Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to another awesome Christmas it’s hard to believe it’s all over already. For many of us Christmas is a time of fun, warmth and special moments with family and friends. Homes and streets are adorned with Christmas lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. But as one holiday ends another begins here on our beautiful island – Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn). This is the perfect way to round off the holiday season, folklore, community and a dash of magic.
Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) is not just saying goodbye to Christmas, it’s a big deal in Icelandic culture and mythology. We say goodbye to the Yule Lads, our 13 Santas who have visited us each night leading up to Christmas. These naughty characters, along with their troll brothers and their scary parents Grýla and Leppalúði, come down from the mountains to join the locals for a night of revelry. The Northern Lights add an enchanting touch to the Icelandic festive season, with vibrant hues dancing across the sky.
The roots of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) are in Icelandic folklore where the ordinary and the magical are blurred and anything can happen. This is more than a holiday, it’s a celebration of our heritage where stories and legends come to life for young and old. As the Yule Lads head back to the mountains they do so with a big send off, torch lit processions, fireworks and parades with music and laughter.
For us islanders Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) is a time to get together with family and friends, to enjoy the last of the holiday fun. It’s a time when our little community comes together, bound by tradition and the making of new memories. As we walk through the snowy streets, lit by torches and fireworks we are reminded of the magic of this night and the old stories that still inspire us.
Whether you are an islander or a visitor Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) is an experience you will never forget. The atmosphere, the folklore and the community all add up to an event that will stay with you long after the last firework has gone. So let’s get into the traditions, stories and celebrations of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) and see what makes it the best night of the year.
In Iceland we have thirteen Santas, also known as the Yule Lads. These naughty but nice characters live in the mountains with their family. Thirteen days before Christmas they start visiting the town one by one. Each night they leave a small gift in the shoes that children put in their windows. This fun tradition helps to shorten the wait until Christmas. On the 6th of January the Santas leave town but they don’t go quietly. Let me tell you about this amazing evening that everyone, especially the kids, are looking forward to. For adults it’s a big show and a great time to spend with family and friends. Here’s a look into how we, my family, enjoy Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn), through our favourite photos.
The Yule Lads are a big part of Icelandic folklore. Each of the thirteen Santas has his own personality and name, often reflecting their naughtiness. For example there’s Spoon-Licker who steals wooden spoons to lick off the food and Door-Slammer who loves to slam doors at night. These characters have been a part of Icelandic Christmas for centuries and add to the magic of the holiday season. The anticipation of their nightly visits keeps the festive spirit alive and makes each day leading up to Christmas special for the kids.
In addition to the Yule Lads, Icelandic Christmas traditions also feature the Christmas Cat, a mythical creature believed to eat children who did not receive new clothes for Christmas. This legend adds a unique and historical significance to the folklore.
The Yule Lads departure on Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) marks the end of the Christmas season in Iceland. But their goodbye is not a sad one. It’s a big show and the holiday season ends on a high. Families and friends gather to see the Santas off and it’s a great time to spend with family and friends. This communal celebration strengthens the bonds within the community and creates memories that will last.
Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) is not just about the Yule Lads leaving but also about celebrating their time with us. The fun they bring during their thirteen day visit is tangible, kids put their shoes in the windows each night hoping for a small gift or treat. This anticipation builds up to magic and wonder that peaks on Twelfth Night. As the Yule Lads are leaving the community comes together in a big and heartfelt celebration, creating an atmosphere of joy, togetherness and happiness.
We start the evening with a nice dinner. Smoked lamb, or hangikjöt, is a traditional dish enjoyed during the festive season, often served with laufabrauð, white béchamel sauce, green peas, and red cabbage. Early in the evening we get the kids ready for the night ahead, dress them up warm. The smallest kids often wear Santa costumes as the Santas love to see them. Then we all walk together to where the Santas will come down from the mountain. It’s a beautiful sight to see them in a line as they light their torches. They wave to the crowd from the mountain side before they start their descent, while we enjoy a great firework display.
The preparations for Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) start weeks in advance. Parents make sure the kids have warm clothes, hats, gloves and boots to keep them warm. Special care is taken to make sure the little ones are comfy, as they will be outside for a few hours. The excitement is in the air as everyone is waiting for the Yule Lads and their entourage. Families gather early to get a good spot to watch the procession and it feels like a big community event.
As the Santas come down the mountain the atmosphere is charged with excitement. The torches they carry light up the night and it’s a magical sight for both kids and adults. Fireworks explode in the sky and it’s the start of the party. The Santas descent is a well rehearsed show, each step brings them closer to the waiting crowd. The Yule Lads in their bright costumes and twinkling eyes is a joy and wonder for everyone.
For us the highlight of the evening is when the Santas get to the town. The kids eyes light up with excitement and anticipation, they know they are about to see something magic. The Santas with their warm smiles and waving hands make each child feel special and loved. It’s a beautiful sight to see the kids faces light up as the Santas approach. This is a family tradition we look forward to every year and creates memories that will last forever.
The excitement grows as the Santas get closer. In Icelandic traditions, the Yule Lads are akin to Santa Claus, bringing gifts and mischief for 26 days before Christmas. Not only are the Santa Clauses coming down but also the big and scary trolls and Grýla and Leppalúði. According to the legend they eat naughty children so there’s a mix of curiosity, excitement and a bit of fear for the kids. But the Santas are always friendly. Then a wagon with the trolls, Grýla and Leppalúði appears and then the 13 Santas with their torches. Music starts and we join a big procession up the street.
The procession is the best part of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn). It’s a colourful, noisy and joyful event. Families line the streets and cheer and wave as the procession passes by. The Santas lead the way followed closely by the trolls and their scary parents. The contrast between the friendly Santas and the scary trolls makes it even more exciting for the kids. The music is lively and festive and we all join in the fun.
