December 2026 – January 2027
Candle-lit streets, Yule Lad stories, warm lagoons and a city that lights up at midnight. Here is how to plan the holidays in Reykjavík, and what to book first.
Some links are paid partner links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, availability and terms are set by the provider. Affiliate disclosure
Choose your timing
Late November to about 22 December
The most relaxed festive stretch. Streets are lit, weekend Christmas markets are a local tradition, and shops, restaurants and tours mostly keep normal hours.
2026 market dates are not verified in this guide — check before planning a day around one.
23 to 26 December
Quiet, candle-lit and family-centred. Icelandic Christmas begins at 18:00 on 24 December, and many businesses close or shorten hours from the afternoon of the 24th through the 26th.
Reserve holiday meals and your airport transfer first, then fit experiences around them.
30 December to 1 January
The liveliest time. Residents launch fireworks all over the city rather than at one official show, and the night runs late. 1 January is slow, with many places closed or opening later.
Reserve New Year's Eve dinner once your dates are set; keep 1 January easy.
Bookable experiences
A short list rather than every listing we could find. A listing on a booking site does not mean seats exist on 24, 25 or 31 December — pick your date on the provider page to see what is actually offered, and read the cancellation terms.
01
Food, stories and the city's holiday lights, all on foot.
A guided walk through festive Icelandic food and drink in the city centre.
Suits: Food lovers, a first evening in town
About 3 h listing · English · Your Friend in Reykjavik
Check dates on GetYourGuidePaid link · GetYourGuide
The 13 Yule Lads, the Christmas Cat and other traditions, told around Reykjavík.
Suits: Families, culture and story lovers
About 2 h listing · English · Your Friend in Reykjavik
Check dates on GetYourGuidePaid link · GetYourGuide
02
One bigger outing per day, chosen around the forecast.
An evening trip away from city lights with hot cocoa. Sightings depend on clear skies and activity; check the provider's terms if none appear.
Suits: Travellers without a car, age 6+ per listing
About 4 h listing · English · from Reykjavík
Check dates on GetYourGuidePaid link · GetYourGuide
Lagoon entry with a seven-step ritual. Transfer or hotel pickup depends on the option you select; holiday hours vary by day.
Suits: Couples, adults and teens 12+ (minimum age 12)
About 2.5 h listing · ICELANDIA
Check dates and optionsPaid link · GetYourGuide
Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss with someone else handling winter roads. Compare operators, pickup and length.
Suits: One full daytime outing
Browse day tours — pick one that suits your dates
Browse on GetYourGuidePaid link · GetYourGuide
03
Book the ride from the airport once your flight times are set.
Shuttle between Keflavík airport and Reykjavík. Drop-off at the terminal, bus stops or a selected hotel depends on the option you choose.
Suits: Anyone not picking up a rental car
45–90 min listing · ICELANDIA
Check dates and optionsPaid link · GetYourGuide
Want more choice? Browse more Iceland experiences on Viator — search for Reykjavík or Iceland and your dates there.
Browse more on ViatorPaid link · Viator
More ideas: GetYourGuide's Christmas listings (paid link), our Northern Lights tour guide and lagoon comparison.
Where to stay
Choose your stay around confirmed flights and check cancellation terms before paying. Each link opens the partner's own search — enter Reykjavík (or your area) and your dates there.
Walk to lights, cafés and tour pickups. The easiest base for couples and short breaks, and the simplest way through holiday closures.
Paid links
A kitchen helps when restaurants close on 24–25 December. Good for families and groups who want their own Christmas table.
Paid links
Darker skies and quiet, but only with a plan for getting there: a confident winter driver or a tour that includes transport.
Paid links
Not sure which area? See places to stay in Iceland.
31 December
Source: Visit Reykjavík holiday guide. Aurora on the same night is possible but never guaranteed.
Holiday calendar
Many businesses reduce hours or close on holidays, but not everything shuts. As of 28 September 2026, market dates, the bonfire programme and Strætó holiday timetables are not verified in this guide — check Visit Reykjavík and Strætó closer to your trip. Traditions: Yule Lads, Christmas markets.
Plan & book
Daylight is only a few hours around the winter solstice (check Reykjavík times for your dates on vedur.is). Plan one bigger outing at most per day and leave room for weather.
For a first winter visit, a central base with guided tours avoids having to drive yourself in icy conditions and limited daylight. Self-drive suits confident winter drivers who check conditions every morning. Compare insurance, tyres and pickup times on the rental site; see our car rental guide and winter without a car.
Fix flights first so stays, transfers and holiday meals can follow your arrival and departure times. Compare flight-and-hotel options where the partner offers them. More in flights & packages.
Paid links. Enter your destination and dates on the partner site.
Reserve holiday meals and transfers first, then fit experiences around them.
IcelandStart is an independent planning site run from Iceland by Marteinn Hilmarsson. We don't sell tours or take bookings, and we haven't personally tested every experience listed here. We choose them for fit with the season and link to the provider, who sets prices and terms. Updated 28 September 2026. About us