Farewell to Christmas

January 6th, known as Þrettándinn, officially marks the end of the Icelandic Christmas season. The name means “the thirteenth”, as it falls 13 days after Christmas.

On this day, many Icelanders take down their Christmas decorations, signaling the close of the holiday period. According to Icelandic folklore, hidden people, elves, trolls, and the 13 Yule Lads are said to celebrate the day and return to their mountains until the following December.

In many communities across Iceland, locals mark the occasion with fireworks, bringing the festive season to a vibrant and celebratory close. While Þrettándinn is a quiet day in some towns, it remains an important cultural tradition, blending folklore, family customs, and winter festivities.