The fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve in Iceland have to be seen to be believed. On this evening, the ban on fireworks is lifted and citizens use the opportunity to the fullest, lighting up the night sky with a massive, brilliant show of blazing colors as far as the eye can see.
On a guided tour, you’ll learn about Icelandic elf folklore related to the magic of the holiday. Enjoy a hosted gala evening of music, entertainment and a buffet extravaganza, followed by a trip downtown to experience the amazing fireworks spectacle and join the festive celebrations.
Highlights of New Year’s Celebration in Reykjavik
Highlights: Reykjavik Hallgrimskirkja Perlan
On your own, transfer to Reykjavik. Airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to help you arrange shared or private transfers. The day is free for you to explore. Enjoy a stroll down main streets Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, check out the downtown harbour village, or visit one of the many geothermal swimming pools in the area.
Overnight in Reykjavik
Highlights: Reykjavik
Breakfast at your hotel. Explore Reykjavik with a local guide and learn about special traditions and Icelandic folklore related to the magical New Year’s Eve in Iceland.
The first stop is to purchase fireworks, which are sold through the Icelandic Rescue Teams. Each year on December 31st, Icelanders light up over 600 tons of fireworks — that’s nearly 5 lbs (2 kg) per inhabitant!
Next, take part in an Icelandic tradition and visit the Old Reykjavik Cemetery. Hear about this tradition’s origins with the mysterious tale of the graveyard caretaker– and why the dead rise from their graves on New Year’s Eve.
Then it’s off to Hafnarfjordur, “The Town in the Lava” famous for its elf population. Visit an elf stone, but keep in mind that the mystical “hidden people” roam freely on New Year’s Eve!
The excursion ends in a beautiful clearing where your group will light a small bonfire, enjoy a toast to life and love and say farewell to the passing year in traditional Icelandic fashion!
(Note: Tour is conducted in English)
In the evening, delight in a New Year’s Eve dinner artistically prepared and made from fresh local ingredients straight from Icelandic farmers and greenhouses and the neighboring ocean. Indulge yourself in various artisanal starters, hearty entrées and endless tasty desserts.
Fireworks are lit all night long, reaching a high point at midnight, when the sky lights up for a few minutes as fire trucks and docked ships ring their bells and blow their horns to welcome the New Year.
After midnight, the nightclubs and pubs are open for business and the downtown area becomes a veritable catwalk of Icelanders outfitted in their finest holiday glitz, with dancing and celebrations going well into the morning. The biggest party night in a city renowned for its nightlife, the New Year’s Eve celebration in Reykjavik is the stuff of legends.
Dress code: Formal wear.
Dress code: Formal wear.
Dress code: Formal wear or smart casual.
Dress code: Formal wear or smart casual.
Highlights: Reykjavik
Today we suggest a tour to visit some of Iceland’s natural highlights, such as the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa or the Geysir hot spring area. We offer a variety of interesting daytours all days, check our selection and book ahead.
Optional: Festive 4 course dinner at VOX Restaurant.
The gourmet chefs at VOX Restaurant bring you a taste of nature this evening, like all year round, with inventive, contemporary cuisine, based on fresh local and Nordic ingredients.
Dinner service between 18:00 and 22:00. Last seating at 20:00.
Dress code: Formal wear and casual smart.
