Jólaþorpið í Hafnarfirði (Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village) transforms the charming harbor town just outside Reykjavík into a cozy holiday wonderland each Advent season. The central square fills with wooden chalets offering Icelandic crafts, seasonal treats, and warming drinks, while twinkling lights and festive decorations set the scene. Families enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a lively ice rink, and visits from the mischievous Yule Lads, who bring Icelandic folklore to life. Blending small-town charm with authentic tradition, the Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village is one of Iceland’s most atmospheric holiday destinations.

Þorrablót (Midwinter Festival) is an ancient Icelandic celebration held during Þorri, the traditional midwinter month of the Old Norse calendar, typically spanning late January to mid-February. Rooted in Viking-age customs, the festival honors endurance through the darkest part of the year with feasts, music, and storytelling. Central to the celebration is a traditional meal known as Þorramatur, featuring classic Icelandic fare such as fermented shark, smoked lamb, and pickled ram’s testicles, shared in the spirit of humor and togetherness. Blending heritage, community, and a touch of Nordic toughness, Þorrablót remains a living link between Iceland’s modern life and its ancient past.

Vetrarhátíð í Reykjavík (Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival) is a dazzling celebration of light and winter held each February, marking the return of longer days after Iceland’s dark season. The city’s landmarks, museums, and public spaces are illuminated with artistic light installations, while open-air performances, cultural events, and special museum nights invite residents and visitors to explore Reykjavík by night. Highlights include swimming pool parties, projection art, and community gatherings that blend art, technology, and Nordic warmth. Joyful and atmospheric, the Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival beautifully captures Iceland’s talent for turning winter darkness into creativity and celebration.

List í ljósi (Art in the Light) is a mesmerizing winter art and light festival held each February in the fjordside town of Seyðisfjörður, Iceland. For two nights, the town transforms into a glowing outdoor gallery where artists present light installations, video projections, and interactive works that illuminate the snowy landscape and surrounding mountains. The event celebrates creativity, community, and the return of light after the long Arctic darkness, drawing visitors from across Iceland and beyond. Blending art, nature, and the region’s distinct sense of isolation and wonder, Art in the Light is one of Iceland’s most intimate and atmospheric cultural experiences.