December in Reykjavík | Visit Reykjavík

Reykjavík is getting its Christmas costume on and in December there will be a varied program in the city centre and elsewhere. The Christmas cat will be in place and the Christmas lights, about 200 bulbs, and 20 kilometres of the Christmas series make their mark on the environment. The Oslo tree, which has a permanent place in the minds of the city's residents, illuminates Austurvöllur and is an essential part of the Christmas city.

Reykjavík’s growing reputation as an alternative Christmas destination has exceeded all expectations, attracting much international media attention and a record number of visitors to the city.

Compiled below are all the spectacular Christmas events and attractions that are going on in December. Have fun!

From the 15th of December, many stores will stay open daily until 22:00.

Christmas Village

A feast of sights and sounds, the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður offers live entertainment, visits from the Icelandic Yule Lads and quaint village of Christmas houses selling everything from Icelandic design and craft to snacks and hot drinks. And don't forget to try some of the homemade Icelandic delicacies.

Ice Skating at Ingolfstorg Square

A Christmas village decorated with lights is next to the rink where you can enjoy food, drinks and other goods while getting into the Christmas spirit.

The Christmas Creatures

All of the Icelandic Christmas Creatures will be present at the Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhús, at City Hall, and in various places around the city from the 1st of December and throughout the holidays.

The Oslo tree

The lighting of the Oslo Christmas tree marks the beginning of the Christmas city of Reykjavík, but the tree is picked up in the Norwegian grove in Heiðmörk. It has been more than half a century since the tree was first lit.

Christmas at Árbær Open Air Museum

Árbæjarsafn's Christmas program is an essential part of Advent in the city since the search for a place that is as pleasant and fun to visit at this time of year.

The Christmas Cat

The Christmas Cat is among the best-known Icelandic Christmas creatures. It is a humongous animal, well known to people of all ages in Iceland.

Christmas forest in City Hall

One of the main halls in City Hall will be transformed into a small Christmas forest

Christmas Valley in Laugardalur

In December, the whole family can have fun together in Laugardalur Christmas Valley, where Christmas lights and decorations set the mood for a festive Advent.

Austurvöllur Christmas market

Kvosin in Reykjavík dresses up in festive costume in December. Jólakvosin is a Christmas market that opens in the heart of Kvosinn by the Ice skating rink at Ingólfstorg

Christmas market at Hjartartorg

The Christmas market at Hjartatorg will be held from 5-6 December, 12-13 December, and then from 18-23 December. There you will find a wide range of retailers with small products, groceries, and others

Christmas Market at Elliðavatnsbær in Heiðmörk

The annual Christmas market in Heiðmörk woods is located on the outskirts of Reykjavík. The market is generally open on Advent weekends

New Year's Eve in Reykjavík

December 31stJoin 200,000 people on New Year's Eve as the city's population unleashes an unforgettable epic display of fireworks! This legendary night is very much created by the people of Reykjavik who collectively do an amazing job.