The 10 Best Christmas Tours & Experiences in Reykjavik
Reykjavik during Christmas is a scene straight out of a winter postcard. The city lights up with festive decorations, cozy Christmas markets, and traditions that are uniquely Icelandic. Whether you’re into tasting holiday treats, exploring the city’s illuminated streets, or learning about Icelandic folklore, Reykjavik offers a variety of Christmas experiences that truly capture the spirit of the season.
One of our favorites is the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour, which combines delicious local flavors with fascinating stories about Iceland’s Christmas traditions. We also love the Christmas Walking Tour for its lively atmosphere and folklore-rich storytelling. For a more exclusive experience, the Magical Christmas Private Tour offers a personalized look at the city’s holiday highlights.
If you’re seeking a comprehensive foodie adventure, the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks combines culinary delights with local drinks, making it a standout. For a relaxed, family-friendly option, the Reykjavik: Christmas Walking Tour with Icelandic Traditions is packed with folklore, stories, and seasonal treats.
1. The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour
At number 1, the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour takes you on a 3-hour journey through the city’s festive culinary scene. This tour explores Reykjavik’s Christmas specialties, visiting the Little Christmas Store in Laugavegur and tasting local dishes at multiple eateries. The guide shares intriguing Christmas stories with a mix of humor and tradition, giving you insight into Icelandic holiday customs.
Guests consistently praise the tour for its well-rounded experience, from sampling reindeer pâté to crispy leaf bread (laufabrauð). The small group setting makes it personal, allowing for lively conversations and questions. Reviewers mention guides like Pauly and Esther E, who bring warmth and depth to the experience, making it both fun and educational. The included tastings create a hearty meal, so come hungry.
Key highlights include tasting Christmas specialties, visiting local shops with discounts, and hearing about Icelandic Christmas stories—some amusing, others a bit terrifying. The tour is ideal for food lovers wanting an authentic taste of Iceland’s holiday traditions. The value is excellent, considering the comprehensive experience packed into three hours.
Bottom line: If you want to learn about Icelandic Christmas flavors and stories, this tour is a delicious and entertaining choice.
2. 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik
For around $149, the 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour offers a cozy, intimate setting with a small group. It’s perfect for travelers who want a personal touch while exploring Reykjavik’s culinary Christmas treats. Meeting in front of the Center Hotels Plaza, you’ll visit various stops, including the Little Christmas Shop, Le KocK restaurant, and the Reykjavik Taste Of Iceland store.
This tour emphasizes local foods unavailable at other times of the year, from smoked lamb to Christmas treats. It also includes a visit to the Christmas store Litla Jolabudin, where you’ll receive a small gift. The guide shares Icelandic holiday customs, and all samples add up to a large, satisfying meal. The highlight is tasting reindeer pâté and crispy laufabrauð while learning about Iceland’s Christmas folklore.
Guests love the warm storytelling and the variety of flavors. One reviewer praised the guide’s storytelling about Yule Lads and the Christmas Cat, calling it a “blast.” The tour’s personal size makes it a good fit for foodies, couples, or families seeking an immersive experience.
Bottom line: For a relaxed, well-curated culinary adventure into Iceland’s festive fare, this small-group tour offers excellent value.
3. Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
The Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour is a 2-hour stroll through the city’s most decorated streets. Starting at the Center Hotels Plaza, you’ll visit Ingólfstorg Square, Austurvöllur Square, and the charming Lækjartorg. Along the way, your guide shares stories about Icelandic Christmas traditions, like the 13 Santa Clauses, the Christmas Troll Grýla, and the Christmas Cat.
What makes this tour special is its focus on folklore and local customs. You’ll see festive markets, decorated streets, and the Oslo Christmas tree, all while enjoying stories that bring Iceland’s holiday spirit to life. The tour is family-friendly and perfect for those wanting a laid-back, cultural experience. During the walk, you’ll also visit a bookstore showcasing Icelandic Christmas books and enjoy seasonal treats.
Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide Stefan, who makes the folklore lively and fun. The tour is great for history enthusiasts and families alike, offering a taste of Iceland’s unique Christmas traditions beyond just decorations.
Bottom line: If you want a festive, story-rich walk through Reykjavik’s holiday scene, this tour is an engaging choice.
4. Magical Christmas Tour in Beautiful Reykjavik
At number 4, the Magical Christmas Tour in Reykjavik is a private, 2-hour exploration of the city’s most enchanting spots. Starting at Hallgrimskirkja, this personalized tour takes you through colorful streets, cozy squares, and the oldest Christmas tree in Iceland. It’s perfect for travelers who want a tailored experience with a local guide.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on capturing the Christmas atmosphere with beautiful photo opportunities. The guide points out decorated streets, lit-up squares, and hidden gems often missed by visitors. It’s a flexible, intimate experience that allows plenty of time for questions and local tips. Reviewers appreciate the private setting, which makes it feel like a holiday stroll with a friend.
While not the most budget-friendly, this tour provides an immersive, customized experience, great for couples or small groups wanting a memorable holiday walk with plenty of festive cheer.
Bottom line: For a personal, scenic exploration of Reykjavik’s Christmas magic, this private tour is a luxurious way to celebrate the season.
$312.83 per person
5. Private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
The Private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour offers a customized two-hour journey through the city’s most festive streets. Starting at Fógetagarðurinn, the tour covers highlights like the Ice skating rink, the Oslo Christmas tree, and the Christmas market stalls. Your guide shares Icelandic holiday stories, including the legends of the 13 Santas and the Christmas Troll Grýla.
This tour is perfect if you want a flexible, private experience tailored to your interests. The guide provides context about Icelandic traditions while you enjoy seasonal sights and sounds. Plus, you’ll get to indulge in a hot cocoa and pastry, immersing yourself fully in the holiday spirit. The small group size ensures a relaxed pace and plenty of personal attention.
Reviewers note that the guide’s storytelling makes the folklore come alive, and the experience is both fun and educational. It’s well-suited for couples, families, or small groups who appreciate a more intimate tour.
Bottom line: If personalized service and cultural insights matter most, this private tour delivers a cozy, memorable Christmas outing.
6. Magical Christmas Private Tour in Beautiful Reykjavik
The Magical Christmas Private Tour is a bespoke two-hour experience designed for up to four people. It focuses on Reykjavik’s most picturesque Christmas spots, including Hallgrimskirkja and colorful Rainbow Street. The guide leads you through beautifully decorated streets, sharing stories of Icelandic holiday traditions.
This tour’s strength is its flexibility. You can customize the route or focus on particular sights, making it ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience. The private setting ensures plenty of time for photos and questions, with a local guide providing insights into Icelandic Christmas customs. Reviewers note the guide Tomas’s responsiveness and knowledge, which enhance the experience.
While pricier, this tour offers an exclusive, in-depth look at Reykjavik’s holiday atmosphere. It’s best suited for small groups or couples seeking a personalized, scenic stroll during the festive season.
Bottom line: For a high-end, customized Christmas experience, this private tour combines comfort and cultural insights beautifully.
$1,561 per group up to 4
7. Reykjavik: Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks
The Reykjavik: Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks is a 3-hour culinary adventure that immerses you in Icelandic Christmas flavors. The tour features stops at local eateries for traditional dishes like smoked lamb, and seasonal drinks such as mulled wine (Jólaglögg). You’ll explore the city’s Christmas lights and decorations while sampling these festive treats.
Perfect for food lovers, the tour also includes a visit to a vintage Christmas store where you’ll receive a gift inspired by local traditions. The guide explains the significance of each dish and drink, adding depth to your tasting experience. Guests find this tour excellent for its variety and authenticity.
Guests particularly highlight the rich flavors and the lively atmosphere, making it a fun, delicious way to experience Reykjavik during the holidays. The price reflects the generous tastings and local drinks included, offering good value for this immersive experience.
