Our Blog RSS

Christmas beer season

jólabjór
17/10/2022 07:10

Christmas beer season is just around the corner!

J-day is celebrated on the first Friday of November each year and it marks the start of Christmas beer sales. This day originated in Denmark in 1981, where they celebrated the release of Tuborg´s Christmas beer "Julebryg". Now it has become an annual tradition as people visit the bars and wait for the Christmas snow to fall, meaning Christmas beer sales to start.

In Iceland the Christmas beer has its own history. Every year the breweries around the country release over hundred types of Christmas beer that are unique in some way. The aim is to produce tasty, interesting and sometimes even weird beers that will leave a lasting impression. It is typical that the beer is flavored with something that people relate to Christmas, such as apples, cinnamon or almonds. There are endless possibilities when it comes to Christmas beer, but one thing that most people agree on is that the beer has to remind them of Christmas in some way.

The Christmas beer tradition is becoming ever more popular in Iceland and for some it is a part of their annual Christmas traditions. Companies or individuals even host Christmas beer tasting events where people sit down and taste all kinds of beer and rate them based on factors such as look, taste and originality.

The Christmas beer is expected to arrive on the 4th of November this year at 20:59 (8:59 pm) and we definitely recommend you try some of it out.

Sumardagurinn Fyrsti: Iceland's Unique Celebration of Summer's Arrival
Despite being still a way off from summer, the month of April signifies the transition from winter to summer, marked by a distinctive holiday known as Sumardagurinn Fyrsti, or the First Day of Summer,. This day is celebrated annually on the first Thursday after April 18th and has both historical and cultural significance for us in Iceland.
April in Reykjavík: Culture, Cocktails & a Hint of Summer
As the snow begins to melt and daylight stretches longer into the evenings, Reykjavík slowly wakes up from its winter slumber. April brings with it a fun mix of creativity, celebration, and quirky Icelandic traditions, from world-class festivals and cocktail tastings to comedy nights and early summer parades. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or living here year-round, here’s what not to miss this April in the city.
Get to know Sigríður Soffía Níelsdóttir: From Fireworks to Blazing Blossoms
Throughout the month of March, Center Hotels is celebrating the artistry of Sigríður Soffía Níelsdóttir by offering special Eldblóm cocktails at our various bars. This exclusive collaboration brings the essence of her breathtaking Eldblóm concept to life, allowing guests to experience fire and flowers in a glass. Whether you're intrigued by the idea of sipping on natural fireworks or simply want to indulge in a uniquely Icelandic creation, these cocktails offer a taste of art, nature, and innovation. Discover the creative universe of this unique Icelandic artist and entrepreneur who has redefined the intersection of performance, nature, and design.
The Long Road to Beer in Iceland
Imagine a world where beer is an illegal substance, consumed in secret, smuggled across borders, brewed in basements and sold on the black market. Sounds dramatic? Well, for Icelanders, this wasn’t just a story, it was reality until March 1st, 1989, a day that changed the nation’s drinking culture forever.
Navigating Iceland's Roads: Safety Tips for Every Traveler
Many of you visiting Iceland's breathtaking landscapes will be exploring by car. The self drive option offers the freedom to reach remote locations and witness the stunning natural beauty at your own pace. However, driving in Iceland comes with its unique challenges. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the adventure.