Most countries make do with one Santa. Iceland has thirteen, and none of them can be trusted around your sausages. Welcome to Christmas in Iceland, where mischievous Yule Lads come down from the mountains one by one, a giant cat prowls for people in old socks, and the whole nation celebrates by giving each other books. If you are planning a December trip, this guide introduces the folklore, the traditions and the best things to do in Reykjavík at Christmas and New Year.
Meet the 13 Yule Lads
The Yule Lads (jólasveinarnir) are the Icelandic answer to Santa Claus, except they are less jolly old gift-giver and more cheeky troublemaker. One arrives each night from 12 December, and each has a favourite way of causing chaos. The last one shows up on Christmas Eve, and then they leave again one by one, with the final Lad heading back to the mountains on 6 January. Dates and details vary a little between regions and sources, but this is the classic line-up:
- 12 December, Stekkjarstaur (Sheep-Cote Clod): pesters the sheep, though his stiff legs make it a slow business.
- 13 December, Giljagaur (Gully Gawk): hides in gullies and sneaks in to steal milk.
- 14 December, Stúfur (Stubby): the shortest of the bunch, who steals pans to scrape the leftovers.
- 15 December, Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker): steals wooden spoons and licks them clean.
- 16 December, Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper): steals pots to scrape out whatever is left inside.
- 17 December, Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker): lurks under the bed waiting for someone to put down a bowl.
- 18 December, Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer): slams doors in the night, which is great news if you were hoping for a lie-in.
- 19 December, Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler): a big fan of skyr, Iceland’s thick dairy treat.
- 20 December, Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper): snatches sausages hanging in the rafters.
- 21 December, Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper): peeks through windows looking for things to take.
- 22 December, Gáttaþefur (Doorway-Sniffer): has an enormous nose and follows the smell of freshly made leaf bread.
- 23 December, Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook): uses a long hook to fish out meat.
- 24 December, Kertasníkir (Candle-Beggar): follows children hoping to get his hands on candles, which in the old days were a snack.
English translations of the names differ from one source to another, so you may see slightly different versions on your travels.
Grýla, Leppalúði and the Yule Cat
The Yule Lads have a family, and it is not a cosy one. Their mother is Grýla, an ogress from Icelandic folklore who, according to the old stories, makes stew out of naughty children. Their father is Leppalúði, a lazy troll who mostly stays in the cave. The family’s pet is the Yule Cat (Jólakötturinn), an enormous cat that is said to eat anyone who has not received new clothes before Christmas Eve. It is arguably the most effective fashion policy in history, and it explains why Icelanders traditionally give each other something to wear at Christmas. The old tales were a good deal scarier than the modern versions, and today the Lads are mostly treated as playful characters that children love.
Shoes in the Window
From 12 December, Icelandic children place a shoe on the windowsill each night. If they have been good, the Yule Lad of the night leaves a small gift. If they have been naughty, they wake up to a rotten potato. If you are visiting with kids, this is a charming tradition to join in with, but we recommend checking the potato supply before you leave home.
More Icelandic Christmas Traditions
- Jólabókaflóð, the Christmas Book Flood: Icelanders love giving books at Christmas and spending the evening reading them with something sweet to eat. Bookshops are busy in December, so you can see this tradition for yourself.
- Þorláksmessa, 23 December: the day before Christmas Eve is traditionally celebrated with kæst skata, fermented skate. It has a famously strong smell, so consider yourself warned.
- Christmas Eve feast: families gather for a big meal, with smoked lamb (hangikjöt) as a classic dish, often served with leaf bread (laufabrauð), thin round bread cut by hand into delicate patterns and fried until crisp.
- Christmas markets: Reykjavík and towns around the country hold markets with local crafts, woollen sweaters, hot cocoa and carols, and you may well run into a Yule Lad or two.
Christmas in Reykjavík: Lights, Lads and Hot Chocolate
Reykjavík is a great place to be in December. Despite only a few hours of daylight, the city is lit up with Christmas lights, and there is plenty to see. The best way to discover the folklore is with a local guide on the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour. This family-friendly 2-hour walk in December starts around Ingólfstorg Square and takes you past the Christmas tree at Austurvöllur, along Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, to the Little Christmas Store, and ends at Hallgrímskirkja church. Your guide tells the stories of the 13 Yule Lads, Grýla and the Christmas Cat, and the walk includes an Icelandic pastry and a warm drink. If you prefer to go at your own pace with your family or friends, there is also a Private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour.
New Year’s Eve in Reykjavík
New Year’s Eve is one of the most spectacular nights of the year in the capital. There is no single official fireworks display. Instead, people all over the city launch their own, so the whole skyline becomes the show. To see it without the crowds, join the New Year’s Eve Reykjavík Cruise. It leaves from the Old Harbour at 22:30 on 31 December, returns around 00:30 and includes a welcome drink, selected drinks from the open bar, snacks, party hats and trumpets, warm overalls and blankets and a heated indoor lounge. If the sky is clear you might even spot the northern lights, although they can never be guaranteed. It is wise to book early.
More December Adventures
Christmas week is a great time to combine folklore with a bit of adventure. Chase the aurora on a Northern Lights Small Group Tour, Northern Lights Minibus Tour or a boat tour; step inside a glacier on a Katla Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik or a Crystal Ice Cave Tour; take in the sights on the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Tour; or warm up at the Blue Lagoon. On a stormy day, the Icelandic Lava Show is a fun indoor option. Our Iceland in winter guide has many more ideas, and our northern lights guide and ice cave guide will help you plan.
Tips for Visiting Iceland at Christmas
- Expect short days. Daylight is limited in December, so plan your main activity for the middle of the day and save the evenings for the aurora, restaurants and festive lights.
- Check opening hours. Shops, restaurants and attractions often change their hours on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 January, so check ahead and book tours early.
- Drive carefully or let a guide do it. Winter roads can change quickly. Read the winter driving tips in our winter guide and our Iceland travel tips.
- Pack warm and waterproof. Layers, good boots, hat, gloves and a swimsuit for the hot springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iceland have Santa Claus?
Not in the traditional sense. Iceland has the 13 Yule Lads, who arrive one by one from 12 December. You may also see Santa-style figures at some events, but the Lads are the local favourites.
When do the Yule Lads arrive and leave?
The first Yule Lad arrives on 12 December and the last on Christmas Eve. They then leave one by one, with the last departing on 6 January.
Is Iceland a good place to spend Christmas?
Yes, if you like cosy winter atmosphere, folklore, northern lights and quieter attractions. Days are short, so plan carefully and keep some flexibility for the weather.
What is Jólabókaflóð?
It is the “Christmas book flood”, the Icelandic tradition of giving books as Christmas gifts and spending the evening reading.
Are tours available around Christmas and New Year?
Many are, but schedules vary, so check the dates and availability on each tour page before you book.
Ready to Plan Your Icelandic Christmas?
Browse all of our Iceland tours, check live availability and book online, or contact our team at info@iat.is if you would like help planning your December trip.