| Time or date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 31 December, noon | Grocery stores close |
| Evening | Families eat a festive dinner, then visit a neighbourhood bonfire (brenna) |
| 22:30 to 23:35 | Áramótaskaup, the satirical New Year show, on the national broadcaster; streets are very quiet |
| From about 23:30 | Residents begin the fireworks |
| Midnight | The peak of the fireworks; Visit Iceland suggests Hallgrímskirkja or The Pearl as viewpoints |
| After midnight | Nightclubs and pubs stay open; celebrations often last into the morning |
| 1 January | Grocery stores closed, back on the 2nd or 3rd |
How the night works
Visit Reykjavík describes the celebration as created by the people of Reykjavík rather than by the city. The pattern is a family dinner, a visit to a local bonfire to celebrate with neighbours, then the Skaupið, which Icelanders call the annual New Year's Eve ridicule. It satirises the year's news, airs from about 22:30 to 23:35, and the tourism office says roughly 90 percent of the nation watches it, which is why the streets are almost empty. When it ends, the fireworks start in earnest. Visit Iceland refers to the Reykjavík fireworks around midnight and recommends watching from Hallgrímskirkja church, Perlan or another hill in the capital area.
Where to watch
The hills give the widest view: Hallgrímskirkja stands in the city centre, and Perlan is on the Öskjuhlíð hill. Visit Reykjavík does not name official viewing sites, so choose a high point close to your hotel. If you want a quiet hour afterwards, the winter hours for Sky Lagoon are 10:00 to 21:00 until 30 April, so a soak is a daytime plan on 31 December; see Sky Lagoon.
Where to stay
Central Reykjavík is the practical choice: the city centre is about a 45-minute walk from end to end, nightclubs and pubs are open after midnight, and you can walk back. Compare the districts in where to stay in Reykjavik and check hotel availability for 30 December to 2 January in the Booking box. Restaurants may be closed or have limited hours on 31 December and on 1 and 2 January, which Visit Iceland tells visitors to plan for by booking ahead.
Daylight and the rest of the trip
In late December Reykjavík has about four hours of daylight, so a New Year trip works best as a city stay with one short day trip. The Golden Circle is the year-round option; see Golden Circle tours. For dark-sky viewing, read northern lights tours. The wider holiday calendar is in Iceland at Christmas and Iceland in December.
A short plan for 30 December to 2 January
On 30 December, buy what you need from a grocery store, because the shops close at noon on 31 December and stay closed on 1 January. On 31 December, keep the day for a museum or a walk, have an early dinner at a restaurant you booked, and decide where you will stand at 23:30. On 1 January the city is quiet and shops are closed, so a late breakfast and a walk work well. On 2 January the shops may be open again; Visit Iceland says they reopen on the 2nd or 3rd.
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting a city-run fireworks show: the tourism office says there is none.
- Going out during Skaupið: the streets are quiet from about 22:30.
- Forgetting food: grocery stores close at noon on 31 December and on 1 January.
- Leaving a restaurant booking to the last day.
FAQ
Are there fireworks in Reykjavik on New Year's Eve?
Yes, set off by residents from about 23:30, with no official display (Visit Reykjavík).
What is Skaupið?
A satirical comedy show on the national broadcaster, from about 22:30 to 23:35.
Are shops open on New Year's Day?
Grocery stores are closed on 1 January and reopen on the 2nd or 3rd.
Do bars stay open after midnight?
Nightclubs and pubs stay open and celebrations often continue into the morning.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
