New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest days of the year in Iceland as in many other countries. But Icelanders tend to go a bit overboard about it, apparent in the amount of fireworks sold every year and the amounts some people spend on that, while others see that as the equivalent of burning money. Combining excessive alcohol consumption with fireworks is usually not a good idea, as some people have found out the hard way through the years. Many pet owners are also against the fireworks craze as it scares the hell out of some animals. When weather conditions are still and frosty, the pollution cloud can cause breathing difficulties for people with sensitive lungs.
On the other hand, the main source of income for the ICE-SAR (Icelandic Association for Search, Rescue & Injury Prevention) is selling fireworks before new year’s eve and funding their work is of course an important cause. ICE-SAR is a non-profit, noncommercial, volunteer-based organization, specializing in search and rescue services on land and sea around the coastline of Iceland.
Below, we take a look at some highlights of the last day of the year in Iceland.
The New Year’s Eve Run (Gamlárshlaup ÍR)
ÍR’s New Year’s Eve Run (Gamlárshlaup ÍR) is held annually on 31 December by the local sports club ÍR. It is a combination of a competitive race, fun and family time for many people, where participants come together with different goals and backgrounds. The atmosphere is fairly relaxed and some people wear costumes. While some may be looking to improve on their time record on a fairly flat track, others may be aiming for an award for the best costume and the rest probably just to enjoy.
The race starts at 12:00 at Harpa Concert Hall and distances available are 10 K and a 3 K fun run. There is no time tracking in the fun run. First three in men’s and women’s categories get awards as well as first place in all age groups. Awards are also given for costumes in a few categories. Last but not least, there is a prize draw amongst all participants.
- See also: Running in Iceland: A Simple Guide
The New Year’s Comedy Show (Áramótaskaupið)
One of two TV events of the year that almost the entire nation watches, the other one is the Eurovision song contest in May. Families gather around the TV before the show starts at 22:30 with potato chips in bowls and something good to drink. The script is usually written by comedians or actors and in the first days of the new year, locals exchange their opinion on the comedy show. Was it better or worse than last year? What were the best acts and which actors stole the scene?
The program revolves around news events of the year and the public figures involved and has been available with English subtitles in recent years.
Áramótaskaup from 2023 is on YouTube:
Bonfires
Bonfires will take place in 10 locations in Reykjavík:
- Ægisíða – a small bonfire at 20:30
- Skerjafjörður (opposite Skildinganes 48-52) – a small bonfire at 21:00
- By Suðurhlíðar, below Fossvogur cemetery – a small bonfire at 20:30
- Laugardalur, below Laugarásvegur 18, a small bonfire at 20:30
- Geirsnef, a large bonfire at 20:30
- Stekkjarbakki, a small bonfire at 20:30
- By Rauðavatn, north of the lake – a small bonfire at 20:30
- Gufunes by Gufunesbær – a large bonfire at 20:30
- By Kléberg in Kjalarnes – a small bonfire at 20:30
- Úlfarsfell, above Lambhagavegur – a small bonfire at 20:30
There is also a bonfire in Mosfellsbær in the capital area outside Reykjavík at 16:30 to cater for families with children.
In North Iceland, there is a bonfire in Akureyri at 20:30 as well as an organised fireworks show at 21:00.
Opening Hours
We covered the opening hours for Christmas and New Year time earlier:
Fireworks and Parties
As mentioned above, fireworks are sold by ICE-SAR in 100 locations around the country. Locations and opening hours can be seen here.
There are at least two parties at bars downtown Reykjavík, at Utopia in Austurstræti and at Radar in Tryggvagata. The party at radar will have house and techno music, described as: “proper house and techno from the fruitful local scene as well as foreign artists, all together under the roof of Radar for this very special new year’s eve bash!”
Elves and hidden people
Folklore in Iceland is associated with the beginning of a new year. According to tales, this is the night that the elves and hidden people move to a new house, cows speak, and seals leave their skin and walk on land as men. While few people have a strong belief in stories of elves and trolls anymore, some people still make sure to leave at least one light on for the whole night, for the hidden people.
- See also: What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
Tours & Activities
There are some alternatives to staying in the city to experience the fireworks display, keeping a safe distance at sea and seeing the colors light up the night sky from a different angle. There are a few options by boat available that you can see below. You can also join a bonfire tour to see how the locals celebrate, unite and enjoy New Years Eve from 20:00 to 22:30.
