Public holiday in Iceland
New Year's Day in Iceland
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
New Year's Day is a nationwide public holiday in Iceland on 1 January. It marks the start of the calendar year and follows the late-night celebrations of New Year's Eve.
About New Year's Day in Iceland
In Iceland, New Year's Day is observed across the country and is part of the year-end holiday period that begins the previous evening. It is mainly a day for recovery and quiet time after New Year's Eve, with public life typically easing into the new year rather than returning immediately to normal pace.
Traditions
A common Icelandic custom around New Year's is to watch or listen to the Áramótaskaupið, a year-in-review comedy program broadcast on New Year's Eve. The next day is generally kept low-key, with family time, rest and informal visits more common than organized public festivities.
How New Year's Day is celebrated in Iceland
On 1 January, many people keep a quiet schedule after the previous night's celebrations. The day is often used for sleeping late, visiting close family or simply staying at home, and the public mood is generally calmer than on New Year's Eve.
Interesting facts
Icelandic New Year celebrations are also known for large numbers of fireworks, most of them set off by private households rather than by a central public display. In Reykjavík and other towns, the night before New Year's Day is typically the main fireworks moment rather than the holiday itself.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 Jan 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.