11/25/2025 | 4:00 PM
A country of bookworms, Iceland prints more books per capita than any other country in the world, with over 50% of Icelanders reading more than eight books per year. It’s no surprise, then, that one of Iceland’s best-loved Christmas traditions revolves around giving books and reading.
Find out all about this festive Icelandic book tradition and why Christmas is the perfect time to get cozy with a new read.
Jólabókaflóð – most closely translated as ‘Christmas flood of books’ – is a literary Christmas celebration that begins with the printing of a catalogue in mid-November. Then, on Christmas Eve, Icelanders exchange books and spend the rest of the evening reading their new gifts.
The book flood is a key part of Christmas in Iceland, with many families taking part each year and using it as a time to come together at the holidays. But it’s a more recent tradition than you might think.
During World War 2, when giftable items were scarce and expensive at Christmas time, paper was one of the few non-rationed luxuries. This meant that not only was printing books both affordable and accessible, but books were one of the few gifts that families could exchange during the festive period.
When the war ended and other luxuries became available once again, the tradition that had become so well-loved continued on, and remains a staple on the Icelandic Christmas calendar. The annual Jólabókaflóð celebrations begin with the publishing and distribution of the Bókatíðindi (Book Bulletin in English), a catalogue of new publications from Iceland’s Book Publishers Association that is distributed for free to every home in Iceland. Icelanders then choose books for their family and friends, and exchange their chosen titles on Christmas Eve.
Iceland is known for its folklore, mythology, and Nordic Noir tales, and some of Iceland’s most famous stories feature a few of Icelandair’s favorite holiday destinations. So, grab a cup of hot chocolate, or jólabland (a fizzy mix of orange soda and malt) if you want to fully indulge in the tradition, and get cozy as we take you on a magical tour of some of Icelandair’s favorite stories for the Christmas season.
Whether you’re looking to bring the gift of reading into the lives of your loved ones this Christmas, or you want to expand your own literary horizons, why not welcome the magic of Jólabókaflóð into your home this winter?
Or, come visit us in Iceland and experience all the festivities on offer during the Christmas period. From the gift-giving Yule Lads to traditional Christmas treats, fly to Iceland and see the country at its coziest.
We wish you a gleðileg bókajól, aka merry ‘bookchristmas’!