Thousands set to celebrate J-day in Reykjavik

Several thousand people are expected in central Reykjavik tonight for the annual J-day celebration, mbl.is reports.

At 8.59pm, snow is due to fall outside Den Danske Kro bar as Tuborg Christmas beer starts flowing from taps around the city. A parade will then set off, ending at the American Bar.

The celebration originated in Denmark and has become one of Iceland’s most popular Christmas traditions among beer enthusiasts. A large crowd gathered in central Reykjavik for J-day two years ago.

This year, both the classic Tuborg Julebryg and Tuborg Lille Jul will be available. Lille Jul returns after a strong reception last year, when all supplies sold out before the end of November. Production has been increased this year. The beer is a lighter, gluten-free Christmas beer developed by brewers at Ölgerðin.

“J-day is always one of the highlights of the year for us,” said Helga Kristín Gunnlaugsdóttir, Tuborg brand manager at Ölgerðin. She said the company was looking forward to seeing the city filled with Christmas spirit and was pleased to offer more Lille Jul this year.