Icelandair and Hvíta húsið stage Icelandic Christmas folklore

The Icelandic airline Icelandair has presented its new Christmas commercial together with the creative agency Hvíta húsið. The campaign interprets Icelandic Christmas folklore around the legendary Christmas cat in a humorous and heartfelt way.

The story takes up the figure of Jólakötturinn, who is described as a huge, menacing cat. It used to be said that it would devour anyone - especially children - who didn't get new clothes for Christmas. In the movie, a young boy encounters the dishevelled creature alone in an alley. Instead of being frightened, he helps her prepare for a Christmas trip abroad. This unusual friendship gives rise to a warm-hearted story full of humor and compassion.

Connecting people and stories

The film underscores the airline's goal of bringing people and stories together. By transforming the old, scary legend into a tale of caring and connection, it invites audiences to embrace the true meaning of the holiday season: small gestures of generosity that make a big difference - especially when you're on the road.

The commercial can be seen throughout the Christmas period on Icelandair's own channels, television and digital platforms in key markets.

Gísli S. Brynjólfsson, Director of Global Marketing at Icelandair, explains: "We wanted a Christmas story that is unmistakably Icelandic, yet immediately relatable. By reinterpreting the Christmas cat from a child's point of view, we celebrate the joy of helping others - and getting 'ready to travel' for the holidays. It's a declaration of love to our heritage, showing that kindness is the true spirit of the holiday season, no matter where the journey takes us."