Áramótaskaupið is Iceland’s annual New Year’s Eve television comedy review, broadcast as a national tradition.
The program is a satirical end-of-year show that looks back at political events, public controversies, cultural moments, and news stories from the preceding year. Sketches, songs, impersonations, and topical jokes make it a distinctive part of Icelandic holiday viewing. Its title combines Icelandic words associated with the turn of the year and a comedy or satirical review.
The show is broadcast by Iceland’s public broadcaster, RÚV, and is watched by a large share of the country’s population. Because its humor depends heavily on Icelandic public life and language, international viewers may miss many references even when they understand the general format.
Áramótaskaupið is not the name of Iceland’s fireworks or bonfire customs. Icelandic New Year’s Eve also includes community bonfires and extensive private fireworks, but the television satire is a separate cultural institution. Its annual format makes it comparable to other countries’ year-in-review comedy specials, while remaining specifically Icelandic.