugavegur.

• Try seasonal dining: Sample traditional Christmas dishes or find local favorites with this guide on where locals eat in Reykjavík.

• Embrace the book flood: Stop by a local bookstore, pick up a novel, and spend a cozy evening reading.

• Attend a public celebration: Check for museum demonstrations, Yule Lad appearances, or community bonfires happening during your stay.

• Explore the historic waterfront: Browse shops around the harbor and discover more things to do near Reykjavík’s Old Harbor.

With its Old Harbor location, Exeter Hotel makes a convenient base for exploring Reykjavík’s festive downtown. Between outings, Deig, Le Kock, and Tail offer easy options for bakery treats, casual meals, and drinks right at the hotel. Just remember to check holiday opening hours before heading out.