Iceland Public Holidays and Celebrations

Unique celebrations rooted in Viking traditions, seasonal rhythms, and a deep connection to Iceland's harsh yet beautiful environment.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Topic
Holidays & Celebrations
From cream puff day to 13 mischievous Yule Lads.
Icelandic holidays reflect the nation's Viking heritage, seasonal extremes, and playful spirit. The year begins with Þorrablót, a mid-winter feast featuring adventurous traditional foods like fermented shark and smoked lamb. Bolludagur (cream puff day) and Sprengidagur (Shrove Tuesday) follow with indulgent treats. Sjómannadagur (Seamen's Day) in June honors Iceland's maritime heritage. Independence Day on June 17 is the biggest national celebration. Jónsmessa marks midsummer, and Verslunarmannahelgi (Commerce Day weekend) in August sees the entire nation heading to outdoor festivals. Christmas brings the beloved 13 Yule Lads, each arriving on successive nights to fill children's shoes with gifts — or rotting potatoes for naughty ones.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01

Holiday dates may vary slightly year to year, especially those tied to the lunar calendar or moveable feasts. Check current year dates before planning.

Most unique
13 Yule Lads

Mischievous trolls who visit one per night for 13 nights before Christmas.

National day
June 17

Independence Day with parades, music, and celebrations nationwide.

Biggest weekend
Verslunarmannahelgi

Commerce Day weekend in August — outdoor festivals across the country.

Key Holidays Throughout the Year

  • New Year's Day (Jan 1) — Huge fireworks and bonfires across Iceland. Reykjavík has one of the world's most spectacular displays, with fireworks sold to fund the search-and-rescue teams (ICE-SAR)
  • Þorrablót (late Jan–early Feb) — Mid-winter feast named after the Old Norse month Þorri. Traditional foods: hákarl (fermented shark), svið (singed sheep heads), slátur (blood pudding), and brennivín ('Black Death' schnapps)
  • Bolludagur (Mon before Shrove Tue) — Children spank parents with decorated wands to earn cream-filled bollur. Bakeries sell up to 1 million buns nationwide
  • Sprengidagur (Shrove Tuesday) — 'Bursting Day': eat salted meat and peas until you burst. Schools serve traditional meals
  • First Day of Summer (3rd Thu of Apr) — An ancient holiday marking the start of the 'summer half' of the Old Norse calendar. Parades and flag displays. Not actually warm yet
  • Sjómannadagur (1st Sun of June) — Seamen's Day honors Iceland's fishing heritage. Harbour festivals, rowing races, sea-rescue demonstrations
  • Independence Day (Jun 17) — Celebrates the 1944 Republic. Named for Jón Sigurðsson (b. 1811). Parades, street performers, and the president's address at Austurvöllur square in Reykjavík
  • Jónsmessa (Jun 24) — Midsummer Eve. Folklore says cows gain speech, seals shed skin, and elves come out. Bonfires and gatherings
  • Verslunarmannahelgi (1st weekend of Aug) — Commerce Day long weekend. Þjóðhátíð festival in Vestmannaeyjar draws 10,000+ people. Camping, bonfires, and music
  • Christmas Eve (Dec 24) — The main celebration. Gift exchange at 18:00 after the church bells ring. 13 Yule Lads arrive one per night from Dec 12–24 and leave one per night Dec 25–Jan 6
  • Þrettándinn (Jan 6) — Thirteenth Night / Epiphany. Last Yule Lad departs. Bonfires and fireworks close the Christmas season

The 13 Yule Lads

  • Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod) — harasses sheep
  • Giljagaur (Gully Gawk) — steals milk
  • Stúfur (Stubby) — steals pans to eat crusts
  • Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker) — licks wooden spoons
  • Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper) — scrapes leftovers from pots
  • Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker) — steals bowls from under beds
  • Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer) — slams doors at night
  • Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler) — eats all the skyr
  • Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper) — steals smoked sausages
  • Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper) — peeps through windows
  • Gáttaþefur (Doorway-Sniffer) — sniffs out laufabrauð
  • Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook) — hooks meat with a long pole
  • Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer) — steals candles

Planning help

Iceland Holidays FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.