December may be dark and blistery in Iceland, but this doesn’t stop the country from turning into a Christmas wonderland! From festive Christmas markets to holiday concerts, towns decked out in holiday cheer and sparkling Christmas lights, the country is abuzz with people out enjoying all the festivities this time of year brings. If you are a Christmas lover you are going to want to add a December trip to Iceland to your bucket list. Add in some fresh snow and you have all the makings for the perfect winter wonderland to kick off your holiday season!
Admire the Christmas lights and decorations
One of our favorite activities to enjoy during the holiday season is a visit to the Christmas markets found in Iceland. Fun fact, even though Christmas markets hold a long tradition throughout Europe, it is only in recent years that Christmas markets have started to pop up in Iceland. And for this, we are oh so happy!
The Christmas markets in Iceland may not be as large as some other European cities, but the holiday atmosphere and cheer is definitely in the air. As you wander through the Christmas markets you will get to enjoy the unique Icelandic Christmas traditions from the Icelandic Yule Lads, local art and craft vendors, and of course delicious traditional food. It is a fun time for all. You really can’t walk past one of these charming markets without getting into the festive spirit!
To help plan your Christmas-themed visit to Iceland we have rounded up several of the different Christmas markets you will find happening in December. While most of the Christmas markets on this list are found in Reykjavik, this is not to say other towns around the country don’t have some festive activities to check out so be sure to check the towns local calendar of events for further information.
Read on to learn about the different Christmas markets you will find around town and be sure to add a few to your December itinerary!
Stroll around the Christmas village
The Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður
For one of the most festive Christmas markets in Iceland head twenty minutes outside of downtown Reykjavik to the charming town of Hafnarfjöður. This small town nestled into lava fields is home to one of the larger Christmas markets in Iceland. Each December the Hafnarfjöður city center is transformed into a Christmas village full of lively cheer with people enjoying the live entertainment as they stroll between the little wooden cabins selling arts, crafts, and delicious Icelandic treats. Keep a look out for the Icelandic Yule Lads as they are known to run about this popular Christmas market.
Note: The Christmas Village in Hafnarfjöður is open every weekend in December from 12:00-17:00, and on the weekdays right before Christmas.
Send your own letter to Santa at the famous Santa mailbox found on Laugavegur street
The Christmas Market in Hólmsheiði Forest
One of the longer-running Christmas markets, and a favorite for locals, is the Holmsheiði Christmas market. Situated a bit outside of downtown Reykjavik on the southeast outskirts of town you will find this charming Christmas market tucked into the popular forested area of Heiðmörk. This Christmas market has become a tradition for local families to visit each year and is one of the most popular places for locals to purchase their Christmas trees. The Christmas tree sale is operated by the Reykjavik Forest Service and for each tree that is sold 50 new ones are planted! Adding to the fun, on weekend evenings Christmas stories are read around cozy bonfires by individuals dressed up as the Icelandic Yule Lads, local arts and crafts are for sale, and live music can often be heard. The tranquil setting just adds to the magic of this Christmas market!
Note: The Christmas market is open every weekend of advent from 11:00-16:00.
Christmas in downtown Reykjavík
The Christmas Forest at City Hall
Sticking a bit with the tree theme, the next Christmas market takes you to an indoor forest inside Reykjavik’s City Hall. During the Christmas season, one of the halls within the city hall is transformed into a Christmas forest providing a cheerful indoor space for families and friends to come together to relax, play games, and enjoy each other during the busy Christmas season. City Hall overlooks the beautiful Tjörnin pond from soaring floor-to-ceiling windows providing views over the frozen winter wonderland outside as you enjoy the warmth inside the magical Christmas forest.
Note: The Christmas Forest at City Hall is open every weekday from 8:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 10:00-18:00, and Sunday from 12:00-18:00.
Christmas concerts at the lovely concert hall Harpa occur through the month
Yule Town at Ingólfstorg
If you are looking for a fun Christmas activity to do with the entire family this is the place for you! From the end of November through New Year's Day Ingólfstorg square in downtown Reykjavik is transformed into a festive space with a beautifully lit ice skating rink and adorable little Christmas houses filling the area. Even if you aren’t planning on ice skating we still suggest strolling through this joyful market, the sparkling skating rink is a cheerful sight to see! For those that are planning on skating you can reserve a time online in advance and enjoy gliding across the ice under the twinkle lights while listening to some holiday music. After your time on the skating rink be sure to grab a drink and snack to warm up or browse the different booths where you will find hand-crafted gifts and holiday decorations.
Note: The skating rink is open every day in December from 12:00 - 22:00.
Winter fun on ice skates
Hjartagarður
A more traditional European Christmas market, Hjartagarður is located in one of the newer city squares in downtown Reykjavik. Open every weekend, and over the several days leading up to Christmas, at this Christmas market, you will find beautiful crafts, mulled wine, and delicious Christmas food. The market is a great place to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere while getting in some Christmas shopping from the wide array of local retailers and handmade crafts you will find.
Note: Hjartagarður is open from 15:00-22:00 on the weekends in December, and the weekdays right before Christmas.
Christmas at Árbær Open Air Museum
If you will be in Reykjavik over the weekends of Advent be sure to check out the calendar at Árbær Open Air Museum to see what kind of Christmas fun they have coming up. During a couple of the advent weekends, the popular museum turns into a Christmas wonderland with the area decorated in holiday cheer, Yule Lads running about, and several traditional Icelandic Christmas activities available for guests to try. Try your hand at making the traditional Icelandic Christmas leaf bread, enjoy Icelandic Christmas songs sung by the Christmas tree, or join in on some of the holiday crafts that locals do every year with their own families. It is a fun interactive Christmas market for all to enjoy.
For further information on the different Christmas activities at the museum check out the museum’s calendar here.
The Icelandic Yule Lads are funny characters that can be seen all over town in December
Hlemmur Food Hall Christmas Market
For the foodies in the group, you will appreciate this Christmas market! Over the weekends in December, the popular Hlemmur Food Hall will double as a Christmas market where you can stop in and sample a variety of Icelandic delicacies and holiday baked goods. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with some traditional tasty treats?! Outside of the food hall, you will find vendors selling Christmas trees and fresh pine decorations filling the air with the holiday smell. Stop by for lunch or dinner and dine in a lively Christmas atmosphere.
Note: Hlemmur Food Hall is open from 10:00-23:00.
Enjoy the Christmas markets
Skógarlundur Christmas Market
If you have plans to visit North Iceland you can still take part in the Christmas market fun with a visit to Akureryi’s annual Christmas market at Skógarlundur. This traditional Christmas market is open on the weekends of advent and features live holiday music, food, local art, and craft vendors. Stop by while exploring the area for some Christmas shopping and bring home a unique piece from Iceland.
Christmas trees like this one can be seen all around downtown Reykjavik
Iceland may not have the reputation for being home to the best Christmas markets in Europe but there are still plenty of festive ones to enjoy on your December visit. For even more Christmas fun check out this post on 10 Christmas activities to add to your December trip, any of these activities will have you in the Christmas spirit in no time. And if you are interested in learning more about how Icelanders celebrate the holidays check out our guide to Christmas and New Year.
Happy holidays, and as we say in Iceland, Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár!