Christmas in Iceland: 7 Essential Tips for a Magical Winter Holiday
Thinking about spending Christmas in Iceland? Expect glowing Christmas lights, fascinating local traditions, dramatic winter landscapes and some of the shortest days of the year. It’s a wonderful time to visit, but planning ahead matters: restaurants may close, tours have special schedules and winter weather can change your plans.
Is Iceland worth visiting at Christmas? Absolutely, especially if you love winter scenery, festive traditions and outdoor adventures. Just remember that Iceland celebrates Christmas primarily on 24 December, and the days around Christmas and New Year are different from a typical winter holiday.
Whether you’re spending a few nights in Reykjavík or exploring the South Coast towards Vatnajökull, these seven tips will help you experience more of Iceland while avoiding common holiday travel mistakes.
Experience Christmas the Icelandic Way
Christmas in Iceland is called Jól, and its traditions are a little different from those in many other countries.
Instead of one Santa Claus, Iceland has 13 mischievous Yule Lads, known as Jólasveinar. According to Icelandic folklore, they arrive one by one during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas Eve.
Children leave a shoe on their windowsill, hoping to discover a small present the following morning. Those who misbehave might receive a potato instead! When walking around Reykjavík you can spot animated projections of the Yule Lads on houses around downtown, making it a little scavenger hunt not just for the kids.
And then there’s the legendary Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn, a giant feline from Icelandic folklore associated with the tradition of receiving new clothes for Christmas.
When do Icelanders celebrate Christmas?
The main Christmas celebration begins at 6 PM on 24 December.
Families traditionally gather for a festive dinner and exchange gifts that evening. For many Icelanders, Christmas Eve is the most important celebration of the holiday season.
The atmosphere is especially festive in the days beforehand.
On 23 December, known as Þorláksmessa, people finish their Christmas preparations, meet friends and sometimes enjoy a traditional meal of fermented skate.
Not everyone loves the strong smell of this particular dish, but it’s certainly part of the Icelandic Christmas experience!
The shopping malls will be packed as many see it as a tradition to get christmas gifts on the last day instead of planning ahead of time.
Where can visitors enjoy the festive atmosphere?
Reykjavík is an excellent place to enjoy Christmas markets, decorated streets, seasonal food and festive events.
One of the most popular Christmas markets is in the towncenter of Hafnafjörður, not far from Reykjavík and reachable by bus.
The town of Selfoss is another pleasant stop along the South Coast, with shops, restaurants and seasonal decorations. The downtown areas are especially festive.
If you’re travelling beyond the larger towns, expect a quieter atmosphere. In rural Southeast Iceland, Christmas is generally more about home, family and the surrounding winter landscape than Christmas markets.
For official information about traditions and seasonal activities, explore Visit Iceland’s Christmas guide.
2. Plan Around Christmas and New Year’s Opening Hours
Here’s something that surprises many international visitors: Iceland does not operate as usual throughout the Christmas holidays.
The most important dates to plan around are 24–26 December, 31 December and 1 January.
Date |
What visitors should expect |
|---|---|
23 December |
Christmas preparations; some businesses have extended hours |
24 December |
Many shops close early; Christmas celebrations begin at 6 PM |
25 December |
Widespread closures; limited dining and activities |
26 December |
Public holiday; some services reopen with reduced hours |
31 December |
Shortened business hours; New Year’s celebrations |
1 January |
Public holiday; many businesses remain closed |
These are general patterns, not confirmed schedules for individual businesses.
Don’t leave your Christmas dinner to chance
If you’re staying in Reykjavík, book a restaurant offering Christmas dinner well ahead of your visit.
In smaller communities along the South Coast, your options may be more limited. Some accommodation providers offer holiday meals, while others provide self-catering facilities.
Contact your accommodation before arrival and ask about meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
If you’re staying in a holiday cottage or apartment, consider buying groceries before the afternoon of 24 December.
What about fuel stations and cafés?
Even when an automated fuel pump remains available, the attached shop, café or restaurant may be closed.
This is particularly important on the journey between Vík, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, where services are more spread out than in Reykjavík.
Our local advice is to plan both your meals and fuel stops in advance. A little preparation makes the quieter holiday days much more enjoyable.
3. Make Time for Iceland’s Winter Landscapes
One of the best things about spending Christmas in Iceland is that your holiday doesn’t have to revolve around shops, markets or organised celebrations.
Some of the most memorable experiences are outdoors.
Think waterfalls surrounded by winter scenery, mountains catching the last afternoon light and floating blue icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
For travellers exploring Southeast Iceland, Jökulsárlón is one of the region’s most distinctive winter destinations.
Floating icebergs drift across the lagoon, while pieces of glacier ice may wash ashore on nearby Diamond Beach.
