Christmastime is a wonderful time to visit Iceland. Even though it’s dark outside, the streets are amply decorated, and inside shops and cafés, it’s cosy. Do you want to immerse yourself in local Christmas and New Year’s traditions during your stay in Iceland? Then join one of the following holiday tours.
Reykjavík Christmas Walk
Do you want to know more about Icelandic Christmas? Then going on a Christmas Walk through Reykjavík is the thing for you. This cultural walking tour of Reykjavík will get you into the Christmas mood in no time.
You will get a unique insight into Icelandic Christmas traditions, while at the same time hearing more about Reykjavík’s history, art, architecture, and cuisine. Short stops to sample food and drinks at local restaurants are included, as well as a small Christmas gift – making this holiday tour one of the best in the city.
Bonfire Tour
Bonfires are a big part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Iceland. In Reykjavík, there are bonfires all around the city. Locals flock to these fires to burn away the old year, celebrate, and sing together. It’s a happy family event. You can join these bonfires by going on the Bonfire Tour. A fun way to get to know local traditions. This tour is only available on New Year’s Eve. Sparklers included!
Book your bonfire tour here.
New Year’s Fireworks Cruise
Enjoy Reykjavík’s spectacular, world-famous fireworks from first-class seats by going on a fireworks cruise. The comfortable vessel leaves Reykjavík Harbour at 23:00 and returns back to shore around 00:30.
The view over the city from the sea is impressive and gives you the chance to see how all corners of the city light up. While watching the fireworks, you will get a complimentary glass of champagne so that you can toast to the new year at midnight.
Christmassy Wintery Tours
Okay, so these tours are not strictly holiday related. But these exhilarating experiences will make it feel like Christmas morning.
With the Pearl Tour, you will see Iceland’s most famous natural wonders in the Golden Circle: Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and Geysir. The icing on top comes at the end of the tour: snowmobiling along Langjökull glacier. There is nothing quite like the rush of cold air as you zoom across a frozen landscape that has been there for thousands of years!
The days in the winter are extremely short, and the darkness lengthens. For some, it means getting out of bed is impossible. For others, it means northern lights! On a clear winter night, your chances of seeing the aurora skyrocket. It is best to be prepared and book a Nothern Lights tour, especially one with complimentary hot chocolate! This small-group tour is one of the best out there. And if you don’t see the lights, you can always reschedule until you see them!
Do you want to see a truly winter wonderland? Book an ice cave tour to see the inside of a glacier and experience a side of nature very few people have seen. In addition to the glacier, the experienced guides will also show you the beloved South Coast, which is full of waterfalls and black sand beaches. And if you find all the ice and cold weather too much, you can always add a stop at The Blue Lagoon to warm up in the warm geothermal water.
Find more holiday tours here!
Visit our tour information centres for more tips and info!
