Events in Reykjavik

A typical Reykjavík event is popular and festive and there are holidays and midwinter programs for young and old to enjoy. Many ancient festivals date back to the Viking age and every year citizens and visitors revel in the New Year's Eve festival- probably one of the most well-known events in the city.

Daytime and evening events showcase local and international music and winter festivals are very popular in the city. There are sports, arts and folk festivals throughout the year culminating in the annual Christmas festival.

Numerous midwinter festivals celebrate the city's snow-covered landscape and well-loved winter sport pastimes.

Thorrablot (January)

Thorrablot is held every midwinter and is one of Iceland’s oldest festivals. Dating back to the Viking era, the feast begins with special foods being prepared and eaten at home and continues with family and friends visiting restaurants to sample traditional smoked or pickled fish and meat dishes.

These are prepared according to ancient practices the year before, in much the same way as the Vikings. Modern foods are not eaten at this time and traditional sagas are enacted, poems read and games, dancing and music are played into the night. The robust Reykjavík schnapps is always a part of Thorrablot festivities!

New Year's Festival (January)

Parties, celebrations and meals with friends are common in the city in the weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve. As the capital city and jewel of Iceland, Reykjavík is the centre of festivities and locals and visitors attend Mass at Reykjavík Cathedral or listen to it on the radio.

The main meal on New Year's Eve is usually a dinner when neighborhoods gather around a lavish bonfire complete with music and dancing. In the city, bars, pubs, and clubs welcome revelers until the early hours, where people sing songs about elves and other mysterious folk that are believed to visit the city.

Independence Day (June)

In Reykjavík, this is known as "National Day" and is held on June 17th. It is one of the region's most important holidays and celebrates the country’s emergence as an independent republic in 1944. In many ways, the day also commemorates the end of ties with Denmark.

The day's festivities include parties and entertainers, flags, firework displays, dance, traditional music displays in the streets, bars and restaurants until dawn. Brass bands lead the parades and riders on Icelandic horses walk through the city streets. The day is also the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of the 19th century independence campaign.

Seafarers Day (June)

Held every year in June, the Sjómannadagur Festival takes place in the capital city and adjacent towns, and celebrates the lives of Icelandic sailors and fishermen. Ancient ships line the Old Harbour for the whole weekend and local fishermen take part in rowing, swimming, fishing and strongman events.

There are plenty of sideshows, music and fun things to do for the whole family. The order of the day is freshly prepared seafood and young and old gather to eat, drink and enjoy time together. Held on the first Sunday in June every year the festival also promotes puffin and whale watching.

Cultural Festival (August)

The Cultural Festival and Reykjavík Marathon take place each year in August and are probably the city's most applauded events. Both events are very well attended and more than 100,000 people visit the city to explore art exhibitions, dance shows, impressive fireworks, markets and concerts.

The midnight sun is celebrated and people flock to the pubs, bars, and restaurants, which stay open all night. Marathon runners can opt for a full or half marathon or shorter races. Held every year since 1984 the marathon runners make the most of the festival highlights once the race is over and this is a celebratory time in the city.

Christmas in Reykjavík (December)

In Iceland, Christmas festivities start on December 12th and citizens are in a party-going mood. There is dancing, beer gardens, music events, feasting on pickled and roasted meats and fish, and homes are decorated in beautiful, festive colours. Carol singers are out in the streets and there are beautifully lit Christmas trees in homes, shops and in the squares.

According to a centuries old local tradition, the wearing of a piece of new clothing at Christmas will protect you from being eaten by the Christmas Cat! In Iceland children leave their shoes on the windowsill and by morning they are filled with a variety of presents and sweets.

With festivals available all year round, Reykjavík is always a great holiday destination. At BudgetAir, we'll search hundreds of flights and hotel deals to make sure you get our best offer, whenever you decide to go.