How It Is Celebrated: Christmas In Iceland

Christmas is often known as ‘Jól’ (Yule) in Iceland. This comes from the ancient winter solstice celebrations, that were taken over by the early Christians. Jól also include the New Year celebrations.

Jóladagur – Christmas Day / Jól Day

Jóladagur is usually celebrated with the extended family. The main Jól meal is ‘Hangikjöt’, a leg of roast lamb. Sometimes ‘Rjúpa’ (Rock Ptarmigan a gamebird) is also eaten. Another Jól meal speciality is ‘Laufabrauð’ or leaf bread.

This is made of thin sheets of dough cut into delicate patterns and fried. Each family often has their own patterns for the Laufabrauð.

Annar Jóladagur – Boxing Day

This is another day for visiting friends and family and eating lots more! Public entertainment is considered inappropriate on Jól Eve and Jól Day, and it is on Boxing Day that dancing is again allowed in public!

Bonfires have been lit on Gamlárskvöld since the late 1700s. People also have big fireworks displays to bring in the New Year. This is called ‘sprengja út árið’ or ‘blowing out the year’.

Happy/Merry Christmas/Jól in Icelandic is ‘Gleðileg jól’.