What New Year’s Eve in Iceland Is Like

New Year’s Eve (Gamlárskvöld) is one of the biggest holidays in Iceland. It’s marked by bonfires, family gatherings, and fireworks that continue well past midnight.

Most Icelanders begin with a family dinner around 6:00 or 7:00 pm. Then, head to a local bonfire around 8:00 pm to meet neighbors and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Afterward, they return home to watch Áramótaskaupið, the annual comedy show that reviews the year’s events. Once the show ends, everyone heads outside again for the midnight fireworks.

Unlike many countries with centralized displays, Iceland’s fireworks are launched by individuals from backyards, streets, and hilltops. This creates a spontaneous, immersive, and panoramic show that lights up Reykjavík and even the smallest towns across the countryside.

When and Where Fireworks Are Sold in Iceland

The sale of fireworks in Iceland is restricted. You can only buy them during a brief period each year, from 28 December to 6 January. They are often sold by ICE-SAR, Iceland’s search-and-rescue teams, and the proceeds help fund their essential year-round operations. So, when buying one, make sure it’s from them.

Pop-up stands appear across towns and cities, often in large parking lots or near supermarkets. Locals buy everything from small rockets to massive high-altitude shells, all approved for public use. People buy in bulk and set off their fireworks over several days.

Fireworks Visibility: How Weather and Darkness Affect It

December and early January in Iceland mean long nights, which make the firework displays even more dramatic. The deep winter darkness enhances visibility, but several environmental factors can change how clearly you see the fireworks.

Depending on weather conditions, the view can shift from crystal-clear to foggy within minutes:

• Cold, still air traps smoke, creating fog-like conditions that can reduce visibility to just a few meters.
• Windy weather clears smoke faster, offering better views but sometimes making it harder to stand outdoors.
• Snowfall reflects light and can brighten the night beautifully.

The weather can change quickly. So, it’s a good idea to check the forecast via vedur.is before choosing where to watch the fireworks.

Best Places to Watch New Year’s Fireworks in Iceland

Reykjavík offers open-air and elevated viewpoints for fireworks viewing, many of which are easily accessible by car. Popular spots include:

• Hallgrímskirkja Church – Perhaps the most popular spot during New Year’s Eve. Crowds gather around the church to watch fireworks erupt from every neighborhood at once.
• Öskjuhlíð Hill (Perlan) – One of the highest accessible points in the city. The forested hill and Perlan’s observation deck offer panoramic views, perfect for photographing the fireworks.
• Harpa Concert Hall Waterfront – Located by the old harbor. This spot offers reflections of the fireworks on the water and a front-row seat to displays across the bay.
• Sun Voyager Sculpture – A scenic seaside location with an unobstructed view toward Mt. Esja. It’s especially beautiful when fireworks light up both the sky and the coastline.
• Tjörnin Lake – A central Reykjavík landmark surrounded by charming old buildings. When the lake freezes, it becomes a stunning reflective surface that mirrors the fireworks in the sky.

Outside the capital, small towns create their own spectacular shows. Sometimes, even more impressive due to the clarity of rural skies and minimal light pollution. Visitors can also opt for a firework cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. This offers a unique vantage point as the entire city lights up around you.

How Iceland’s Firework Shows Work From New Year’s Eve to 6 January

The most intense celebrations take place from 11:30 pm to 12:30 am on New Year’s Eve. However, fireworks displays continue throughout the holiday period.

Key Dates:

• 28–30 December: Early fireworks begin as soon as the sale opens.
• 31 December: The main event, featuring constant fireworks from early evening until late at night.
• 1–6 January (Þrettándinn): Marks the end of the Icelandic Christmas season and includes bonfires, parades, and additional fireworks shows.

If you stay a few days after New Year’s Eve, you’ll still catch displays across Iceland well into January.

Driving in Iceland on New Year’s Eve: Key Safety Advice

Whether you’re returning from a gathering or exploring the city’s festivities, driving during Iceland's New Year’s Eve requires extra caution. Conditions can become challenging due to smoke, darkness, ice, and increased traffic.

Here are the key safety tips to keep in mind:

• Expect rapidly changing visibility: Firework smoke can drift across roads and create sudden low-visibility patches. Use low beams and fog lights if available, avoid high beams, and slow down as conditions can change within seconds.
• Watch for pedestrians: People walk between bonfires, parties, and viewpoints throughout the night, often wearing dark winter clothing. Smoke can make them harder to spot, so slow down in neighborhoods and gathering areas.
• Drive slowly on icy roads: Black ice is common due to freeze–thaw cycles. Even clear-looking roads can be slick. Accelerate and brake gently, increase following distance, and avoid sudden steering.
• Avoid distractions: Fireworks may explode close to the road or flash in your peripheral vision. Stay focused on the traffic and avoid watching displays while driving. Pull over safely if you want to enjoy the view.
• Don’t drive under the influence: Iceland enforces strict zero-tolerance drunk-driving laws, and police checkpoints are common during the holidays. If you plan to drink, hire a designated driver or stay put until the celebrations settle.
• Plan Your Timing: Traffic peaks around midnight as people move between gatherings. Avoid driving between 11:30 pm and 12:30 am, when congestion and visibility issues are at their worst.
• Be Smart About Parking: Viewpoints and downtown areas fill up quickly. Park farther away in well-lit spots and walk the final stretch. Make sure your car is fully off the road and visible to other drivers.