During December, the low winter sunlight can create beautiful colours across the ice. However, snow, sunshine and the amount of ice on the beach are never guaranteed.
Both locations can be visited independently when roads and local conditions allow.
If you’re planning a stop, our detailed guide to Jökulsárlón in winter explains what to see, how much time to allow and what to expect during the colder months.
Explore a natural ice cave or blue ice formation
Winter also brings opportunities to explore the glaciers of Vatnajökull with a certified glacier guide.
At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, our winter experiences start at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Our Ice Cave Tour focuses on reaching an accessible natural ice cave or another suitable blue ice formation. The formations and route depend on current glacier conditions.
For active travellers who want more glacier hiking, Blue Ice Discovery combines walking on glacier ice with available blue ice features.
The latter is particularly suitable for visitors who want to experience more of the glacier landscape rather than focus primarily on one ice cave.
Are glacier tours available over Christmas and New Year?
Local Guide’s published holiday schedule currently lists closures on 24–25 December and 31 December–1 January.
For other dates, check the live booking calendar before finalising your holiday itinerary. Our longer Ice Cave Discovery experience is not offered during December and January due to the limited daylight.
Glacier routes and natural formations can change as weather and ice conditions develop. If you’d like to know what our team has observed recently, you can follow our latest ice cave conditions updates.
4. Make the Most of Iceland’s Short December Days
Christmas falls close to the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
In Southeast Iceland, you can expect roughly four hours of daylight around Christmas, with additional twilight before sunrise and after sunset. The twilight periods are exceptionally long and make for beautiful lighting of the winter scenery.
The limited light makes planning particularly important.
How should you organise your sightseeing?
Prioritise your most important outdoor activities during daylight.
If you’re visiting Jökulsárlón, for example, allow enough time to explore the lagoon and Diamond Beach without rushing between attractions.
If you’re joining a guided glacier experience, organise your other sightseeing around the confirmed departure time rather than trying to fit too many stops into one day.
A common mistake is planning a long drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón, several sightseeing stops and a glacier tour on the same winter day.
That leaves very little room for delays, changing weather or simply enjoying the places you’ve travelled so far to see.
Stay closer to your main winter adventure
For visitors heading towards Vatnajökull, we recommend spending at least one night in Southeast Iceland.
Accommodation around Öræfi, Skaftafell or Höfn can provide a convenient base, depending on your route.
Our local accommodation recommendations near Vatnajökull can help you decide where to stay.
Local tip: You don’t need to fill every daylight hour with activities. Sometimes a relaxed morning, one excellent outdoor experience and a comfortable evening at your accommodation make a better holiday than a rushed itinerary.
5. Celebrate New Year’s Eve Like an Icelander
Christmas may be a relatively quiet family celebration, but New Year’s Eve is a different story.
Across Iceland, people celebrate with festive dinners, community bonfires and fireworks.
In Reykjavík, fireworks are particularly famous because the celebrations are spread across neighbourhoods rather than organised as one central municipal display.
Fireworks are sold all over Iceland by the local Search and Rescue Teams. As this is the main fundraiser for the volunteer teams that often help tourists like you and me free of charge, this is a great opportunity to support them.
What happens on New Year’s Eve?
Many Icelanders begin the evening with a family meal.
Later, people may gather around community bonfires, known as brennur, before returning home to watch the popular annual television comedy programme Áramótaskaupið.
As midnight approaches, fireworks light up the sky more than you might be used to from other major capitals around the world. Icelanders take their fireworks quite serious as the celebrations have a special connection to Iceland’s volunteer search and rescue teams, which raise funds through fireworks sales.
Is Reykjavík the best place for New Year’s Eve?
If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, restaurants and large-scale celebrations, Reykjavík is a great choice.
If you prefer a quieter holiday, consider staying in a smaller town or rural guesthouse.
Communities outside the capital also have New Year’s traditions, although the scale of celebrations and scheduled events varies.
If you plan to attend a bonfire, check the municipality’s current event information rather than assuming it takes place at the same location or time each year.
And if you’re hoping to photograph the northern lights, keep in mind that fireworks and city lights can make aurora photography more difficult on New Year’s Eve.
6. Prepare for Winter Weather, Not Just Winter Temperatures
Spending Christmas in Iceland has a very romantic touch to it but travelling around Iceland in winter requires flexibility.
December weather can include snowfall, heavy rain, strong winds, slippery roads and periods of poor visibility.
The exact conditions vary considerably, even over short distances.
A four-wheel-drive rental vehicle can provide useful traction, but it doesn’t make icy roads or storm conditions automatically safe. Before heading out of your car rental, double check the tires, just to be sure.
Every day before heading out, check these resources
Iceland’s official road information for road conditions and closures.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office for weather forecasts and warnings.
SafeTravel Iceland for safety advice and travel alerts.
