New Year's Day in Iceland
New Year's Day, called nýársdagur in Icelandic, falls on January 1. Iceland's law recognizes it as a Church of Iceland holy day, and labor guidance classifies it as a special holiday with specific protections for many day workers.[1][2]
A date with a long history
The Icelandic word áramót describes the turning point between the year that has ended and the one beginning. A University of Iceland reference article says that January 1 appears to have become the first day of the year in Iceland in the early 16th century, a practice thought to have followed the Reformation. It also notes that an older term, áttadagur, referred to the eighth day of Christmas for the date now called New Year's Day.[3]
The holiday’s meaning is tied to this turn of the year and to the wider Christmas season. Icelandic sources describe the evening of December 31 as gamlárskvöld, or Old Year's Eve, and the night between the old and new year as nýársnótt or gamlársnótt.[3]
How the holiday is observed
Many of the best-known Icelandic New Year customs take place on December 31, leading into New Year's Day. Visit Reykjavík describes a family dinner, neighborhood gatherings at bonfires called brennur, the annual television comedy Áramótaskaup, and widespread fireworks as part of the capital area's New Year's Eve tradition.[4]
The celebrations can continue past midnight, according to the same Reykjavík visitor source. This makes January 1 the opening day of the new year after an evening of shared festivities. Check local listings for New Year's Day events.[4]
Holiday status and work
Under Iceland's Act on the 40-hour working week, days off include the holidays of the national church; the Church's listed holy days include New Year's Day. The Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ) explains that day workers generally are not required to work on special or public holidays unless they agree to do so. It also describes ordinary daytime pay for eligible workers when the holiday falls on a weekday, with conditions for general workers.[1][2]
ASÍ identifies New Year's Day as a special holiday, distinct from the category it labels public holidays. Its guidance says work on special holidays receives an additional holiday rate. The exact entitlement can depend on the worker's employment terms and applicable agreements, so workers should check the rules that apply to their job.[1]
Planning for January 1
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Iceland, and opening arrangements vary by service.[1][2]
Check the relevant operator's schedule before travelling, especially if a journey depends on a particular departure.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year's Day in Iceland?
Is New Year's Day a day off from work?
Are shops, restaurants, and public transport open?
Are Iceland's famous bonfires and fireworks held on New Year's Day?
The Reykjavík visitor source describes bonfires, Áramótaskaup, and fireworks as New Year's Eve customs, on December 31, rather than daytime New Year's Day events.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Iceland:
- Public holidays- Alþýðusamband Íslands (ASÍ)
- Lög um breytingu á lögum um helgidagafrið, nr. 32/1997, með síðari breytingum (helgihald)- Alþingi
- Hversu gömul eru orðin áramót, nýársdagur, nýársnótt og gamlárskvöld?- Vísindavefurinn, University of Iceland
- New Year's Eve in Reykjavík- Visit Reykjavík