Advent and Christmas - December 2nd - 26th 2012

Christmas is very important in Iceland. It is celebrated everywhere in society; families, friends and colleagues make the season special by having Christmas parties, baking cookies, drinking jolaglogg (mulled wine) and decorating their homes. The main day of celebration for Icelanders is Christmas Eve (24 December) – but celebrations start much sooner.

By late November, streets and buildings are adorned with Christmas lights and people start frequenting traditional Christmas buffets at the many restaurants in Reykjavík. On the first advent Sunday the lights on a large Christmas tree at Austurvollur Square in the city centre are lit, accompanied by music, choral singing and a visit by the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads (Door-slammer, Spoon-licker, Candle Beggar and assorted other ne’er-do-wells).

There is plenty on offer for visitors at this charming time of year. Shop for some unique gifts in Reykjavík city centre, visit the quaint Christmas Village in Hafnarfjordur town, check out the Christmas-themed museum exhibitions and explore the winter landscape around Reykjavík. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day you can enjoy a traditional Icelandic Christmas dinner at some of the best restaurants in Reykjavik, tasting delicacies such as Hangikjot (smoked lamb served with potatoes, vegetables and a white sauce) or Rjupa (Icelandic Ptarmigan).
 

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