If official warnings indicate dangerous conditions, adjust your plans rather than trying to reach an attraction or tour at any cost.
What should you pack for your Christmas holiday?
Warm waterproof clothing is essential, even if you’re not planning a glacier adventure.
Bring thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket, gloves, a warm hat and sturdy waterproof footwear.
If an ice cave or glacier activity is on your itinerary, read our ice cave clothing guide before packing.
You may also appreciate a thermos, spare gloves and a power bank for long days outdoors.
What if winter weather changes your plans?
Build some flexibility into your itinerary.
Consider accommodation with suitable cancellation terms, keep an alternative activity in mind and avoid scheduling essential travel connections immediately after long road journeys. Almost every town has a year around open local swimming pool and those stormy days inside a warm hot tub with the snow blowing around your nose, are not only locals favourite weather days.
For the latest travel alerts, rely on official sources rather than assumptions based on the weather outside your hotel.
7. Build a Christmas Itinerary With Room to Enjoy It
The best Christmas holiday in Iceland isn’t necessarily the one with the most attractions.
It’s the one that gives you time to experience both Iceland’s festive culture and its extraordinary winter landscapes.
Here’s an example of how you could combine the two during the Christmas and New Year period.
22–23 December: Enjoy Reykjavík and the festive atmosphere
Start with Christmas lights, seasonal food and a walk through the city centre.
Visit a Christmas market and take time to explore Icelandic traditions.
Use this opportunity to buy anything you’ll need for the holidays.
24–25 December: Slow down and enjoy Christmas
These are ideal days for a relaxed stay in accommodation where you have confirmed meal arrangements.
Enjoy the winter scenery nearby if conditions are suitable, prepare a Christmas meal or simply appreciate a few quieter days.
Avoid relying on spontaneous restaurant bookings or attractions being open.
26–29 December: Explore the South Coast and Vatnajökull
With services beginning to reopen after Christmas, this can be a good time to travel east.
Plan your journey over more than one day, allowing time for weather changes.
Visit the South Coast’s waterfalls, spend time at Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, and consider a guided winter glacier experience on an available departure date.
If the natural blue ice formations are a priority, book your activity in advance rather than assuming places will remain available during the holiday period.
30 December–1 January: Welcome the New Year
Return towards Reykjavík if you want to experience its larger New Year’s celebrations, or arrange a quieter stay elsewhere.
Confirm your New Year’s Eve dinner plans ahead of time.
Leave 1 January relatively relaxed, particularly if your evening celebrations continue late into the night. Maybe plan a pool day or find a ice skating ring.
This is an example of a travel rhythm, not a fixed route. Adapt it to your interests and current road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Iceland
Yes. Christmas in Iceland is particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy winter landscapes, seasonal traditions and a quieter atmosphere. However, the short daylight hours, holiday closures and winter weather require more planning than a summer visit.
Snow is possible, but a white Christmas is not guaranteed. Coastal areas can experience rain, sleet or snow, sometimes within a short period. Higher elevations and inland regions may have different conditions.
Some restaurants, particularly certain hotel restaurants, may offer Christmas meals. Many others are closed. Availability is more limited in rural areas, so book ahead and confirm the holiday schedule directly.
Yes, December’s long nights offer opportunities to see the northern lights. However, sightings depend on cloud cover and auroral activity. Check forecasts and never plan unsafe nighttime drives simply to find clearer skies.
Yes, some operators offer guided winter ice cave and blue ice experiences in December, although holiday closures and weather can affect departures. Local Guide’s winter tours depart from Jökulsárlón, with availability shown in the booking calendar.
Popular activities, hotels and certain attractions can be busy during the festive period, particularly around the school holidays. Reykjavík’s New Year’s celebrations also attract visitors. Book accommodation and important activities ahead of time.
Travel is possible where roads are open and conditions allow, but shops, restaurants and attractions may have reduced services or be closed. Plan fuel, food and accommodation carefully, and check the weather before travelling.
Make Your Christmas Holiday in Iceland Truly Memorable
Christmas in Iceland is a special combination of familiar holiday traditions and experiences you won’t find in many other places.
From the 13 Yule Lads and cosy Christmas evenings to winter waterfalls, floating icebergs and blue glacier formations, there’s plenty to discover beyond the usual festive celebrations.
The secret to enjoying it is simple: plan the essentials, leave room for changing conditions and give yourself enough time to appreciate where you are.
If your holiday takes you towards Vatnajökull, we’d love to share our corner of Iceland with you.
Explore our winter ice cave experiences, check the available dates and see what the glacier has to offer during your visit.
About the Author — Local Guide of Vatnajökull
This article was prepared by the team at Local Guide of Vatnajökull, a family-owned glacier guiding company operating in Southeast Iceland since 1991.
