When each Yule Lad arrives
| Arrival | Yule Lad | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 12 December | Stekkjastaur | Sheep-Cote Clod |
| 13 December | Giljagaur | Gully Gawk |
| 14 December | Stufur | Stubby |
| 15 December | Thvorusleikir | Spoon-Licker |
| 16 December | Pottaskefill | Pot-Scraper |
| 17 December | Askasleikir | Bowl-Licker |
| 18 December | Hurdaskellir | Door-Slammer |
| 19 December | Skyrgamur | Skyr-Gobbler |
| 20 December | Bjugnakraekir | Sausage-Swiper |
| 21 December | Gluggagaegir | Window-Peeper |
| 22 December | Gattathefur | Doorway-Sniffer |
| 23 December | Ketkrokur | Meat-Hook |
| 24 December | Kertasnikir | Candle-Beggar |
They leave in the same order from 25 December, the first on Christmas Day and the last on 6 January.
The traditions
- Shoes in the window: children leave a shoe on the windowsill from 11 to 24 December; a well-behaved child finds a small treat in the morning.
- Grýla: the lads' mother, a fearsome troll who is said to eat naughty children.
- The Yule Cat: a large cat with glowing eyes that roams the mountains on Christmas night and targets people who did not get new clothes for Christmas.
- Christmas Eve: the main celebration is on the evening of 24 December, around 18:00.
- Jólabókaflóð: the "Christmas book flood", with books as the traditional gift.
Seeing it as a visitor
- Where: shop windows and the festive centre of Reykjavik; see the Reykjavik Christmas market.
- Which dates: the second half of December is when the lads are in town, but the days around 24-25 December are quiet, as many places close.
- Plan the rest: Iceland in December and Christmas in Iceland cover opening hours, daylight and weather.
- Where to stay: book early; see where to stay in Reykjavik.
FAQ
When do the Yule Lads arrive? The first arrives on 12 December and the last on 24 December.
When do they leave? From 25 December to 6 January, in the same order.
Are the Yule Lads real? They are folklore, but the shoes in the window are a real tradition for Icelandic children.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 13 November 2026.
