Christmas in Reykjavik

Christmas markets in Reykjavík and nearby

For Christmas markets, start in downtown Reykjavík. You can combine browsing with a walk around the centre, while Heiðmörk and neighbouring Hafnarfjörður offer different experiences if you have time to travel farther.

Before you head out, check for each market's programme. Markets sometimes run on selected Advent days rather than daily, and a market’s opening hours can differ.

At Heiðmörk, dress for time outdoors and check whether author readings are taking place during your visit. In Hafnarfjörður, look for the Christmas Village programme if you’d like to catch live music, other entertainment or a Yule Lad appearance.

Christmas lights and festive walks

Our favourite downtown walk:

• Start in Austurvöllur Square and visit the Oslo Tree
• Walk towards Laugavegur for shopping
• Head up Skólavörðustíg towards Hallgrímskirkja

Important to stop for a warm drink whenever you need a break!

The Oslo Tree celebrates Reykjavík’s friendship with Oslo. The tree is now selected from a Norwegian grove in Heiðmörk; check the city’s announcement for the lighting ceremony. For church services and concerts, use the venue’s own calendar rather than assuming a particular time.

Icelandic Christmas traditions

Some traditions you’ll encounter are uniquely Icelandic, like the mischievous Yule Lads and hand-decorated sweet bread (Laufabrauð). Here’s the background to a few names you’ll see during the holiday season.

The Yule Lads and Christmas Cat

Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads arrive one at a time from 12–24 December. Children leave their shoe in their window; the Yule Lads give a small gift each night if children have behaved well. If they have been naughty, they receive a potato in the shoe. Each brother has his own trait; see the table below.

The Christmas Cat, or Jólakötturinn, belongs to the same folklore. The old tale says it eats people who don’t receive new clothes for Christmas. You may spot the cat and other Christmas characters in seasonal displays around the city.

Leaf bread and the Christmas Book Flood

Laufabrauð, or leaf bread, is thin dough cut with patterns and fried until crisp. Making it is a family Christmas tradition, and it often appears alongside traditional Icelandic holiday food. If you wish to try it, most grocery stores carry it in December, the perfect snack to have on the road.

Jólabókaflóð, the Christmas Book Flood, refers to the seasonal wave of book publishing and gift buying. Giving books on Christmas Eve and settling down to read are familiar parts of the celebration. Browse a Reykjavík bookshop if you’d like to join in.

Experience a traditional Icelandic Christmas

Árbær Open Air Museum shows how Reykjavík households prepared for Christmas in earlier times. Its seasonal programme includes demonstrations such as decorating leaf bread, candle making and traditional crafts, with Yule Lad entertainment.

Check the museum’s Christmas programme for times, admission and any changes before visiting. You’ll move between historic buildings, so bring warm outdoor clothing.

Christmas dinner in Reykjavík

A jólahlaðborð is a Christmas buffet, often enjoyed with friends or colleagues during Advent. It’s a way to sample seasonal dishes before Christmas itself. Smoked lamb, or hangikjöt, and leaf bread are among Iceland’s Christmas foods; menus vary between restaurants. Read more about Icelandic Christmas food traditions if you’d like to know what to try.

Book Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals in advance, and confirm the date and serving time. An Advent buffet listing doesn’t mean the restaurant serves dinner on 24 or 25 December.

What to do in Reykjavík on Christmas Day

Many businesses close or reduce their hours over 24–26 December. Choose activities around confirmed holiday schedules, rather than relying on a venue’s usual opening hours.

A walk through the decorated city centre can fit around a booked meal, if the weather allows. For museums, pools and guided tours, check the specific date directly with the operator. Confirm transport for both the outward and return journey.

On Christmas Eve, Icelanders traditionally begin the main celebration at 18:00, with family meals and gifts. Arrange your own evening meal before then, and pick up anything you need earlier in the day.

Indoor Christmas activities at Perlan

Perlan’s nature exhibitions gives you an indoor option when you want a break from the weather. Walk through an indoor ice cave made with real ice and snow, learn about glaciers, and watch footage of the 2021 Geldingadalir eruption in the Volcano Show.

Áróra presents the northern lights in a planetarium, explaining the science and stories behind them. It’s a film experience you can plan around, whatever the outdoor sky is doing. Perlan also offers a Christmas Buffet, and the restaurant sits beneath the glass dome, overlooking Reykjavík.

Northern lights and winter conditions

You can see the northern lights around Christmas, but a sighting depends on the conditions. You need darkness and a clear view between the clouds.

Check the northern lights forecast alongside cloud cover, and use our guide to seeing the northern lights in Reykjavík to choose a viewing spot.

Snow is possible on Christmas, but Reykjavík doesn’t always have a white Christmas. Wear warm layers, a windproof outer layer and footwear with good grip. Keep outdoor plans flexible and choose a managed ice rink for skating rather than assuming a frozen pond is safe.

For ideas beyond the Christmas festivities, see our guide to things to do in Reykjavík in December.