MAIN Christmas Europe Christmas in Iceland

As in Finland, Norway and other Northern European countries, the long dark nights of winter are illumined with countless sparkling holiday lights throughout Iceland to make them especially bright for the holidays

Aglow in the spirit of Christmas, children delight in not one, but 13 "Santas" (the mischeveous jólasveinn, or "Yule Lads") who visit each day of the holiday season to deliver candy and gifts.

When Christmas Day arrives, it is usually spent with family over a traditional dinner of ptarmigan (the Icelandic holiday bird), along with the presentation of the Christmas porridge or rice pudding. In this special dessert is hidden a magic almond, and the the family member who finds it is said to enjoy good luck throughout the coming year

On New Year's Eve, and again on January 6th, (Twelfth Night or Þréttandinn, the Thirteenth Day) bonfires are lit in celebration, followed by spectacular fireworks displays that light the night skies.

Around the Web, discover more information and photos of a traditional Icelandic Christmas, including the origins of ancient Yule tales and folklore, holiday happenings in the capital city of Reykjavik and additional facts on modern day feasting & celebrations ...

Christmas in Iceland - The grand overview from the U.S. Embassy in Iceland with a history of holiday traditions and folklore, information on typical preparation & decorations, traditional Christmas dinner, and New Year celebrations.

More Christmas in Iceland - A good look at Icelandic Christmas folklore including the Christmas Lads and Gryla, photo gallery of a recent celebration in Reykjavik, and information on holiday candlemakiing, with more on the traditional Christmas bread, Laufabrauð (Leaf Bread) including recipe & instructions.

Santa Claus of Iceland - More details on the 13 Yule Lads or "Santas", including each of their names, and what Christmas mischief their famous for.

Þorláksmessa - The Day of St. Thorlakur - Photos and information on a traditional Reykjavik skate lunch served on December 23rd, with the origins of the custom, related links.

An Icelandic Christmas - Feature story describing the traditional holiday menu, food preparation, and recipes with complete instructions for homemade almond porridge, ptarmigan, red cabbage, and potatoes in white sauce.

also see in Travel -> Iceland Tourist Attractions

Festivals in Iceland | Iceland's Northern Lights