New Year’s Eve in Iceland is nothing short of spectacular!
The festive season kicks off with Christmas traditions like The Yule Lads of Iceland & Grýla, bustling markets, and hearty feasts.
And just when you think it can’t get any more magical, the celebrations continue with even more excitement for New Year’s Eve.
So, if you’re heading to Reykjavík for the big night, prepare for the biggest party of the year!
I’m talking about bonfires that light up the night, feasts that could rival any holiday spread, and Iceland fireworks displays that are so grand they’ll leave you speechless.
One thing’s for sure, it’s bound to be an unforgettable night!
Ready to dive into the festivities?
Here’s what you can expect on December 31st in Reykjavík as you prepare to ring in the new year.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- What to Expect on New Year’s Eve in Reykjavík
- New Year’s in Reykjavík
- Pro Tips for the Best New Year’s Eve in Iceland
What to Expect on New Year’s Eve in Reykjavík
Reykjavík is such a festive place to be for the holidays, so if you are headed this way then you’re in for a treat!
Did you know that Reykjavík is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve? And for good reason.
I have to say, New Year’s Eve in Iceland is probably the most structured day of the year for locals. There’s a clear schedule, with everyone doing specific things at set times.
If you’ve arrived early, be sure to soak in the holiday spirit and make the most of the Christmas traditions. (Find out more in this post.)
➡️ READ: Christmas in Iceland: Your Go-To Guide to Planning the Perfect Trip
Remember that this is a popular time of year to be in Iceland, especially Reykjavík, so I would book accommodation well in advance.
My favorite booking site, hands down is Booking.com.
They have a wide selection of accommodation options that are sure to suit you, and many places offer free cancellation up to a certain date. So, you can book now and cancel later if your plans change.
Now, let’s find out more about the New Year’s Eve events in Reykjavík.👇
New Year’s Eve Dinner in Reykjavík
* Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
New Year’s Eve in Iceland traditionally starts at home. Families get together and enjoy a huge feast with delicious food.
I know a lot of Americans are used to going out for dinner on this night, and you may want to do the same.
Since NYE in Iceland is more of a family holiday, restaurants and bars used to be closed.
However, with the tourism boom, more places are now staying open.
Pro Tip: Reykjavík restaurants on New Year’s Eve tend to fill up fast so plan ahead and make a reservation as soon as possible!
Perlan is a popular landmark and museum in the capital with an observation deck that hosts an annual Perlan New Year’s Eve gala dinner. You can indulge in a six-course meal and later enjoy spectacular views of the city for the fireworks.
Want to check which restaurants have availability on NYE? You can check out dinout.is!
If you’re looking to indulge in festive flavors over the holidays and aren’t sure where to begin, taking a tour is a great option.
Visit markets and eateries to experience authentic Icelandic flavors like smoked lamb and laufabrauð.
Available throughout the Christmas season, this tour is a great alternative for a New Year’s Eve dinner in Reykjavík.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Private Reykjavík Christmas Food Tour
New Year’s Eve Bonfires
* Time: 8:30 – 10:30 PM
After dinner, it’s time for everyone to bundle up and head outside for the bonfires!
This is one of Iceland’s long-standing traditions, where people gather together to celebrate the end of the year.
It’s said that these bonfires burn away the old year to make room for the new.
And you guys, there are bonfires, and there are ‘New Year’s Eve in Iceland’ bonfires!
The latter are huge, with lots of people gathered around, singing, dancing, drinking hot cocoa, and maybe even watching a mini Iceland fireworks show. How fun is that, right?!
Everyone is welcome to join – no invitation needed. Just walk up, join the crowd, and make new friends with the locals!
These are a few popular spots where you can join in on all the bonfire festivities:
- Skildinganes: This bonfire is usually lit around 9:00 PM.
- Ægisíða: A beautiful seaside street in the capital. Ægisíða is a popular place for locals to ride their bikes, run and, of course, attend a bonfire on New Year’s Eve in Iceland!
- Úlfarsfell: You can attend a bonfire at this mountain near Reykjavík, located south of Mosfellsbær. You’ll also enjoy a wonderful view of the capital.
- Geirsnef: There is usually a large bonfire here that gets lit at around 8:30 PM.
Check out the map below for more locations around the city. The bonfires usually run from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM but I’ve included start times for each location on the map, just in case.👇
While you’re gearing up to enjoy these wonderful bonfire celebrations, remember that this time of year is the coldest in Iceland. So, knowing what to pack is SUPER important!
I’ve put together an Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide just for you!
It’s packed with the best tips on layering your clothes, packing lists, weather guides, and must-bring items to make sure you stay warm and cozy, even when you’re outside enjoying the bonfires and fireworks.
Download the FREE Iceland Packing Guide here.👇
Now, here’s a heads-up: parking near these bonfires can get a little crazy.
You might have to park further away and walk, so plan to arrive a little early.
And one very important thing to mention – there’s a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving in Iceland. So, if you plan on having a drink, either wait until after the bonfire or make sure you can walk to one nearby.
If you prefer a guided experience, you can always take a tour like this one.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Bonfire Tour
Television Hour
* Time: 10:30 – 11:30 PM
The next order of business is the annual comedy show called Áramótaskaupið (Aramotaskaup)
that starts at 10:30 PM.