Bottom line: For a tasty, cultural exploration of Iceland’s holiday cuisine, this guided food tour hits all the right notes.
$146 per person
8. Reykjavik: Christmas Walking Tour with Icelandic Traditions
On the Reykjavik: Christmas Walking Tour with Icelandic Traditions, you’ll explore the city’s streets decorated for the season while learning about Icelandic holiday customs. Starting from Víkurgarður, this 2-hour walk covers Reykjavik’s lit streets, markets, and landmarks like the Ice skating rink and the Oslo Christmas Tree.
Your guide shares stories about the 13 Santas, the Christmas Troll Grýla, and the Christmas Cat, bringing local folklore to life. A stop at a bookstore showcasing Icelandic Christmas books adds a literary touch. Guests enjoy hot chocolate and seasonal treats along the way, soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Reviews praise the guide’s storytelling, making the folklore accessible and fun. This tour appeals to those interested in cultural traditions, family travelers, and anyone wanting a relaxed, story-driven experience.
Bottom line: If you’re after a blend of sightseeing, storytelling, and seasonal treats, this tour offers a well-rounded holiday experience.
$64 per person
9. Reykjavik: Private Christmas Food Tour with a Local Guide
The Reykjavik: Private Christmas Food Tour with a Local Guide offers a personalized 3-hour culinary exploration. Your guide takes you through local markets and eateries to sample traditional Christmas dishes like smoked lamb and seasonal sweets, all while sharing stories about their origins.
This private tour is ideal if you want an intimate experience with flexible timing. Guests appreciate the detailed explanations and local insights, which deepen the connection with Icelandic culture. The tour includes tastings that form a substantial meal, making it perfect for foodies eager to understand what Icelanders eat during the holidays.
The review mentions that the guide’s storytelling about traditional dishes and the cultural context enriches the experience significantly. It’s suitable for couples, families, or small groups wanting a more in-depth, customized culinary adventure.
Bottom line: If you seek a private, expert-led food experience that reveals Iceland’s seasonal flavors, this tour is a top choice.
$226 per person
10. Reykjavik: Private Christmas Walking Tour
Rounding out the list, the Reykjavik: Private Christmas Walking Tour lets you explore the city’s festive streets at your own pace. Starting at Víkurgarður, the 2-hour walk covers major sights like the Ice skating rink, the Christmas market stalls, and the Christmas Tree at Austurvöllur.
Your guide shares stories about the 13 Santa Clauses, the Christmas Troll Grýla, and the Christmas Cat, giving you a deep dive into Icelandic folklore. You’ll enjoy a warm drink and pastry along the way, enhancing the cozy holiday atmosphere. The private setting allows for customization and plenty of questions, making it ideal for those who want a tailored experience.
Guests note that the guide’s storytelling makes the stories of Iceland’s Christmas legends come alive, creating a memorable holiday ambiance. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, private experience with local insights.
Bottom line: For a personalized, folklore-rich walk through Reykjavik during Christmas, this tour offers warmth and cultural depth.
$155 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Christmas Tour in Reykjavik
When selecting the right experience, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you’re a foodie eager to try authentic Icelandic Christmas dishes, the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour or the Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks are excellent options. For those who want a scenic, relaxed exploration, the private Magical Christmas Private Tour provides a customizable experience.
Folklore lovers will enjoy the Christmas Walking Tour or the Christmas Walking Tour with Traditions. For a truly private, intimate experience, consider the Private Christmas Private Tour or the Private Christmas Walking Tour.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private tours or those with limited availability during the busy holiday season. Think about your preferred pace—whether a lively group or a personalized stroll—and choose accordingly.
Reykjavik offers a wonderful variety of Christmas tours, from hearty food experiences to folklore-rich walks. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a romantic getaway, there’s something to capture the magic of Iceland’s holiday season. For a cozy, festive visit, any of these tours will give you a memorable slice of Christmas in the land of fire and ice.