When is Þrettándinn?
In 2026, Þrettándinn falls on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. It is an observance rather than a federal holiday, so federal offices and most businesses follow their normal schedules.
History of Þrettándinn
Þrettándinn, literally “the thirteenth,” falls on January 6 and marks the end of Iceland’s Christmas period. Iceland counts the holiday sequence from Christmas Eve, so the traditional close arrives a day later than the English-language idea of Twelfth Night. It is not a general public day off, but it is one of the most vivid dates in the winter cultural calendar.
The evening gathers old folklore and modern civic celebration. Iceland’s thirteen Yule Lads complete their departure from town, while stories of elves and hidden people give the night a playful, slightly magical edge. Bonfires and fireworks offer a last burst of warmth and light before ordinary January life resumes.
January 6 is neither listed as an employee rest day under the 40-hour-work-week Act nor designated as an official state flag day. Its significance comes instead from the Icelandic Christmas cycle and public folklore. Municipal bonfires are conditional events rather than a legal entitlement, and weather or safety decisions can cancel them. Schools, offices and shops normally follow weekday schedules. That distinction separates Þrettándinn’s strong cultural identity from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the statutory half-day on Christmas Eve.
How Þrettándinn is observed
A major cultural observance on January 6, not a nationwide statutory day off. Municipal programmes and bonfire arrangements vary by community.
Traditions of Þrettándinn
Bonfires
Communities gather at winter bonfires, often with songs, speeches and a last festive meeting after Christmas. The practice varies by Icelandic household, parish, municipality and weather conditions.
Fireworks
Fireworks make the close of the season feel celebratory, particularly in and around Reykjavík. The practice varies by Icelandic household, parish, municipality and weather conditions.
Yule Lad stories
Families revisit the mischievous figures of Icelandic Christmas folklore as the last Yule Lad leaves town. The practice varies by Icelandic household, parish, municipality and weather conditions.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Icelandic legal and government guidance. Partial holidays and private-employer schedules should be confirmed locally.
History sources: Visit Reykjavík: The story of Iceland’s Yule Lads, Althingi: Act on a 40-hour work week, Government of Iceland: public holidays in Iceland, Althingi: presidential decree on official flag days.
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