Calendar Festivals and events There are festivals, carnivals and cultural events happening somewhere in Iceland almost every day of the year. Here’s a summary of a few of the more prominent and popular ones, as well as a couple that aren’t as widely known, but we think should be! We’ve also included some key cultural dates, such as those relating to Icelandic customs around Christmas time.
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When
What
Where
January 6
Þrettándinn, the Twelfth Night, when elves and trolls come out and everyone gathers around bonfires.
All around Iceland check local tourist information for bonfire locations
Late January to late February
Þorrablót is a traditional winter festival coinciding with the old Icelandic month of Þorri. It involves a lot of traditional Icelandic food, so don’t be surprised if restaurant menus during this time list dishes such as sour ram’s testicles (súrsaðir hrútspungar), singed sheep’s head (svið) or liver and suet pudding (lifrarpylsa).
All over Iceland In homes and some restaurants
MidFebruary
The Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival features northern lights tours, dances, winter sports exhibitions, and a Museum Night during which many museums staying open until late, and a free bus service to shuttle people from one museum to the next.
Reykjavík vetrarhatid.is
February/ March
The Food and Fun Festival attracts top chefs from around the country and around the world. A very good time to be eating out!
Reykjavík foodandfun.is
March
Reykjavík Folk Festival - Listen to folk musicians of all agest at a three-day feast of folk music. Festival is at the beginning of March
Reykjavík folkfestival.is