Our articles draw on decades of guiding experience, firsthand glacier observations and knowledge shared by our certified glacier guides. We aim to provide accurate, practical information to help travelers plan their Iceland adventures.
Last reviewed: 5 November 2026
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Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike in Iceland: Which Is Best?
Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike in Iceland: Which Is Best? Planning a glacier adventure in Iceland but not sure whether to explore a natural ice cave or hike across the ice? The ice cave tour vs glacier hike decision depends on more than which activity looks best in photographs. Your travel season, fitness level and interests all make a difference. At Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier, the experiences change with the seasons. Summer is the time for traditional glacier hiking on Falljökull, while winter brings opportunities to discover natural ice caves and blue ice formations on Breiðamerkurjökull. But winter visitors don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. Some adventures combine glacier hiking with blue ice exploration, offering a different experience from a focused ice cave visit. At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, we’ve been guiding visitors since 1991. Here’s how the experiences compare, what to expect in each season and which adventure is right for you. Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike: What’s the Difference? The main difference between an ice cave tour vs glacier hike is the focus of the activity. A glacier hike takes you onto the glacier’s surface to explore its terrain, ice formations and surrounding landscapes. An ice cave tour focuses on visiting a naturally formed cave, tunnel or another accessible blue ice feature. At Local Guide, there is also an important seasonal difference. In summer (May–September), we offer dedicated glacier hikes on Falljökull, near Skaftafell. In winter (October–April), our tours operate on Breiðamerkurjökull, near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Visitors can choose a focused ice cave experience or an adventure combining glacier hiking with blue ice exploration. Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike: Quick Comparison Feature Ice Cave Tour Glacier Hike Main focus Natural ice cave or blue ice formation Walking and exploring glacier terrain Experience Focused ice feature exploration Active glacier walking Walking Approach walk; varies with conditions A central part of the activity Photography Ice caves, tunnels and blue ice textures Landscapes, ridges and ice formations Local Guide’s season Winter Summer, plus combined winter adventures Glacier Breiðamerkurjökull Falljökull in summer; Breiðamerkurjökull in winter Best for Travellers prioritising natural blue ice Travellers interested in hiking and exploration The key takeaway: If you’re visiting Iceland in summer, a traditional glacier hike is an excellent way to explore Vatnajökull. If you’re travelling in winter, you can choose between a focused ice cave visit and a glacier hike combined with blue ice features. What Is a Glacier Hike in Iceland? A glacier hike is a guided walk across the surface of a glacier, using specialised equipment such as crampons to travel over ice. Rather than visiting one particular formation, the experience focuses on exploring the glacier itself. Your guide leads you through a landscape shaped by ice movement, melting and changing weather. Along the way, you may encounter fascinating ice formations, ridges, crevasses viewed from suitable positions and remarkable mountain scenery. Glacier hikes can vary in difficulty, from shorter introductory walks to longer adventures involving more elevation gain. Summer Glacier Hiking on Falljökull From May to September, Local Guide operates its dedicated glacier hikes on Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Skaftafell National Park. This glacier is known for its dramatic icefall, rugged terrain and impressive glacial landscapes. Our summer experiences include: Glacier Encounter — A shorter, approximately three-hour introduction to glacier hiking, ideal for first-time visitors and families who want to experience walking on glacier ice. Glacier Discovery — A more active, approximately four-hour glacier hike exploring farther up Falljökull towards its impressive icefall. Both experiences introduce visitors to the glacier’s natural environment, with different amounts of walking and physical commitment. Summer glacier hiking is an excellent option for travellers who enjoy outdoor activities, want to learn about glaciers and prefer exploring wide landscapes rather than concentrating on entering a cave. For a more detailed explanation of glacier terrain and equipment, read our Ultimate Guide to Glacier Hikes in Vatnajökull. What Is an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland? An ice cave tour focuses on exploring natural formations within or along a glacier, rather than hiking extensively across its surface. These formations develop as meltwater, glacier movement and seasonal conditions reshape the ice. Depending on the location, visitors may encounter tunnels, cave passages, sculpted blue ice walls or other remarkable features. Natural ice caves are constantly changing. Their size, colour, accessibility and shape can differ significantly between seasons, and even from one week to the next. Winter Ice Cave Tours on Breiðamerkurjökull From October to April, Local Guide’s winter operations move to Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Our Ice Cave Tour is designed primarily around visiting the best safely accessible natural ice cave or blue ice formation available on the day. After meeting your guide at Jökulsárlón, you’ll travel towards the glacier in a modified 4×4 vehicle. From there, you continue on foot to reach the selected formation. An important distinction: our Ice Cave Tour is not a dedicated glacier hike. 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You can enjoy a guided glacier hike and explore blue ice formations during the same winter adventure. This is where the ice cave tour vs glacier hike comparison becomes