Icelandic Christmas Beer: A Visitor’s Guide to JólabjórIcelandic ChristmasBeer:A Visitor’sGuidetoJólabjór

The holiday season in Reykjavík is something special, with illuminated streets, unique traditions, and even Icelandic Christmas beer to discover. Known locally as jólabjór, these seasonal brews are a popular part of Iceland’s festive celebrations.

But there’s more to jólabjór than one particular type of beer. Icelandic Christmas beers come in a variety of flavors, strengths, and styles, so there’s something for different tastes. This guide covers what to expect, when they’re available, and where you can try or buy them during your Reykjavík stay.

What Is Icelandic Christmas Beer?

The word jólabjór literally translates to “Christmas beer” in Icelandic. It actually serves as a seasonal designation for special holiday brews released by both large breweries and independent craft producers.

Icelandic-made Christmas beers are also worth distinguishing from imported holiday brews, like Danish Christmas beers, which are sold in Iceland. Local breweries sometimes experiment with unusual ingredients or rich malt flavors that are ideal for the colder months. However, while many Christmas beers are darker, maltier, or higher in alcohol than everyday lagers, that’s not always the case. Depending on the brewery, you might find seasonal lagers, malty bocks, rich winter ales, or even hoppy Christmas IPAs.

When Is Jólabjór Available in Iceland?

The arrival of Christmas beer is something Icelanders look forward to as winter approaches. Seasonal releases usually start appearing in early November, giving you a chance to sample festive brews well before Christmas Day.

J-Day Kicks Off Christmas Beer Season

Icelandic Christmas beer generally starts appearing on shelves in early November. One seasonal milestone is J-Day (J-dagur), a festive tradition from Denmark to celebrate the release of Tuborg’s Christmas beer. Today, participating Reykjavík bars mark the occasion, signaling the unofficial start of the holiday beer season.

However, J-Day doesn’t mean every Icelandic brewery releases its Christmas beer on the same date. Local craft breweries have their own schedules, with seasonal brews arriving at bars and retailers throughout November.

How Long Does Christmas Beer Stay Available?

Many Christmas beers remain available throughout November and December. However, because many jólabjór batches are brewed in limited quantities, popular ones can sell out well before Christmas Day. It’s worth asking local bartenders what’s currently available rather than expecting to find a particular beer everywhere.

What Does Icelandic Christmas Beer Taste Like?

Since Christmas beer comes in several styles, there’s no single flavor profile. Some brews are rich and malty, making them a natural match for hearty holiday meals. Others are lighter and crisper, offering something refreshing even during Iceland’s coldest months.

Alcohol by volume (ABV) tells you how much of a beer is alcohol. For example, a beer with 6.7% ABV contains 6.7% alcohol by volume.

Where Can You Try Icelandic Christmas Beer in Reykjavík?

Sampling seasonal brews on draft is an excellent way to soak up the cozy winter atmosphere of the capital.

Reykjavík’s Bars and Craft Beer Spots

Reykjavík has a lively craft beer scene, with many bars offering rotating selections of local and imported brews. During November and December, some venues also feature seasonal Christmas beers, adding a festive twist to Reykjavík nightlife.

It’s worth asking bartenders which Icelandic Christmas beers are currently available. They’re usually happy to recommend something based on your tastes, whether you prefer a crisp lager, a rich winter ale, or something in between.

Enjoying Craft Beer and Food at Exeter

If you prefer a relaxed evening closer to home, head over to Tail and Le Kock at Exeter. Tail serves a selection of craft beers, while Le Kock dishes up its popular burgers and comfort food. It’s a laid-back spot to grab a bite and ask the bar staff whether any seasonal brews are currently available. For more dining inspiration around the capital, check out our guide on where locals eat in Reykjavík.

Where Can You Buy Christmas Beer in Reykjavík?

Looking to pick up a few cans or bottles? In Iceland, alcoholic beer above 2.25% ABV isn’t sold in ordinary grocery stores. Instead, head to Vínbúðin, the state-run alcohol retailer. Its stores carry a range of Icelandic Christmas beers and imported holiday brews, although selections vary by location.

Popular seasonal releases can sell out before Christmas, so it’s worth checking availability on Vínbúðin’s website before visiting. Keep an eye on opening hours, too, as stores may close early or remain shut during Christmas and other public holidays.

The legal age to purchase alcohol in Iceland is 20, so remember to bring a valid ID.

Other Icelandic Christmas Drinks to Know

Christmas beer isn’t the only festive drink worth trying in Iceland. From sweet, fizzy favorites to warm, spiced beverages, there are other seasonal drinks to discover during your Reykjavík stay. And not all of them contain alcohol.

Malt & Appelsín

A Christmas favorite in Iceland, Malt & Appelsín combines Egils Malt, a nonalcoholic malt beverage, with Appelsín orange soda. The result is a sweet, dark, fizzy drink traditionally enjoyed with holiday meals. It’s also associated with jólaöl, or Christmas ale, a name used for festive malt-and-orange drinks.

Jólaglögg

Iceland’s take on traditional mulled wine, jólaglögg is a warm, spiced holiday drink typically flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. It’s sometimes served with raisins and sliced almonds for extra sweetness and texture. You can enjoy it with wine or try a nonalcoholic version made with fruit juice.

Enjoy the Christmas Beer Season From Downtown Reykjavík

Reykjavík’s compact city center is easy to explore on foot. Craft beer bars, restaurants, and holiday markets are all within walking distance of one another. Choosing a central base makes staying in Reykjavík without a car especially convenient, even during the darker winter months.

Located right by the Old Harbour, Exeter Hotel puts you close to the city’s lively dining and nightlife scene. After an evening sampling jólabjór, head back to the comfort of the rooms and suites at Exeter and settle in for a relaxing night.