You’ll notice that ALL the Icelanders will suddenly leave the bonfires and head home to catch this show. It’s a huge tradition, and everyone looks forward to it each year!
This is an hour-long television show where comedians make fun of the year’s events in politics, pop culture, news, etc. Think of it as a big SNL-style sketch!
It’s a big part of the night, so all the Icelanders will be in their homes, in front of their televisions on December 31st watching the Comedy Hour.
Fireworks
Iceland Fireworks Display in Reykjavík
Time: 8:00 -10:30 PM and 11:30 PM – whenever the fireworks run out!
Now, let’s get to the good stuff!
Reykjavík is in the top 10 places in the world to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks. So, if you’re celebrating in the capital, get ready for an absolute treat.
Reykjavík goes absolutely wild on New Year’s Eve!
With fireworks lighting up the sky from every corner of the city, it’s an unforgettable sight.
What makes it even more unique? There’s no official city-hosted show—locals buy and set off their own fireworks. Thanks to Iceland’s relaxed regulations, it’s a DIY extravaganza!
And here’s the crazy part: many Icelanders, especially those over the age of 16, are known to spend a significant chunk of their December salaries on fireworks. Even tourists can join in on the fun. The volunteer Search and Rescue teams handle all fireworks sales, and it’s their biggest fundraiser of the year.
You can buy fireworks from small trucks or pop-up shops all around the city. So, if you want to be part of the action, don’t hesitate to grab some yourself! For more information, check out flugeldar.is (the website opens closer to New Year’s Eve).
It’s total madness out there! So, a little word of caution: be careful if you’re wandering the streets.
Here’s a little taste of what you can expect!👇
The fireworks just keep going – there’s no official end time. As long as people have fireworks, the show goes on, sometimes for hours.
So, get excited for what might be the biggest fireworks display you’ll ever see!
Here are a few more places where you can get great views of Iceland’s fireworks in Reykjavík:
- Ægissíða Beach: This beach is a popular option for bonfires and some locals like to shoot fireworks here too.
- Breiðholt Hill: In the southeastern district of Reykjavík, is another popular spot to see fireworks.
- Gamla Bíó: There is a rooftop bar in this building with great views of the city!
- Tjörnin: You can find this beautiful pond in downtown Reykjavík, it’s close to the cultural sites of the city and another favorite place to watch the fireworks.
If you’re looking for something really unique, you can also experience it out at sea, if you take a tour like this one.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Reykjavík New Year’s Eve Celebration at Sea
Check out this map of the best spots to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks around Reykjavík.👇
New Year’s Eve Party in Reykjavík
* Time: From 12:00 AM
If you’re after the ultimate New Year’s party, Reykjavík is where you want to be!
Slip on your party shoes, because after midnight, it’s time to head downtown and keep the celebrations going.
Reykjavík’s nightlife is legendary, and New Year’s Eve in Iceland is no exception – some bars will stay open until 5 AM.
Plus, with the sun not rising until 10 or 11 AM the next day, you’ll have plenty of darkness to rest up and recover!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Want to head to a cool rooftop party with epic views of the fireworks, live music, and local hosts? Check out this rooftop NYE party by Wake Up Reykjavík!
New Year’s in Reykjavík
If you’re out and about on New Year’s Day, well done – you’ve survived the festivities! 😊
It’s time to get a little breakfast and carpe the most of this four-hour diem!
For those of you who are super adventurous, and want in on another tradition, then join the locals for an Iceland Polar Plunge!
This event takes place at Nauthólsvík geothermal beach where Icelanders jump into the Atlantic Ocean!
But don’t worry, afterward, there is a warm geothermal pool to soak in. Sounds lovely, right?! Entrance is 600 ISK or ~$5 USD.
For the less adventurous, perhaps my list of free things to do in Reykjavík will interest you more?👇
If you’re visiting Iceland during the festive season, you’ll probably spend a lot of time in Reykjavík.
To help you navigate the city, I’ve put together a 👉 Reykjavík Map featuring over 200 pinned locations—from restaurants and grocery stores to natural attractions and hidden gems that most tourists don’t even know about!
Whether you’re exploring solo or with the whole family, this map is the perfect tool to help you make the most of your trip.
Pro Tips for the Best New Year’s Eve in Iceland
Here’s a quick rundown of what to remember for the best possible experience on New Year’s Eve in Iceland:
- If you plan on eating out at a restaurant, make sure you book your spot early. As in, right now!
- Arrive a little earlier at the bonfires to find a good parking spot.
- Remember: NEVER drink and drive! Plan how you’ll get around ahead of time. Whether you’re walking or booking a taxi, just make sure you’ve got it sorted so you can enjoy the night safely.
- There aren’t regulations around launching fireworks, so be careful when walking through the streets of Reykjavík.
That’s your itinerary for December 31, New Year’s Eve in Iceland, Reykjavík. The air is filled with magic, and no matter where you go, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time!
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Reykjavík is an incredible place to be on New Year’s Eve.
After you’ve enjoyed the bonfires, counted down, hugged your loved ones, and cheered ‘Skál!’ – it’s time to celebrate the New Year with friends and fireworks, all under the glow of the Northern Lights!
Happy Planning,
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