The Christmas season is in full swing in Iceland. Many of my podcast listeners and followers on social media have asked about some awesome ways to experience Christmas in Iceland. Back in 2019, I shared 16 Christmas Activities to Do While Visiting Iceland on the podcast. While that list is still helpful, I wanted to update it a bit and provide some more links to activities that you might find helpful.Iceland during Christmas is a wonderland of unique traditions and festive activities, particularly in the Reykjavík area. Here are six reasons why these activities make for an unforgettable holiday experience:
1. Icelandic Christmas Buffet

The Christmas season in Iceland is rich with culinary traditions, and the local buffet is a must-try. It's not just about the food, which includes delicacies like hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and laufabrauð (leaf bread), but also about the experience of sharing these traditional dishes in a festive atmosphere.It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture. One of my favorite things is that there are regular Christmas buffets and all vegan ones. I had the pleasure of going to an all vegan one at Plantan Kaffihús, a vegan cafe in the city, and it was phenomenal.I have also been to ones that are mixed, like at Hotel Borg. If you plan to experience an Icelandic Christmas buffet, make sure to show up hungry and open to trying types of cuisine that you might not ordinarily come across.
2. A Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour

This guided tour by Your Friend in Reykjavik is a fantastic way to explore the city's Christmas spirit. It offers a blend of history, culture, folklore, and holiday cheer, providing insights into how Icelanders celebrate Christmas. The walk around Reykjavík’s beautifully decorated streets, filled with stories and local lore, is an intimate way to experience the city's festive heart.If you use my code ALLTHINGSICELAND (in all caps) you can save 10% on your Christmas Walk with Your Friend in Reykjavík.
3. Hunt for the Icelandic Yule Lads in Reykjavík

The Yule Lads are a unique and quirky part of Icelandic Christmas folklore. Searching for their projections on downtown buildings turns the city into a playful and magical scavenger hunt. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity.On Reykjavik city’s website, they announced fun prizes that they are giving away for those who participate in the scavenger hunt. I have a link to that in the description of this episode on my website.In December of 2021, I shared the Yule Lads poem on my podcast in Icelandic and English for each of the 13 days that they each come to town. I started on that day to introduce their troll mother Grýla and other members of their family, like the Yule Cat.
4. Ice Skating at Ingólfstorg Square
Located in the heart of Reykjavík, ice skating here is not just an activity; it’s an experience. Surrounded by the city's festive lights and lively atmosphere, it's a picturesque way to enjoy the Icelandic winter.Usually, there are Icelandic santas, or Yule Lads, hanging out on the ice and playing with the kids. One warning that I think is worth mentioning is that the ice-skating rink here is not smooth.It is a bit bumpy for a rink, so please be aware that can be harder to smoothly skate and easy to potentially fall. I am not sure why they are not able to make it smooth, especially since the ice-skating rink in Hafnarfjörður’s Christmas market is very smooth. I love to ice skate, so I had a blast doing it but I had to catch myself from falling a few times. Just a heads up for those that want to try it.
5. Visiting Icelandic Christmas Markets:

The Icelandic Christmas Markets in the Reykjavík area include  Ingólfstorg, Heiðmörk, Hjartatorg, and the Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village. They offer a cozy, cheerful atmosphere where you can find everything from uniq...