Exploring Iceland for New Year’s

Note: This post has been updated on May 10, 2022.

The reason for my journey New Year’s journey to Iceland, was to experience the Nordic traditions that Icelanders follow each year.  It starts with a family meal, followed by a bonfire.  These are communal bonfires that the Icelandics use to "cleanse" themselves of the year they have had, often burning all that was bad for them, to make way for new beginnings.  They also sing traditional Nordic songs while they do it.  Then, it's back home to watch an annual TV program called, "Ridicule", where the actors make fun of all of the Icelandic happenings for that year.  At 11:30pm, the show ends and everyone goes outside to light aerial fireworks until a bit after midnight.  For the young people, this also marks the time to go out until 4am, since the bars are open that late.

The Northern Lights

Yes, you read that right.  On New Year’s Eve, I saw the Northern Lights while getting off the tour bus to head towards the bonfire.  While camera phones don't do well with dark lighting, I was able to snag a few pictures of the dancing green, blue, and purple streaks in the air. It was absolutely mesmerizing to see!  If you ever need a forecast of when they will appear, click here and bookmark it.  This will help you determine if you even need to book a tour to see them (or even can book one).

The Bonfire

This two-story bonfire was much-welcomed with how cold it was outside. A few hundred people gathered around the two-story flame to drink, sing songs, and cheers each other until 11:30pm.

Mini NYE Party Before the Fireworks

My second stop was to the Grayline bus terminal for an hour-long welcome party with donuts and coffee, including musical performances.  It was a much-needed place of warmth before proceeding onto my final destination -the fireworks!

The Fireworks

I was taken to the highest point in Reykjavik (by the water towers) in order to see how truly amazing the fireworks displays are.  In Iceland, it's the one night of the year that Icelanders can set off aerial fireworks, which they happily do for over an hour.

While it was 23 degrees outside (with a wind bringing it down to -3), you couldn't pull your eyes away from the displays that could be seen for miles.

Looking for a continuation of festivities?

While I had a ticket to a party at Loftid, I was so jetlagged I went to bed. If you choose to go, note that tickets to some places are not available until the week of NYE.  And, not every place will offer tickets to get you in the door faster.  My suggestion is to do your research and try to find something to have as an option. Otherwise, you're dressed up and waiting in line, in the freezing cold.