New Year’s Eve in the capital area is an extraordinary experience, especially given the fact that there are no official fireworks displays in the city. This legendary night is very much created by the people of Reykjavik who collectively do an amazing job.

Traditionally Icelanders start the evening with a festive family dinner, followed by a trip to a local bonfire (brenna) where they meet up and celebrate with neighbours. From around 22:30 to 23:35 the city streets go remarkably quiet as a whopping 90% of the nation gather around their TV sets to watch Áramótaskaup – or the annual New Year’s Eve Ridicule (a comedy show broadcast by the national television channel, sending-up the major news stories and events of the year).

At 23:30 a brilliant display of fireworks is unleashed by 200,000 people (approx. the population of Reykjavík). They can’t wait for midnight and start shooting ‘em up as soon as Áramótaskaup is finished! After midnight, the nightclubs and pubs remain open and the celebrations go on well into the morning.

Wishing you a happy New Year's Eve from all at Visit Reykjavík!