Winter in Iceland feels alive in a special way. The nights are long, the air is crisp, and the warmth comes from people gathering together in celebration. Across the island, towns and villages light up with art, food, and folklore. Renting a car with Zero Car allows you to follow these festivals at your own pace, discovering the country’s most meaningful traditions while traveling sustainably through stunning winter landscapes.

Why visit Iceland in winter

Winter reveals the quieter, more authentic side of Iceland. Crowds are smaller, locals have time to talk, and there’s a deep sense of calm that’s rare during summer. It’s also the perfect season to explore responsibly. Choosing an electric or hybrid rental from the Electric Car Rental Guide lets you explore with almost no emissions while enjoying Iceland’s renewable geothermal and hydro-powered energy network. 

Festival travel spreads visitors throughout the year, helping local communities thrive beyond the busy summer months. When you drive yourself, you have the flexibility to visit smaller towns and hidden cultural events that most tours miss.

Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival

Every February, Reykjavík becomes a city of light. The Winter Lights Festival fills streets and public spaces with illuminated art, concerts, and community events celebrating the return of daylight after the darkest months. Visitors can experience Museum Night, Pool Night, and a light trail that runs through the capital’s main landmarks. Having your own rental car makes it easy to stay outside the downtown area or visit nearby attractions like Þingvellir National Park and the Golden Circle before returning to the city in the evening. 

You can find the latest festival details at Visit Reykjavík.

Þorrablót – Iceland’s midwinter feast

From mid-January to mid-February, locals celebrate Þorrablót, a centuries-old Viking tradition that brings people together to share food, humor, and song. The feast includes rye bread, smoked lamb, and sometimes fermented shark, paired with toasts and laughter that last late into the night. To experience Þorrablót authentically, visit smaller communities where locals host public dinners and concerts. 

Before you travel, review winter driving tips in the Driving in Iceland Guide and check live road updates from the Icelandic Road Authority to ensure safe conditions.

Mývatn Winter Festival

The Mývatn region in North Iceland celebrates winter in its own unique way. The Mývatn Winter Festival usually takes place in late February, featuring snow-sculpture contests, dog-sled rides, and horseback parades on frozen ground. Surrounded by lava formations and geothermal steam, the atmosphere feels both remote and welcoming. With your rental car, you can enjoy the drive from Akureyri or Egilsstaðir and stop at natural wonders like Goðafoss waterfall along the way. Electric vehicle drivers can plan their route using ChargeFinder to locate charging stations. 

The festival often ends with fireworks reflected on the snow, creating one of the most memorable winter scenes in Iceland.

February’s sweet celebrations

In February, Iceland also celebrates three cheerful food days: Bolludagur, Sprengidagur, and Öskudagur. On Bolludagur, cafés fill with cream buns topped with chocolate. Sprengidagur offers hearty lamb soup, and on Öskudagur, children dress in costumes and sing for sweets in local shops. 

Driving between towns lets you taste regional variations and enjoy how each community makes these holidays its own. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy Icelandic hospitality one pastry at a time.

Here is some great info about Three Days, Three Celebrations.

Reykjavík’s winter culture

Even outside festival weekends, Reykjavík has a vibrant cultural life. The city’s theatres, galleries, and concert halls stay busy through the winter months, offering performances ranging from classical music at Harpa Concert Hall to indie art exhibitions in converted warehouses. With your own vehicle, you can attend events in the city while staying in affordable and quiet neighborhoods. During the day, explore nearby geothermal areas such as Hveragerði or the Reykjanes Peninsula, then return for a warm dinner and live music in the capital. 

You can read more travel inspiration in the Travel Stories section.

Christmas and the Yule Lads

The holiday season in Iceland, from late November to early January, is pure magic. Towns like Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Hafnarfjörður sparkle with Christmas markets, handmade crafts, and steaming hot chocolate. The thirteen Yule Lads, mischievous figures from Icelandic folklore, appear one by one in the days before Christmas, leaving treats in children’s shoes. With a rental car, you can visit several markets in a single day, from Reykjavík’s main square to the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður. 

Keep an eye on the weather through the Icelandic Met Office and allow extra travel time during snow or ice.

J-Day and winter nightlife

November marks one of Iceland’s most playful traditions: J-Day, the annual release of Tuborg Christmas beer. The whole city turns festive with live music, blue hats, and lively parades through downtown Reykjavík. If you take part, it’s best to leave the car parked overnight and drive the next morning along the Reykjanes coast, where you can visit the Bridge Between Continents and the lava tunnels near Raufarhólshellir. 

Combining local nightlife with the serenity of the coast is a uniquely Icelandic balance. 

Village gatherings and local humor

Beyond the capital, every region has its own way of celebrating. Many towns host community feasts or small winter concerts that reflect their local heritage. Some are planned weeks ahead, others pop up spontaneously. Ask at cafés or guesthouses for recommendations, and you may find yourself invited to an evening of storytelling, dancing, and laughter. This is where having your own car truly pays off, letting you discover Iceland’s warmth in unexpected places.

Daylight and timing

Iceland stays on Greenwich Mean Time all year and does not change its clocks for daylight saving. In mid-winter, daylight lasts about four hours, stretching to ten by February. Plan your drives during the bright part of the day and enjoy festivals after dark. Locals embrace this rhythm, balancing quiet mornings with long, social evenings. It’s part of what makes winter here feel both peaceful and alive.

Average Daylight Hours in Iceland

Responsible winter travel

Festival travel is one of the best ways to support Iceland’s communities sustainably. Choose locally owned guesthouses and restaurants, bring reusable cups for hot drinks, and drive efficiently to conserve energy. An electric or hybrid vehicle lets you experience the country’s landscapes with minimal impact. 

By attending local festivals, buying handmade crafts, and exploring rural areas, you help preserve Iceland’s traditions while traveling responsibly.

A week of winter road-trip discovery

A weeklong route is perfect for combining culture and scenery. Start in Reykjavík for the Winter Lights Festival, then drive the Golden Circle to see geysers and waterfalls. Continue along the South Coast to Vík and Skaftafell, visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and head north to Mývatn for its winter games before looping back through Akureyri. Check road conditions and weather forecasts at before each drive. This route combines Iceland’s most beautiful sights with the cultural spirit of the season.

Driving safely in winter

All Zero Car rentals come equipped with winter tires and essential safety gear. Most festival routes are accessible in standard cars, but a 4x4 can offer extra security on rural or icy roads. Keep your vehicle charged or fueled, and take breaks to enjoy the view. Safe, patient driving is key to enjoying Iceland’s winter landscapes. You can find detailed guidance on safety and regulations in the Driving in Iceland Guide.

Celebrate Iceland’s winter your way

Joining Iceland’s winter festivals is about more than sightseeing. It’s about feeling connected to the rhythm of Icelandic life. You’ll share laughter at a village feast, see art glowing in the snow, and drive beneath skies painted by the northern lights. Start planning your cultural road trip and make this winter a celebration of light, community, and sustainable travel.