New Year's in Reykjavík

New Year's Fireworks at Hallgrímskrikja in Reykjavík, Iceland

The way Reykjavík does New Year's is wild and magical.

No organized celebration, no official schedule, just Icelanders everywhere setting up bonfires and setting off fireworks.

New Year's bonfires are an age-old tradition; there are 10 locations in the Reykjavík area that will start bonfires around 8:30pm and end around 11:30pm. These gatherings are a perfect way to get to meet people and prepare for the festivities ahead.

Locals start setting off fireworks early in the afternoon and persist well into the next day. Maneuver your way to Hallgrímskrikja Church for an excellent view. It might not be a curated show like other big cities, but every shot in the atmosphere will catch you by surprise. They come from all directions; some so close you can smell the gunpowder. The fireworks are as untamed as the weather, and as real as the people.

After the count down, join the crowd to many of the clubs nearby, and party hardy like an Icelander.