Christmas in Iceland is a truly magical experience. The country's unique culture, stunning landscapes, and the Northern Lights all come together to create a festive atmosphere like no other. If you're planning to spend Christmas in Iceland in 2024, here are nine magical ways to make the most of your trip.
Iceland's Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in its Viking heritage and Lutheran faith. The country's festive season, known as Jól, begins on December 12th and lasts for 13 nights, culminating in a grand celebration on Christmas Eve. Visitors can experience the unique Icelandic Christmas culture by participating in various events and activities throughout the country.
During Christmas, Iceland's cities and towns are transformed into winter wonderlands, with twinkling lights, festive markets, and cozy cafes serving hot chocolate and traditional treats. The capital city, Reykjavik, is particularly festive, with its main shopping street, Laugavegur, decorated with lights and decorations.
1. Explore Reykjavik's Festive Atmosphere
Reykjavik's festive atmosphere is not to be missed. The city's main shopping street, Laugavegur, is decorated with lights and decorations, and the city's squares and parks are filled with festive markets and stalls selling traditional Icelandic food and drinks. Visitors can also explore the city's many museums and galleries, which offer a range of festive exhibitions and events.
Top Festive Activities in Reykjavik
- Visit the Reykjavik Christmas Market, which takes place in the city's Ingólfstorg square
- Explore the city's festive lights and decorations, which include a giant Christmas tree in the city's Austurvöllur square
- Visit the National Museum of Iceland's festive exhibition, which explores the country's Christmas traditions and folklore
2. Take a Northern Lights Tour
One of the most magical experiences in Iceland is witnessing the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The country's location near the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. Visitors can take a guided Northern Lights tour, which includes a visit to a secluded location away from the city lights, where they can witness the Northern Lights in all their glory.
Top Northern Lights Tour Operators
- Reykjavik Excursions: Offers a range of Northern Lights tours, including a guided bus tour and a Northern Lights wake-up call
- Gray Line Iceland: Offers a Northern Lights tour that includes a visit to a secluded location and a hot chocolate to keep you warm
- Extreme Iceland: Offers a Northern Lights tour that includes a visit to a glacier and a chance to see the Northern Lights in a unique and breathtaking location
3. Visit Iceland's Festive Towns
Iceland's towns and villages are particularly festive during the Christmas season. Visitors can explore the country's charming towns, such as Akureyri, which is known as the capital of the north, and Egilsstaðir, which is located in the heart of the country's eastern region.
Top Festive Towns to Visit
- Akureyri: Known as the capital of the north, this charming town is filled with festive atmosphere and decorations
- Egilsstaðir: Located in the heart of the country's eastern region, this town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers a range of festive activities
- Húsavík: Located in the north of the country, this charming fishing village is known for its festive atmosphere and traditional Icelandic food
4. Take a Christmas Horseback Ride
One of the most unique and magical experiences in Iceland is taking a Christmas horseback ride through the country's stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the country's snow-covered countryside on horseback, taking in the breathtaking views and festive atmosphere.
Top Horseback Ride Operators
- Icelandic Mountain Guides: Offers a range of horseback rides, including a Christmas ride through the country's snow-covered countryside
- Extreme Iceland: Offers a horseback ride that includes a visit to a glacier and a chance to see the Northern Lights in a unique and breathtaking location
- Reykjavik Riding Center: Offers a range of horseback rides, including a Christmas ride through the country's stunning landscapes
5. Go Ice Skating
Iceland's ice skating rinks are a popular destination during the Christmas season. Visitors can enjoy ice skating in a range of locations, including Reykjavik's Ingólfstorg square and Akureyri's ice skating rink.
Top Ice Skating Rinks
- Ingólfstorg ice skating rink: Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this ice skating rink is a popular destination during the Christmas season
- Akureyri ice skating rink: Located in the north of the country, this ice skating rink offers a range of festive activities and events
- Egilsstaðir ice skating rink: Located in the heart of the country's eastern region, this ice skating rink is a popular destination for families and couples
6. Take a Christmas Food Tour
Iceland's Christmas food is a unique and delicious experience. Visitors can take a Christmas food tour, which includes a range of traditional Icelandic dishes, such as hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and laufabrauð (a thin, wafer-like flatbread).
Top Christmas Food Tour Operators
- Reykjavik Food Tour: Offers a range of food tours, including a Christmas tour that includes traditional Icelandic dishes
- Icelandic Food Tours: Offers a range of food tours, including a Christmas tour that includes a visit to a local farm
- Food and Fun: Offers a range of food tours, including a Christmas tour that includes a visit to a local brewery
7. Visit Iceland's Festive Museums
Iceland's museums are a great destination during the Christmas season. Visitors can explore the country's festive exhibitions and events, which include a range of traditional Icelandic crafts and decorations.
Top Festive Museums to Visit
- National Museum of Iceland: Offers a range of festive exhibitions and events, including a traditional Icelandic Christmas display
- Reykjavik Art Museum: Offers a range of festive exhibitions and events, including a Christmas display of Icelandic art
- Akureyri Museum of Industry: Offers a range of festive exhibitions and events, including a display of traditional Icelandic crafts and decorations
8. Take a Christmas Glacier Hike
One of the most unique and breathtaking experiences in Iceland is taking a Christmas glacier hike. Visitors can explore the country's stunning glaciers, including Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, and take in the breathtaking views and festive atmosphere.
Top Glacier Hike Operators
- Icelandic Mountain Guides: Offers a range of glacier hikes, including a Christmas hike on Vatnajökull glacier
- Extreme Iceland: Offers a range of glacier hikes, including a Christmas hike on Mýrdalsjökull glacier
- Reykjavik Excursions: Offers a range of glacier hikes, including a Christmas hike on Langjökull glacier
9. Go Snowmobiling
One of the most exhilarating and fun experiences in Iceland is snowmobiling. Visitors can explore the country's stunning landscapes on a snowmobile, taking in the breathtaking views and festive atmosphere.
Top Snowmobiling Operators
- Reykjavik Excursions: Offers a range of snowmobiling tours, including a Christmas tour on Langjökull glacier
- Extreme Iceland: Offers a range of snowmobiling tours, including a Christmas tour on Mýrdalsjökull glacier
- Icelandic Mountain Guides: Offers a range of snowmobiling tours, including a Christmas tour on Vatnajökull glacier
What is the best way to experience Iceland's Christmas culture?
+The best way to experience Iceland's Christmas culture is to visit the country during the festive season and participate in various events and activities, such as visiting festive markets, taking a Northern Lights tour, and exploring the country's festive towns.
What are the top festive towns to visit in Iceland?
+The top festive towns to visit in Iceland are Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Húsavík, which offer a range of festive activities and events, including Christmas markets, ice skating, and traditional Icelandic food.
What is the best way to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
+The best way to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is to take a guided Northern Lights tour, which includes a visit to a secluded location away from the city lights, where you can witness the Northern Lights in all their glory.