Christmas markets have grown as a concept in Reykjavík and around Iceland in recent years, inspired by European countries with long-standing tradition for such markets, e.g. Germany, but of course with a local theme. 

In recent years, the most lively Christmas programs and atmosphere have been in Hafnarfjörður and at Árbær Open Air Museum. There is more to the capital area than downtown Reykjavík, so we recommend heading out to Hafnarfjörður and Árbær to explore these two. There are also Christmas markets downtown worth visiting, so there should be something for everyone looking for a bit of Christmas atmosphere before Christmas. Below, we cover the Christmas markets in the capital area in more detail.

Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village

The Christmas Village at Thorsplan square in Hafnarfjörður will be open every weekend until Christmas, on Fridays from 17 to 20 and weekends from 13 to 20. 

The Christmas Town and Christmas Village is full of life before Christmas with beautifully decorated Christmas houses on Thorsplan square, offering gift items, snacks and treats, handicrafts and design. Look for a special Christmas gift while enjoying refreshments to warm you on the inside. The yule lads show up on Saturdays and Grýla (their troll mother) will show up on Sundays. Strandgata from Lækjargata to Linnetstígur turns into a pedestrian street during opening hours of the Christmas Village. 

Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village has been evolving for years and the whole town centre of Hafnarfjörður becomes one big Christmas Village during Advent. Hafnarfjörður residents and local companies are participating in making this year’s Christmas Village the biggest one yet. There will be plenty of concerts and events, and people can finally indulge in some delicious hot glögg (aka mulled wine).

“Jólaportið” – Christmas Market at Kolaportið

Jólaportið is a new Christmas market downtown Reykjavík this year, located at Kolaportið flea market, meaning it’s indoors and immune to the unpredictable weather outside. Great variety of Christmas products and food items: Christmas houses, a giant Christmas tree, Christmas beer, mulled wine, and various events. Apart from the 50 regular vendors at Kolaportið, there are 40 new ones specifically there for Jólaportið.

Join in for a cozy Christmas atmosphere in the warmth.

Austurvöllur (downtown Reykjavík)

The Christmas market by Austurvöllur square will have a variety of stalls selling food items, candy, glögg and Christmas related products to help you get into the Christmas mood. The market will also host small events and the yule lads might show up.

Opening hours:

• Nov 29 – 30, from 13 to 20
• Dec 4, from 16 to 20
• Dec 5 – 7, from 13 to 20
• Dec 11 from 16 to 20
• Dec 12 – 14, from 13 to 20
• Dec. 18, from 16 to 20
• Dec 19 – 21, from 13 to 21
• Dec 22 – 23, from 14 to 23

Ice Skating at Ingólfstorg

The telecommunications company Nova has yet again joined forces with the city of Reykjavík to open an ice skating rink on Ingólfstorg square. This year, 100,000 light bulbs will light up the beautiful square. In addition to the Ingólfstorg ice skating rink, a Christmas market will be also located at Ingólfstorg Square surrounding the ice rink, where both refreshments and merchandise will be for sale.

Open all weekends until Christmas from 12:00 – 10:00 PM and the days before Christmas, December 23, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Admission: 1,690 ISK per person, including ice skates and helmets. Free for children 5 y/o and younger.

Heiðmörk Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Heiðmörk forest is hosted by Skógræktarfélag Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Forestry Society). Guests get to experience an adventurous forest atmosphere. Guests can choose a Christmas tree, find unique Christmas gifts and grab a warm cup of chocolate. Handicraft is for sale, with an emphasis on natural materials and referencing forest culture. Local food items and cosmetics.

Opening hours:

• Nov 29 – 30, from 12 to 17
• Dec 5 – 7, from 12 to 17
• Dec 13 – 14, from 12 to 17
• Dec 20 – 21, from 12 to 17

Christmas at Árbær Open Air Museum

Celebrate Advent and Christmas in the old-fashioned way at the Árbær Open Air Museum on Sundays, 7 and 14 December from 13:00 to 16:00. With activities in all areas of the museum, there will be plenty for visitors of all ages to see and do while strolling between the charming traditional houses and taking in the festive Christmas atmosphere. The naughty Yule Lads will be out and about, and guests can sing and dance with them around the Christmas tree.

The Christmas preparations are in full swing in the village. At the Árbær farm, you can see how traditional Icelandic leaf bread is decorated and how sheep wool is spun. Visitors to Hábær will be able to get a taste of traditional Icelandic hangikjöt (smoked lamb), and at Nýlenda house, a man will be carving funny figures out of wood.

At Efstibær, the customary skate fish, with its awful smell, will be boiling in the pot, while at Miðhús, the printer makes Christmas cards. At the Stable in Garðastræti, candles are traditionally made. The Christmas celebration at the beginning of the 20th century is depicted at Suðurgata 7, while the museum shop offers a variety of sweets and Christmas goods for sale.

• See also: Þorláksmessa – Do It Right