The Christmas Markets will return to downtown Reykjavík after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. Handmade crafts, lopapeysas, baked goods and much much more will be for sale in small pop-up booths set up on different streets and squares. There is bound to be hot chocolate, lights, and music to get you in the festive mood.
Each December, Reykjavík is transformed into a magical Christmas city. There are fun Christmas events and Christmas tours involving everything from culture to food, horseback riding to sailing, and singing to shopping all over the city, but some places are even more festive than others. Check out all the festive areas in the city and partake in our holiday joy.
Ice-skating at Ingólfstorg Square
Where: Ingólfstorg – Central Reykjavík
When: Open every day in December from 12:00-22:00
Admission: Free if you bring your own ice skates
Nova has yet again joined forces with the city of Reykjavík to open an ice-skating rink on Ingólfstorg square. 100,000 light bulbs light up the beautiful square all through December. In addition to the Ingólfstorg ice-skating rink, a Christmas market will be also located at Ingólfstorg square surrounding the ice rink and down to Austurstræti street, where both refreshments and merchandise will be for sale. Helmets and skates can be rented on-site.
Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village
Where: Hafnarfjörður, 20 min. from downtown Reykjavík with bus no. 1
When: 18 November 2022 – 23 December 2022 from 13:00 to 18:00. Open until 22:00 on December 23
Admission: Free
Downtown Hafnarfjörður turns into a festive market every Christmas season. Hafnarfjörður residents and local companies will participate in making this year’s Christmas Village the biggest one yet. Thorsplan plaza is transformed into a Christmas market selling everything from Icelandic design and crafts to snacks and hot drinks, there will be plenty of concerts and events, and an ice-skating rink. It is easy to get to Hafnarfjörður from Reykjavík – just jump on the no 1 bus, which will take you on a 20-minute ride straight to the downtown area for a wonderful Christmas experience. Find more information at www.jolathorpid.is.
Christmas Market in Heiðmörk Forest (by Elliðavatnsbær)
Where: By lake Elliðavatn in the forest Heiðmörk, 25 min. drive from downtown Reykjavík
When: Every weekend during Advent from 12:00-17:00
Admission: Free
The beloved wooded area on the outskirts of Reykjavík, Heiðmörk, is normally a place for hiking and mountain biking. But on the weekends leading up to Christmas, you can find a Christmas market hidden in the trees. The vendors here focus on products made with natural materials and objects inspired by or made from the forest. From December 17-22, the organizers of this Christmas market will have a pop-up shop in the greenhouse at Lækjatorg where there will be Christmas trees, steps and twigs.
The Christmas trees are beautiful and Icelandic-grown but even if you’re not there to get a tree, there’s plenty of activities. You can take a stroll around the arts and crafts market and the kids can watch the campfire and meet the Icelandic Yule Lads. If it gets cold, you can always head to the café for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Christmas Market at Hjartatorg square
Where: Hjartatorg square – Central Reykjavík
When: Weekends in December 13:00-18:00, December 23 from 16:00-21:00
Admission: Free
The Christmas market at Hjartagarður square is a classic Christmas market following the European tradition. Handicrafts, delicacies, knick-knacks, and hot chocolate are sold by a diverse selection of retailers. The goods will be sold from small wooden houses and Christmas decorations and lights everywhere will ensure the Christmas spirit is all around. And who knows, maybe Santa Claus, Grýla, and Leppalúði will also stop by! Hjartatorg Square is just off the main walking street, Laugavegur, behind the 66 North clothing store.
Christmas markets in Iceland can also be found outside Reykjavík.
