Who are Iceland's 13 Yule Lads?

The 13 Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) are mischievous trolls who each visit children on the 13 nights before Christmas, leaving gifts in shoes placed on windowsills. Each has a distinct personality and name reflecting their antics: Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod), Giljagaur (Gully Gawk), Stúfur (Stubby), Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker), Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper), Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker), Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer), Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler), Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper), Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper), Gáttaþefur (Doorway-Sniffer), Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook), and Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer).

Þorrablót is a mid-winter festival celebrated in January/February featuring traditional Icelandic foods like hákarl (fermented shark), svið (singed sheep heads), hrútspungar (rams' testicles), and hangikjöt (smoked lamb). It's a celebration of Iceland's culinary heritage and ability to survive harsh winters.

How does Iceland celebrate Independence Day?

June 17 marks Iceland's Independence Day, celebrating the founding of the Republic in 1944. Celebrations include parades, street performances, live music, and gatherings across the country. The date honors Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of the independence movement, who was born on that date.

What is Bolludagur (Bun Day)?

Bolludagur falls on the Monday before Shrove Tuesday. Icelanders eat cream-filled pastry buns (bollur) and children playfully spank adults with decorated wands to earn more buns. Bakeries across the country sell enormous quantities of these treats.

Do businesses close on Icelandic holidays?

Most businesses, banks, and government offices close on major public holidays. Tourist-oriented services like hotels, restaurants, and tour operators generally remain open. During Verslunarmannahelgi (Commerce Day weekend in August), many Icelanders head to countryside festivals, and some city businesses may close.

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.

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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.