As the procession moves through the town it stops several times so the characters can interact with the crowd. The Santas hand out small gifts and treats to the kids and the trolls do some playfulness. This creates a connection between the characters and the audience and makes it feel more personal. The kids are especially happy to see their favorite Yule Lads up close and get a small gift from them. The procession continues and moves through the streets and spreads joy and fun everywhere.
The procession ends with a big finale at an old playing field. Here the Santas light a bonfire with their torches, symbolizing the warmth and light they bring during the dark winter. The bonfire is a gathering point for the community where everyone comes together to see the show and be with friends and family. The crackling fire and glowing embers is cozy and invites you to stay and party all night. It’s a perfect ending to a night of magic.
The procession continues and stops along the way to meet more trolls, some even bigger than the ones we’ve seen. The procession ends at an old playing field where the Santas light a bonfire with their torches. More naughty trolls run around the field some of them greet the locals and some playfully tease them.
Meeting the trolls is exciting and a bit scary for the kids. These characters from the folklore are brought to life with amazing costumes and performances. Some trolls wave to the kids and some play pranks on the crowd. This unpredictability adds to the fun of the evening.
The bonfire is a big part of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn). When the Santas light it with their torches it symbolizes the warmth and light the Yule Lads bring during the dark winter. The bonfire is a gathering point for the community where everyone comes together to see the show and be with friends and family. The crackling fire and glowing embers is cozy and invites you to stay and party all night.
As the night goes on the field becomes a playground of fantasy and fun. Kids run around playing and interacting with the characters. The Santa Clauses are always up for a good time and chat with the kids and take photos. This level of interaction makes it feel personal and special and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Seeing the kids faces light up with joy and wonder is proof of the magic of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn).
When most of the trolls are gathered the fairies arrive. This was my favorite part when I was a little girl. Seeing the fairies dance in their colorful shiny clothes was magical especially since I was always a bit scared of the trolls. The fairies were kind and gentle and added a touch of magic to the night.
An Icelandic horse resting beside enchanting turf buildings adds to the magical atmosphere, blending seamlessly with the folklore and natural beauty of the landscape.
The fairies arrival is pure magic. Dressed in vibrant shimmering costumes they dance around the bonfire, mesmerizing the audience with their beauty and elegance. They are the complete opposite of the rough and rowdy trolls. The fairies dance is choreographed to perfection, every movement tells a story of magic and grace. Kids and adults alike watch in awe, completely entranced by the fairies.
The fairies dance is often accompanied by soft music that adds to the magic. The combination of their movements and the music is like a dream and transports you to a world of fantasy and wonder. For many kids this is the best part of the evening, they get to see their favorite mythical creatures come to life in a beautiful way. The fairies also adds balance to the event so there’s something for everyone no matter your age or interest.
The fairies arrival is the peak of the magic of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn). Their otherworldly presence adds a touch of whimsy and fantasy to the night. As they dance around the bonfire their colorful costumes shine in the firelight and it’s mesmerizing to watch. This is a reminder of the power of folklore and the joy it brings to our lives.
Being out there with all these mythical creatures is pure bliss. The kids are in fantasy and the Santa Clauses walk around the bonfire creating magic. Brave kids can enter the field and walk with the Santas. Everyone’s having so much fun watching the kids see the trolls even if some are a little scared but very excited. On Christmas Eve, families exchange gifts and enjoy a special festive meal, adding to the anticipation and excitement of the night.
The field becomes a playground of fantasy and fun, kids run around, play and interact with the characters. The Santa Clauses are always up for a good time and chat with the kids and take photos. This level of interaction makes it feel personal and special and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Seeing the kids faces light up with joy and wonder is proof of the magic of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn). The Christmas Book Flood, where families exchange and read books on Christmas Eve, further enriches the festive atmosphere and celebrates the joy of reading.
In the middle of all this chaos the community spirit is shining bright. Families and friends are together, laughing and making memories. The atmosphere is warm and fun as everyone is in festive mode. The kids laughter, the bonfire and the interaction with the characters all adds to the magic of the night.
In the middle of all the fun another big firework show happens. This is the best part of the night. After that the biggest trolls get tired and start to leave we head home. At home I make hot chocolate and a cake buffet, a tradition that my family and friends always look forward to after being out in the cold.
The grand finale of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) is a big firework show that lights up the sky. The fireworks are a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, it’s breathtaking to watch. This is the perfect end to a magical and fun night. As the last of the fireworks fade away the crowd is satisfied and happy knowing they were a part of something special.
After the fireworks we head home and warm up with hot chocolate and cake. This post celebration gathering is a tradition in our family where we can relax and unwind after the night. The hot chocolate and cake is the perfect comfort after being out in the cold. Friends and family gather around and share stories and laughter and enjoy each others company. It’s a great way to end the day and say goodbye to the Yule Lads for another year.
Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) is a mixed bag. It’s the end of the holiday season but it’s also a feeling of joy and contentment. The memories from this night will be kept for years to come as a reminder of the warmth, community and magic of Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn). It’s a night that brings people together and celebrates the traditions and folklore that makes Icelandic culture so special. It’s also a time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and cherish the unique customs of the season.
Twelfth Night (Þrettándinn) is a night filled with magic, tradition, and joy. From the descending Santas to the playful trolls and graceful fairies, it’s an evening that captivates the hearts of both children and adults. Icelandic Christmas traditions, including the mischievous Yule Lads, the Christmas Cat, and the 13 days of Christmas celebrations, add to the cultural richness of this festive period. If you ever find yourself in Iceland during this time, don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique celebrati
