CHRISTMAS IN REYKJAVIK
The 9 best reykjavik christmas tours you can book this season, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Leave Reykjavik’s Old Harbor at 11 pm aboard a comfortable Special Tours boat. Cruise into Faxaflói Bay, watch fireworks erupt across the city, and raise a glass of champagne at midnight. You can watch from the indoor saloon or open deck. Warm overalls and a bar are included, with return around 12:30 am.
You board the Amelia Rose at Ægisgarður 5b for a 10:30 PM cruise into Faxaflói bay. An English-speaking guide, onboard bar, Wi-Fi, three panoramic decks, and a complimentary glass of Champagne frame your midnight view of Reykjavik’s fireworks. The yacht returns about 12:30 AM. Dress warmly, since the best views are outside.
“t Everything was perfect, very good service and management. The best! Thank you 😊”
Sail from Reykjavik’s harbor aboard the Arctic Rose at 10:30 PM for a two-hour New Year’s Eve cruise. An English-speaking guide, three observation decks, warm blankets, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a complimentary glass of Champagne are included. You will watch fireworks over Reykjavik and nearby towns from Faxaflói bay, then return about 12:30 AM.
“Amazing evening for nye plus added bonus of seeing northern lights”
Walk central Reykjavik with a local guide such as Palli, Paul, or Einar while tasting smoked lamb, laufabrauð, gravlax, reindeer paté, herring, and Christmas drinks. The tour includes a stop at the Little Christmas Store, lively Icelandic folklore, and a locally inspired gift. Tell the operator about allergies before booking.
“Op deze 1e kerstdag met een leuke groep mensen deze tour gedaan. Onze gids Palli was een geweldige gids. Een echte Viking en een geweldige verhalen verteller. In de restaurants regelde hij alles. Restaurants waren ook heel goed en wij hebben IJslandse gerechten geproefd en deze vielen niet tegen. Kortom, een aanrader.”
Join Your Friend in Reykjavik for a two-hour English walking tour through downtown’s Christmas lights and folklore. Your guide introduces you to Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads, troll Grýla, the Christmas Cat, holiday foods, book traditions, markets, and Litla Jólabúðin. The walk ends at Hallgrímskirkja and runs only in December.
“Guide sympa, lumières féeriques, jolie ville pour passer Noël.”
Walk central Reykjavik with a local guide and learn about Icelandic Christmas customs, the Yule Lads, the Christmas Cat, books, music, and holiday food. The route runs from Ingólfstorg to Hallgrímskirkja, with stops at festive squares, shops, and a warm drink break on some departures. Guides may include Stefan, Ester, Einar, or Barti.
“Ester E. Is a fabulous tour guide! I really do feel like I have a friend in Reyjkavik !!! So knowledgeable and funny. She made you feel like family”
Spend 1.5 hours aboard a comfortable motor yacht off Reykjavik. Search for the Northern Lights near Videy Island and Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace monument, then move toward shore for the city’s huge midnight fireworks display. English and Icelandic guides lead the cruise, with champagne served at midnight.
“An intimate way to spend NYE in Reykjavik... capped at 35 people on a luxury yacht, we got Earth's fireworks (Northern Lights) and the just insane fireworks show the citizens of Reykjavik put on every New Year's Eve! If visiting Reykjavik during the New Year's holiday, I definitely recommend taking this cruise!”
Walk central Reykjavik with a local English-speaking guide, learning about the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads, their troll mother Grýla, and the Christmas Cat. You’ll visit Ingólfur Square, Austurvöllur, a book store, Laugavegur, and Hallgrímskirkja, with possible food samples and shopping discounts.
“Tour met onze gids Robyn was top. Zij gaf ons een goed beeld van IJsland. Na afloop nog diverse hapjes aangeboden gekregen.”
Walk central Reykjavik with an English-speaking guide such as Palli, tasting smoked lamb, laufabrauð, reindeer pâté, gravlax, herring, and Christmas drinks. You will also visit the Little Christmas Store, learn the stories behind each dish, and receive a locally inspired gift. Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are essential.
Pick a market, a light show or a sleigh.
