Christmas, known as “Jól” in Icelandic, is a festive and cherished celebration in Iceland. The holiday season is marked by various traditions and customs that make it unique to the Icelandic culture. Here are some aspects of the Christmas celebration in Iceland:
Advent and Countdown:
The Christmas season in Iceland begins with Advent, which typically starts four Sundays before Christmas. During this time, Advent candles are lit, and many families have Advent calendars to count down the days until Christmas.
Yule Lads (Jólasveinar):
The Yule Lads are mischievous characters from Icelandic folklore who visit children on the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas. Each Yule Lad has its own distinct personality and antics, leaving small gifts or potatoes in children's shoes, depending on their behavior.
Christmas Markets:
Several Christmas markets pop up in towns and cities, offering handmade crafts, decorations, and traditional Icelandic treats. Reykjavik, the capital, usually has a festive Christmas market with a cheerful atmosphere.
Lighting of Advent Wreaths:
Many Icelandic households have an Advent wreath with four candles. One candle is lit on each Sunday leading up to Christmas, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Christmas Decorations:
Icelanders take great pride in decorating their homes for Christmas. Common decorations include lights, ornaments, and the iconic Christmas star, known as “Jólastjarna.”
Christmas Eve (Aðfangadagur):
Christmas Eve is the primary day of celebration in Iceland. Families come together for a festive dinner, which often includes a variety of traditional dishes. A popular Christmas Eve dish is “Hangikjöt,” smoked lamb.
Christmas Church Service:
Many Icelanders attend a Christmas church service on Christmas Eve, with the Lutheran Church playing a significant role in the festivities.
Opening Gifts:
In Iceland, it is common to exchange and open gifts on Christmas Eve. Families gather around the Christmas tree, which is usually decorated with lights and ornaments, and open their presents.
Christmas Day (Jóladagur):
Christmas Day is a quieter day for many Icelanders, spent with family and friends. Some may attend another church service or engage in outdoor activities if weather permits.
Traditional Foods:
Traditional Icelandic Christmas foods include smoked lamb, herring, pickled red cabbage, and a variety of sweet treats like “Laufabrauð” (leaf bread) and “Pepparkökur” (ginger cookies).
New Year's Eve (Gamlárskvöld):
While not strictly Christmas, New Year's Eve is also an important part of the holiday season. Many Icelanders celebrate with fireworks and bonfires, and it's a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one.
Christmas is celebrated with great pomp in Iceland, if you want to celebrate Christmas, then you must definitely see the package given below. Apart from this, if you want to go to Greenland. You can see both the packages given below:
Iceland Christmas Tour Package
The Christmas season in Iceland is a time for joy, family, and the celebration of traditions that have been passed down through generations.