Note: Parking in Iceland is free on New Year’s Day and most public holidays. But this doesn’t apply on New Year’s Eve. So, standard parking rules and fees are still in effect earlier in the evening.

For more safety tips, check out our guide about winter driving in Iceland.

Why Renting a Car Helps During Iceland New Year Travel

Having your own car during Iceland’s New Year period gives you freedom to explore and attend events with ease. A MyCar rental vehicle allows you to:

• Visit ice caves, waterfalls, and Northern Lights viewpoints on day trips from Reykjavík, either before or after the celebrations.
• Drive to different neighborhoods or countryside locations to watch the fireworks without depending on public transportation.
• Stay mobile even when shops, restaurants, or bus services have limited hours or are only open during holiday hours.
• Reach remote areas where people gather for bonfires, concerts, or cultural events.

For safety and comfort, winter travelers should choose a MyCar 4x4 rental. Preferably with studded tires, especially when exploring outside Reykjavík.

Iceland New Year: Events, Traditions, and Gathering Places

New Year’s Eve in Iceland is a deeply social holiday. Communities across the country gather to enjoy bonfires, family dinners, national broadcasts, and, of course, the iconic midnight fireworks.

Bonfires (Brennur)

Community bonfires are one of Iceland’s most iconic New Year’s Eve traditions. Most bonfires start around 8:00–8:30 pm and burn down by 9:30–10:00 pm. Reykjavík hosts several bonfires, and there are nearly 100 across the country. One of the largest in the capital is at Ægisíða by the seaside.

Áramótaskaupið (Skaupið)

After the bonfires, most Icelanders head home to watch Áramótaskaupið, or “Skaupið,” a 50-minute satirical comedy show airing since 1966. It airs on the RÚV channel at 10:30 pm and features short sketches poking fun at the year’s events. Visitors can watch it live with English subtitles, making it easy to join the tradition before witnessing the midnight fireworks.

Family dinners and house parties

The evening begins with a family dinner around 6:00 or 7:00 pm. After the midnight fireworks, many Icelanders continue the night with house parties. It remains more popular than bars or clubs, even though nightlife stays open.

Fireworks at midnight

Fireworks peak between 11:30 pm and 12:30 am. Though they continue well into the night, as every neighborhood launches its own display. Popular viewing spots include Hallgrímskirkja, Öskjuhlíð Hill, and waterfront areas. But in reality, you can watch from almost anywhere, as many people set off fireworks right on their street.

6th of January (Þrettándinn)

Iceland’s Christmas season ends on 6 January, known as Þrettándinn, celebrated with smaller bonfires, folklore-themed parades, singing, and dancing. The night often features the last fireworks of the season, bringing the holiday period to a festive close.

Experience the Bright and Unforgettable Icelandic New Year

Iceland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are unlike anywhere else. It offers a mix of dazzling fireworks, deep winter darkness, community traditions, and memorable celebrations that stretch into early January. You can watch firework displays from a hilltop or take a firework cruise. Regardless of your choice, Iceland offers countless ways to welcome the new year in true Icelandic style.

With MyCar rental, you’ll have the freedom to reach the best viewpoints and attend local events at your own pace. This flexibility makes it easier to reach events and viewpoints throughout the holiday period.

FAQ: Iceland New Year, Fireworks, and Safe Travel Tips

How does Iceland celebrate its New Year?

Iceland celebrates New Year with family dinners, community bonfires, the comedy show Áramótaskaupið, and large fireworks displays at midnight.

Is Iceland good at New Year?

Yes! Iceland’s mix of bonfires, deep winter darkness, and panoramic fireworks makes it one of the world’s best New Year’s destinations.

How do you say “Happy New Year” in Iceland?

You say “Gleðilegt nýtt ár!” (pronounced GLEH-thi-lekt neeth ar) to greet someone a happy New Year in Iceland.

When do Icelanders set off fireworks?

Fireworks in Iceland begin as soon as sales open on 28 December and continue until 6 January. The biggest fireworks displays happen at midnight on 31 December (New Year’s Eve).

Is it safe to drive on New Year’s Eve in Iceland?

Yes, driving in Iceland on New Year’s Eve is safe as long as you use caution. Watch for ice, low visibility, pedestrians, and heavier traffic after midnight.

Do shops and restaurants stay open on New Year’s Eve?

Many shops and restaurants in Iceland close wholly or early on New Year’s Eve. But gas stations and some essential services remain open. Plan ahead if you're traveling.

What do they eat in Iceland for New Year’s?

Icelanders often eat pork roast (svínasteik) and smoked lamb (hangikjöt) on New Year’s Eve. Ptarmigan, salmon, glazed potatoes, and festive desserts are also commonly served.