Green northern lights over snowy hills and bare birch trees in Iceland

Christmas & New Year inspiration

Iceland, made simpler.

Your Iceland winter starts here. Plan cozy stays, winter tours, car rental and flights for Christmas, New Year and beyond, then book with the provider you choose.

Christmas & New Year guide

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Photo: Vincent Guth (CC0). Aurora sightings depend on conditions.

Snowy Reykjavík street at night under warm street lamps, with Hallgrímskirkja church lit at the end
Reykjavík, Jan 2008 · archive photo: Petr Kraumann · CC BY 3.0
Tall Christmas tree covered in warm lights on Austurvöllur square in Reykjavík at night
Austurvöllur, Dec 2008 · archive photo: Helgi Halldórsson · CC BY-SA 2.0

December 2026 – January 2027

Christmas & New Year in Iceland

Candle-lit streets, Yule Lad stories, warm lagoons and fireworks rising across the city at midnight. Our holiday guide covers festive experiences, where to stay, New Year's Eve and what to book first.

Open the Christmas & New Year guide

Holiday opening hours vary and aurora sightings depend on the weather — check holiday information, SafeTravel and road conditions before you go.

Winter days. Warm memories.

Waterfalls edged with ice, short golden daylight and long cozy evenings. Explore winter experiences, then plan a route that suits the season and the road conditions.

Gullfoss waterfall in winter, with water flowing between snow- and ice-covered gorge walls
Gullfoss in winter. Photo: Rucksack Magazine (CC0). Landscape inspiration; conditions vary.

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