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Christmas in Iceland: Traditions, Food & Customs

Iceland's Christmas is steeped in Norse mythology and features one of the world's most unique gift-giving traditions: the 13 Yule Lads. These mischievous troll-like figures each visit on successive nights before Christmas, leaving gifts in shoes for good children and rotten potatoes for naughty ones.

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Greeting
"Gleðileg Jól"
Dates
December 12-January 6
Gift-Giver
13 Yule Lads
Continent
Europe

Christmas Traditions in Iceland

The 13 Yule Lads

Starting December 12, one Yule Lad arrives each night until Christmas. Children leave shoes on the windowsill and find small gifts or rotten potatoes. Each Lad has a distinct personality like Spoon-Licker, Door-Slammer, and Sausage-Swiper.

Jólabókaflóð (Christmas Book Flood)

Icelanders exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading — a tradition born from WWII-era restrictions on imports except paper. Iceland publishes more books per capita than any country.

The Christmas Cat (Jólakötturinn)

A fearsome giant cat that is said to eat anyone who doesn't receive new clothes for Christmas — a motivation for finishing autumn knitting before the holidays.

Traditional Christmas Food in Iceland

Hangikjöt

Smoked lamb hung over birch wood — the traditional Icelandic Christmas meat served both hot and cold throughout the holiday season.

Laufabrauð (Leaf Bread)

Thin, intricately decorated fried flatbread made by families in the weeks before Christmas. The delicate patterns are a point of pride.

Rjúpan (Ptarmigan)

Roasted ptarmigan (a type of game bird) was traditionally the main Christmas dinner, though smoked lamb is now more common.

Unique Christmas Customs

  • 13 Yule Lads visiting one per night for 13 nights before Christmas
  • Jólabókaflóð — exchanging books on Christmas Eve and reading all night
  • The Christmas Cat that threatens anyone without new clothes
  • Placing shoes on the windowsill for the Yule Lads to fill

Who Brings Gifts in Iceland?

In Iceland, gifts are traditionally brought by 13 Yule Lads (Jólasveinar). This unique tradition reflects centuries of cultural and religious heritage.

Planning a Christmas trip?

Market dates, opening hours and what to book early — one email a week through the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Christmas celebrated in Iceland?
Iceland's Christmas is steeped in Norse mythology and features one of the world's most unique gift-giving traditions: the 13 Yule Lads. These mischievous troll-like figures each visit on successive nights before Christmas, leaving gifts in shoes for good children and rotten potatoes for naughty ones.
What is the Santa Claus equivalent in Iceland?
In Iceland, the gift-giver is 13 Yule Lads (Jólasveinar). This tradition reflects the unique cultural heritage and folklore of the country.
What do people eat for Christmas in Iceland?
Traditional Christmas foods in Iceland include Hangikjöt, Laufabrauð (Leaf Bread), Rjúpan (Ptarmigan). Each dish carries cultural significance and has been part of the holiday celebration for generations.
How do you say "Merry Christmas" in Iceland?
In Iceland, "Merry Christmas" is said as "Gleðileg Jól." This greeting is commonly used throughout the holiday season.

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