Gamlárskvöld is the Icelandic name for New Year's Eve, celebrated in Reykjavík with bonfires and fireworks.
The Icelandic word literally refers to “old year's evening.” Reykjavík's celebrations are known for community bonfires, locally called Áramótabrennur, and an enormous privately purchased fireworks display. Fireworks are not limited to one central launch site: residents and visitors may see them lighting up the city from many directions around midnight.
A popular Reykjavík tradition is watching Áramótaskaupið, a satirical television program broadcast on New Year's Eve. Families often gather for dinner before the bonfires and fireworks, making the evening a mixture of community events, broadcasting, and home celebrations.
Gamlárskvöld should not be confused with Þorrablót, a midwinter Icelandic festival held during the month of Þorri. Iceland's main national New Year customs are also distinct from Christmas observances, which remain important earlier in the holiday season.