How Do Icelanders Celebrate the New Year?

Visiting Iceland During New Year

New Year’s Eve in Iceland is a special time, and visiting during this period gives you a unique perspective on Icelandic culture. The country’s small population comes together in lively celebrations, while the dramatic winter landscape adds an otherworldly backdrop. Streets glow with fireworks, public squares fill with laughter and the crisp night air carries the scent of bonfires burning across towns and villages.

Reykjavik Fireworks and Community Spirit

One of the most striking features of an Icelandic New Year is the fireworks. Icelanders are famously enthusiastic about their pyrotechnics, and from early evening, the sky lights up across cities and towns. Unlike in many countries where fireworks are limited to official displays, in Iceland, families and friends purchase their own fireworks and launch them from gardens, streets and public spaces.

The atmosphere is both festive and communal. In Reykjavik, for example, you can see the entire skyline sparkle with bursts of colour. In smaller towns, fireworks often accompany bonfires, another cherished tradition that brings communities together.

Bonfires and Tradition

Bonfires, or brenna, are an essential part of Icelandic New Year celebrations. Traditionally, these fires were meant to symbolically burn away the old year’s misfortunes and welcome the new. Today, while the symbolism remains, they also provide warmth, light and a gathering point for neighbours. Many Icelanders enjoy roasting sausages or marshmallows on sticks over the flames, creating cosy, communal moments that contrast beautifully with the icy winter surroundings.

Family, Food and Warm Drinks

While fireworks and bonfires dominate the public side of the celebration, the private moments are just as important. Families often gather for a hearty meal, exchange stories and reflect on the past year. Traditional Icelandic treats, along with hot drinks like cocoa or mulled wine, help keep everyone warm in the chilly December air. Visitors are often invited to join in these intimate gatherings, offering a glimpse into the warmth and generosity that defines Icelandic culture.

New Year’s Day in Iceland

The celebrations don’t end when midnight passes. On New Year’s Day, Icelanders continue to enjoy time with family and friends, often exploring the stark winter landscape or relaxing in hot springs and geothermal pools. The contrast of icy surroundings with warm water makes for a uniquely Icelandic way to start the year.

Experiencing the Icelandic New Year as a Visitor

For travellers, celebrating New Year in Iceland offers experiences that go beyond the ordinary. You can watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky, sip rich hot chocolate by a glowing bonfire, or marvel at fireworks mirrored on icy fjords. Local New Years tours often combine these elements into unforgettable evenings, giving visitors both spectacle and comfort, adventure and warmth.

Make Your New Year Resolution Come True with Iceland Holidays

At Iceland Holidays, we make it simple to celebrate New Year in Iceland. We organise return flights, luxury hotel stays and curated New Year tours that combine the country’s most magical experiences. Imagine welcoming the New Year under the Northern Lights, sipping hot chocolate by a fire, and watching the sky explode with fireworks, all carefully arranged so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, our team ensures every detail is taken care of. From car hire to guided tours and accommodation, we help turn your dream of celebrating the New Year in Iceland into reality.