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Reykjavik New Years Eve 2024

Guide to the top new years eve fireworks, bonfires, parties and hotels in Reykjavik for NYE 2023-2024

Reykjavik has some truly fabulous fireworks on show come new years eve, the place goes wild for pyrotechnics, so expect the sky to be bursting with colour! Plus, you'll keep nice and cosy with the local tradition of lighting great big bonfires, so grab your bottle of bubbly and head outdoors to enjoy the amazing atmosphere in this winter wonderland of a northern city.

Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik is fast becoming a very popular destination for the festive season, it may only have a small population of around 130,000 but this is bolstered dramatically by the tourist trade attracted to the city over the winter and festive season.

The city is famed for its weekend nightlife, where the place really comes alive around midnight and can go on until 4.30am. If you've come to enjoy the night life, then head to Laugavegur where you'll find many of the bars and clubs.

For those with the Northern Lights on their bucket list, there are tours from Reyjavik to see the Aurora borealis or you could just walk to Grotta light house or Oskjuhlío hill where it's a little darker and clearer and your chances of seeing this stunning wonders of the world are increased.

You can partake in some great hiking trails and take in the stunning landscapes that Iceland has to offer including icefields, glaciers, black sand beaches and then get your swimmers on and go for a dip in one of the many geothermal pools and spas

New Years Eve Bonfires

Reykjavik doesn't do anything official but that's not to say that the city will be buzzing come New Years Eve.

Starting from around 8pm there will be plenty of bonfires around the city and fireworks from the locals who, after watching the traditional Aramotaskaup on TV at 10.30pm for an hour, (so the streets pretty much clear for this time), get themselves in a celebratory mood and don't even wait for midnight before setting off their stash of fireworks. The whole night sky will be bursting with colour and is a truly memorable experience to bring in the new year.

Head to Aegissioa, as this is one of the more popular and larger bonfires that locals and tourists attend.

NYE Fireworks

Fylkir bonfire at Rauoavatn lake is another one of the larger bonfires with lovely fireworks over the lake. (great for the budding photographers!)

To get a great view of the fireworks in the city, many people gravitate towards Hallgrimskirkja church on Skolavoroustígur High Street.

If you want panoramic views over Reykjavik then make a beeline for Perlan Oskjuhlío hill, it's a little further out and remote, but there will be a good crowd of people here to watch the stunning fireworks display.

Parties & Events

The top bars and nightclubs in Reykjavik are open very late on New Years Eve and into the early hours of new years day, but they do tend to sell out in advance so make sure you've got a ticket for entry.

You're probably already aware that alcohol in Iceland is very expensive, so you might want to have drinks at home/hotel room before you head out to save on some money!

New Years Eve Hotels

Choose from a wonderful selection of hotels and apartment hotels in the Reykjavik area, remember to book in advance to make sure you've actually got somewhere to stay.

Most of the top venues will offer packages over the Christmas and new year period, so be sure to enquire about any special offers. Typically you might land a deal where meals and new years eve entertainment are included along with your room.

Black Pearl - Reykjavik Finest Apartments
Reykjavik4you Apartments Hotel
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels

You can search for deals at all of these venues, plus all of the top Reykjavik hotels here.

Restaurants

The restaurants in Reykjavik don't always open on New Years Eve, so it's best to contact them in advance to make sure they are actually open and to make your reservations, supply and demand means that they'll get booked quite quickly - you should be well served by these places:

Kopar
Sjavargrillid Seafood Grill
Apotek
Kol
Grillmarkadurinn

NYE Live Streaming

The best live viewing options from Reykjavik on new years eve if you're hoping to see some of the top bonfires and fireworks are to be had on the local webcams, of which there are a few located in ideal positions. Our favourties are:

Great live webcam of Hallgrimskirkja Church

Another one is over Tjorn

Latest NYE News

The content on this page is written and maintained by Yvonne Kerrigan. If you have any comments or events to add to this page please Contact us.

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