New year’s eve in Iceland is when the locals go crazy and blow up millions of dollars worth of fireworks. It is legal to buy and blow up as much fireworks as one wants and Icelanders definitely do take advantage of that.
You will start hearing and seeing some fireworks the week before, as some people like to start warming up.
It is a night when families and friends come together and cook up a feast, eat and drink, many go to bonfires which are held in every town and then at 10:30 pm everyone (I mean everyone! The streets are completely empty) watch the TV show Áramótaskaupið. Áramótaskaupið or New Year’s comedy is a show where real events from the passing year are made fun. If you do not watch the Aramotaskaup you will not be able to participate in any discussion when returning back to work in the new year since it is all everyone will be talking about. At least for the first few hours..
When the clock strikes midnight at New Year’s Eve the sky literally lights up in all the rainbows colors as the Icelanders go mental blowing up Fireworks.
It´s a beautiful sight that we definitely recommend experiencing. After blowing up and watching the fireworks Icelanders like to continue the party that will in many cases last all night.
If you would like to spend New Year’s eve in Iceland there are plenty of hotels and restaurants open. But be sure to plan ahead because hotels fill up quickly.