During the month of December, Reykjavík puts on its most charming face. Everywhere you go, you can expect Christmas markets, Christmas music, and other Christmas events, and everything surface is covered with twinkly Christmas lights. If you’re wondering what to do in Reykjavík this Christmas, look no further.
Holiday cheer in the city centre
Downtown Reykjavík is brimming with Christmas spirit. You can look at the city’s beautiful Christmas tree at Austurvöllur square.
Ingólfstorg square, just around the corner from Austurvöllur square, will be transformed into an ice-skating rink again this Christmas season. Skating under Christmas lights is the perfect winter activity, and you can follow the smell of the roasted almonds if you need to warm up afterwards.
Central Reykjavík will host two Christmas markets, one between Ingólfstorg square and Austurstræti street and one on Hjartatorg square. Various goods, crafts, and hot drinks will be sold from cute, wooden houses.
The downtown area has an outdoor swimming pool worth checking out. For a relaxing moment, head to Sundhöllin swimming pool and simmer in a hot tub. You might even spot some northern lights if you’re lucky.
Harpa Concert Hall is not only beautiful to look at, with its honeycomb façade designed by Ólafur Elíasson, but its Christmas programme has something for everyone. Some of Iceland’s most popular musicians put on their Christmas concerts, often inviting special guests.
For dinner, we recommend trying a Christmas buffet at one of Reykjavík’s many fabulous restaurants. These buffet are laden with Christmas feasts.
Winter wonderland
If Christmas in the city isn’t up your alley, just get out of town. Taking a tour out to see some of Iceland’s stunning landscapes in their winter costume is highly recommended. Snowmobile tours have gotten increasingly popular in the last couple of years, while the northern lights tours are always a solid option (you just can’t leave Iceland without seeing them).
Pop into the What’s On visitor centre on Laugavegur for more information about tours, or find your Christmas tour in Iceland at christmas.tourdesk.is.
Visit our tour information centres for more tips and info!
