Holidays – Mystic Iceland

December 31, 2021November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, New Year, traditions

New Year’s Eve in Iceland: Bonfires, Fireworks, and Elves

Bonfires, midnight fireworks, and elves on the move: New Year’s Eve in Iceland brings family memories, communal rituals, and the unseen together at the turning of the year.

December 23, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, yule lads

Kertasníkir the Candle Beggar: Iceland’s Yule Lads

Kertasníkir follows the children’s Christmas candles with an appetite of his own. Meet Candle Beggar, Iceland’s thirteenth and final Yule Lad.

December 22, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, yule lads

Ketkrókur the Meat Hook: Iceland’s Yule Lads

Ketkrókur brings a hook and an appetite for Christmas meat. Meet Iceland’s twelfth Yule Lad, who reaches from hiding places to steal the household’s dinner.

December 22, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, yule lads

Gáttaþefur the Door Sniffer: Iceland’s Yule Lads

Gáttaþefur follows the scent of leaf bread with his enormous, sensitive nose. Meet Iceland’s eleventh Yule Lad, the Doorway Sniffer, and his appetite for Christmas food.

December 20, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, yule lads

Gluggagægir the Window Peeper: Iceland’s Yule Lads

A face beyond the glass, an eye on what is inside: Gluggagægir is Iceland’s Window Peeper. Meet the tenth Yule Lad and his unsettling Christmas curiosity.

December 20, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, yule lads

Bjúgnakrækir the Sausage Swiper: Iceland’s Yule Lads

Bjúgnakrækir climbs into the rafters to steal the smoked sausages hanging there. Meet Iceland’s ninth Yule Lad, whose appetite makes even a high perch worth the trouble.

December 18, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, yule lads

Skyrgámur the Skyr Gobbler: Iceland’s Yule Lads

Skyrgámur cannot resist a tub of skyr—even when one more spoonful brings a stomachache. Meet Iceland’s eighth Yule Lad and his enormous Christmas appetite.

December 18, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, yule lads

Hurðaskellir the Door Slammer: Iceland’s Yule Lads

Hurðaskellir loves a slamming door, a squeaking hinge, and a household trying to sleep. Meet Iceland’s seventh Yule Lad and his noisy Christmas mischief.

December 17, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, traditions, yule lads

Askasleikir the Bowl Licker: Iceland’s Yule Lads

Askasleikir hides beneath beds, waiting to snatch the supper bowls before the pets can reach them. Meet Iceland’s sixth Yule Lad and his unsettling taste for leftovers.

Pottasleikir yule lad - true stories and folklores

December 15, 2020November 1, 2026Christmas, Holidays, traditions, yule lads

Pottasleikir the Pot Scraper: Iceland’s Yule Lads

Pottasleikir has his eye on the scraps at the bottom of your cooking pot. Meet Iceland’s fifth Yule Lad and the tricks that turn other people’s leftovers into his Christmas supper.