What is the traditional New Year's Eve bonfire in Iceland called?

The traditional New Year's Eve bonfire in Iceland is called an áramótabrenna.

The Icelandic word combines áramót, meaning the turn of the year, with brenna, meaning a bonfire or burning. Communities across Iceland traditionally light these outdoor fires on New Year's Eve, creating gathering places for residents before and during the midnight celebrations.

The bonfires are part of a broader Icelandic holiday pattern that includes family meals, festive gatherings, fireworks, and television programs. Reykjavík and other communities may organize public fires, while local arrangements vary from place to place.

Icelandic New Year's Eve customs also include a large amount of privately launched fireworks. The bonfire tradition should not be confused with Þrettándinn, the January 6 celebration marking the end of the Christmas season, which has its own fires and folklore. Spelling can also vary when Icelandic diacritics are omitted, but áramótabrenna is the standard term.