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Does Iceland have a Santa?
As many countries do, Iceland celebrates Chrismas mostly with good food and gifts to loved ones, but unlike most countries that have a single Father Christmas / Santa Claus character, Icelandic children are fortunate enough to be visited by 13 Yule Lads.
What name does Santa go by in Iceland?
Called the Yule Lads, these merry but mischievous fellows take turns visiting kids on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. On each of those nights, children place one of their shoes on the windowsill.
What is the name of Christmas in Iceland?
Jól
Christmas is often known as ‘Jól’ (Yule) in Iceland. This comes from the ancient winter solstice celebrations, that were taken over by the early Christians. Jól also include the New Year celebrations.
Can you see Santa in Iceland?
Santa does not live in Iceland, and it’s the Yule lads and the Christmas Cat that make Christmas in Iceland unique. And they’re not particularly family-friendly like Santa. Finnish Lapland is probably the best place day trips or short breaks to Rovaniemi!
How does Iceland say Merry Christmas?
“-How do you say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Icelandic? -Gleðileg jól!”
What are the 13 days of Christmas in Iceland called?
Yule Lads
Christmas in Iceland lasts for 26 days, from the 11th of December until the 6th of January, and Iceland has 13 Santa Clauses or Yule Lads. Christmas season starts when the first Yule Lad comes to town (13 days before Christmas Eve) and finishes when the last one leaves town (Twelfth Night).
What are the 13 Santa Clauses in Iceland?
Icelandic Santa Claus – the 13 Yule Lads
- Stekkjastaur. (Sheep Shagger) Arrives: December 12.
- Giljagaur. (Gully Gawk) Arrives: December 13.
- Stúfur. (Stubby) Arrives: December 14.
- Pottasleikir. (Pot Scraper)
- Þvörusleikir. (Spoon Licker)
- Askasleikir. (Bowl Licker)
- Hurðaskellir. (Door Slammer)
- Skyrgámur. (Skyr Glutton)
What are the Yule Lads called in Iceland?
Jólasveinar
Instead of just getting a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, Iceland has the 13 Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) who descend from the mountains to wreak mischief in the nights leading up to Jólin (Christmas).
How many Santas are in Iceland?
Iceland does, in fact, have 13 Santas. They’re trolls, actually, who come down from the mountains in December. And they all bring presents for the kids. All 13 of them!
How many Santa Clauses are there in Iceland?
13
The Icelandic Santa Clauses, or Yule Lads as they are often referred to (they’re called ‘jólasveinar’ in Icelandic), are 13 in total, and all of them are named after their characteristics.
When is Christmas in Iceland and how is it celebrated?
The Icelandic nation is mainly Lutheran, mixed in with some atheists, Muslims, and people of all religions – including the pagan religion where people worship the old Norse gods. People celebrate Christmas in various ways in the country – but the ‘official’ Christmas celebration occurs at precisely 6 pm on Christmas Eve, the 24th of December.
What is the best Christmas food in Iceland?
Food connects with many of these traditions, and Icelanders have various tasty Christmas food to sample. The most ‘prestigious’ sweet treat is the ‘Sara’ – as it takes quite an effort to make. This almond macaroon, biscuit based, chocolate cream-filled, and chocolate-dipped treat is named after Sarah Bernhardt, the famous French actress.
The Icelandic Yule Lads have little resemblance to the famous Santa Claus. The Icelandic Yule Lads are descended from trolls and their original role was to strike fear in the hearts of children. The thirteen brothers are the sons of two of the most hideous ogres ever known in Iceland, Grýla and Leppalúði.
What is Yule in Iceland?
They live with their mother Grýla and have a raggedy cat named Jólakötturinn. The Yule lads travel long distances across the snowy Icelandic mountains to visit children in the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Instead of cookies and milk, Icelandic children will leave the lads’ favorite snack (each one is different – see below).