January 6th 2026: Þrettándinn Bonfires & Fireworks in Iceland

January 6th is the last day of Christmas in Iceland and when Icelanders celebrate the Icelandic holiday called Þrettándinn or The Thirteenth Day. In Western Church traditions this day is also known as the Twelfth Night of Christmas. Icelanders usually spend the day taking down their Christmas decorations and also the Icelandic Yule Lads return back to their mountains.

Families in Iceland usually come together in the afternoon and celebrate with a family dinner, bonfire and fireworks. Most town in Iceland light their own bonfire on The Thirteenth and usually there is a parade where elves, trolls and the Yule Lads lead the way to the bonfire. According to legend, elves make themselves visible to humans on January 6th in Iceland.

Þrettándinn bonfires and events (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)

Reykjavík: Þrettándabrenna at Gufunesbær

• Programme starts: 18:00 (Yule Lads on site)
• Live music: 18:30–19:00 (Jón Jónsson)
• Fireworks show: 19:00
• Parking: Use the parking areas by Rimaskóli and Gylfaflöt, then walk to Gufunesbær.
• Note: There will be no Þrettándinn bonfire at Ægisíða this year.

Mosfellsbær: Annual Þrettándabrenna by Leirvogur

• Torch parade: 17:30 from Miðbæjartorg
• Bonfire location: Below Holtahverfi by Leirvogur
• Programme at the bonfire: Starts at 18:00
• What to expect: Scouts lead the parade, with Grýla, Leppalúði, Yule Lads, elves, trolls, and other folklore creatures joining in.
• Music & performances: Local school bands and special guests add songs and storytelling.
• Fireworks: A rescue team fireworks display closes the evening.

Akranes: Þrettándabrenna at Jaðarsbakkar

• When: 17:30–18:20
• Torch parade: Begins at 17:30 from Þorpinu (Þjóðbraut 13)
• Bonfire location: The helicopter pad area at Jaðarsbakkar
• Fireworks show: Starts at 18:00
• Viewing tip: You can also watch the fireworks along the coastline, but the main atmosphere is up by the helicopter-pad hill where people gather together.

Reykjanesbær: “Þrumandi þrettándagleði” (Keflavík/Njarðvík area)

• Lantern workshop: 16:30–17:45 at Myllubakkaskóli (bring a jar to turn into a lantern; materials and lights available on site)
• Torch parade: 18:00 from Myllubakkaskóli to the festival area by Hafnargata 12
• Bonfire: Held at Ægisgata
• Warm-up perks: Hot cocoa and gingerbread are served at the site
• Finale: A rescue team fireworks display ends the celebration

Selfoss / Árborg: Þrettándagleði

• What to expect: A classic community celebration with a torch parade and bonfire
• Tip: Check Árborg’s event listings close to the date for the latest time/location updates

Vestmannaeyjar: Þrettándagleði

• What to expect: A festive local Þrettándinn evening, often featuring an “elf bonfire” and fireworks
• Tip: Times and meeting points can vary year to year, so confirm the latest schedule locally

Vopnafjörður: Þrettándabrenna

• What to expect: A traditional Þrettándabrenna followed by a fireworks display
• Tip: Arrive early for the best viewing spots and easier parking

Hörgársveit / Þelamörk (near Akureyri): Þrettándabrenna

• What to expect: A local Þrettándabrenna in the area, typically with a strong community vibe
• Tip: Dress warm and bring a flashlight or headlamp for walking to/from the site

Tips for visitors

• Arrive early: Torch parades are a big part of the experience, and the best viewing spots fill quickly.
• Dress for real winter: Windproof layers, gloves, and a hat make everything more fun.
• Go hands-free: A small headlamp helps when walking to and from the bonfire areas.
• Family-friendly, but stay alert: Bonfires and fireworks are exciting. Keep a comfortable distance and keep children close.

Þrettándinn is Iceland’s sparkling “goodnight kiss” to Christmas: a night of firelight, folklore, and community. Wherever you celebrate, enjoy it slowly and warmly, and happy Þrettándinn!

Map for the bonfire in Ægisíða Reykjavík