Christmas

Latest stories

  • Listen To The Story Of The Yule Lads – Iceland’s 13 “Santa Clauses”

    In this entertaining video by Iceland Naturally you’ll get to know more about the story of the Yule Lads, who are one of Iceland’s oldest and best known folktales. Known as Jólasveinar in Icelandic, the Yule Lads are a group of 13 merry but mischievous brothers who take turns visiting kids on the 13 nights […] More

  • Hot Popular

    Icelanders Celebrate The End Of Christmas With Bonfires For The Elves

    Today (6th of January) marks the Epiphany, which for many Christians around the world commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus Christ and His baptism. For Icelanders however, the Epiphany officially marks the end of Christmas and is celebrated in a somewhat pagan fashion. This uniquely Icelandic celebration is known [...]

  • Trending Hot Popular

    Icelandic Christmas Traditions

    The Icelandic Christmas period is an intriguing mixture of religious practice and traditional folklore. As many countries do, Iceland celebrates Christmas (Jól in Icelandic) mostly with good food and presents to loved ones, but unlike most countries that only have a single Father Christmas/Santa Claus character, Icelandic children are fortunate enough to be visited by [...]

  • Hot Popular

    Meet Iceland’s 13 Santa Clauses – The Yule Lads

    Like our food, language and landscapes, Icelandic Christmas folklore is a bit extreme. Instead of getting a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, Iceland has the 13 Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) who in mid-December start descending one by one from their mountain home to wreak mischief in the nights leading up to Christmas (Jól). The [...]