Reykjavik: Christmas Walking Tour with Icelandic Traditions

Walking through Reykjavik during the Christmas season is like stepping into a cozy, fairy-tale version of the city. This 2-hour guided tour offers a charming glimpse into Iceland’s unique holiday customs, folklore, and festive decorations, all brought to life by passionate local guides. It’s a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit while learning about Icelandic traditions that you won’t find in typical holiday tours.

What makes this experience stand out is the mix of historical storytelling, cultural insights, and the chance to see iconic sights like the Christmas market, the Oslo Christmas Tree, and the majestic Hallgrímskirkja. Our favorite aspect? The storytelling about the 13 Santas of Iceland and their mischievous friends, which adds a playful, authentic touch to the holiday experience. A potential drawback? For those wanting a more in-depth exploration of Reykjavik, this is a brief walk, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a festive overview rather than a comprehensive city tour.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who love Christmas, folklore, and discovering local traditions in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. If you’re curious about Icelandic holiday customs, want to see the city’s decorations up close, or enjoy stories that bring local culture to life, this tour offers excellent value and genuine charm.

Key Points

• Authentic Icelandic traditions: Learn about the 13 Santas, their mother, and the Christmas Cat.
• Festive sights: Admire Reykjavik’s holiday lights, decorations, and Christmas market stalls.
• Cultural insights: Discover Icelandic folklore and Christmas foods through engaging storytelling.
• Special visits: Stop at a bookstore for unique Christmas books and enjoy discounts at various stores and restaurants.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for families and anyone interested in Icelandic holiday customs.
• Accessible and flexible: Wheelchair accessible and can be booked as a private tour in any language.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Atmosphere

The tour begins at Víkurgarður, also known as Fógetagarður or Bæjarfógetagarður, a cheerful spot in the heart of Reykjavik near the statue of Skúli Magnússon. From here, you immediately get a feel for the city’s festive ambiance. The streets are decorated with Christmas lights, and the air is filled with a sense of warmth and anticipation — especially if you’re visiting in December when the city really embraces the holiday spirit.

Exploring Reykjavik’s Festive Heart

As you set out, you’re led through some of the most iconic parts of downtown Reykjavik. The Ice skating rink at Ingólfur Square is a highlight, where you can see locals and visitors alike trying their hand at skating or simply marveling at the seasonal setting. The Christmas market stalls lining the area offer a glimpse of local crafts, festive treats, and holiday souvenirs — perfect for picking up a unique gift or just soaking in the cheerful atmosphere.

One of the tour’s standout moments is a visit to the Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvöllur Square. This beautifully lit tree is a symbol of Iceland’s strong Nordic ties and offers a great photo opportunity, especially with the colorful holiday lights contrasting against the dark winter sky.

Discovering Icelandic Christmas Lore

What truly sets this tour apart are the stories. Your guide—likely someone like Steinar or Guðrún, based on reviews—brings Icelandic Christmas traditions to life with tales of the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous Santa-like figures who visit children in the lead-up to Christmas. Unlike the North American Santa, these figures are colorful characters with quirky personalities, each with their own stories that reveal Iceland’s playful and slightly mischievous holiday spirit.

You’ll also learn about their mother, Grýla, a troll who’s famous for eating naughty children, and the Christmas Cat, a fierce feline that reportedly stalks those who haven’t received new clothes for Christmas. These stories aren’t just fun—they serve as a reminder of Iceland’s long-standing tradition of storytelling and its importance during the holidays.

A Cozy Bookstore and Holiday Shopping

Midway through, the tour makes a charming stop at a cozy bookstore. Here, you’ll see a collection of unique Icelandic Christmas books—a treasure for book lovers and a reflection of how Icelanders love to incorporate literature into their holiday traditions. It’s more than just browsing; it’s about understanding a core part of Icelandic culture: their love for stories and books, especially during Christmas.

After the bookshop visit, you’re taken to Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. Here, the tour offers discounts at select Christmas stores, stalls, and even some restaurants, making it a practical bonus for those wanting to pick up gifts or enjoy a festive meal after the walk.

The Majestic Hallgrímskirkja

The tour’s final stop is at the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church, one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmarks. Walking up Skólavörðustígur, you get a sense of the city’s charming architecture and vibrant holiday decorations. From here, you have a wonderful vantage point over the city, especially in the evening when the lights really shine.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This guided walking tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a manageable yet immersive experience. It’s suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible, which means everyone can enjoy the festive sights and stories. The tour departs from Víkurgarður, right at a central location in Reykjavik, and ends back at the starting point, so you can easily continue exploring or head to a nearby café or restaurant.

The tour includes a lively guide who narrates stories in English, bringing Icelandic Christmas traditions to life with humor and insight. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly—think layers, hats, gloves—since even indoors, December weather can be chilly, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.

The price of $64 per person seems quite reasonable considering what’s included: a guided storytelling experience, visits to festive spots, and access to discounts. Compared to other tours that might only provide sightseeing, this one offers a cultural deep dive, making it a worthwhile investment for those wanting a meaningful holiday experience.

How Authentic Is It?

Reviews highlight how local guides share personal anecdotes and lesser-known tales, enriching the experience beyond a simple sightseeing walk. Guests appreciated the friendly, engaging style of guides and the opportunity to see genuine Christmas traditions that aren’t typically covered in tourist-focused tours.

Potential Drawbacks

Some might find the tour somewhat brief or wish it included more about Reykjavik’s history or other Christmas-related activities. However, for those interested primarily in festive folklore and enjoying the city’s holiday decorations, it delivers plenty of charm in a short, well-organized format.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This Christmas walking tour is a delightful way to learn about Icelandic holiday customs without spending a fortune or dedicating an entire day. It’s a perfect introduction for first-time visitors eager to see Reykjavik’s festive sights and learn about the Icelandic Yuletide characters.

Travelers who enjoy storytelling, cultural insights, and a relaxed pace will find this experience especially rewarding. It’s family-friendly, accessible, and offers small perks like discounts that make it even more appealing for holiday shoppers.

If your Christmas trip to Reykjavik involves a desire for authentic local traditions paired with beautiful scenery and festive cheer, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s not overly commercialized or touristy—just a genuine glimpse into Iceland’s unique holiday spirit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for children who enjoy stories and festive sights. The folklore and colorful characters are engaging for all ages.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layered clothing, hats, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. Reykjavik can be quite cold in December, even in the evening.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours, making it a relaxed way to experience Reykjavik’s holiday atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Can I join this tour if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, so most mobility concerns are accommodated.

Are there any food or drink stops?
While the tour focuses on sights and stories, discounts are available at some local restaurants and stalls, which can be used afterward for warm drinks or holiday treats.

Is the tour available in other languages?
The tour is conducted in English, but private tours can be arranged in any language.

What is the meeting point?
It starts at Víkurgarður, near the statue of Skúli Magnússon in Reykjavik’s city center.

Will I see the Christmas market?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Ingólfur Square with its holiday stalls and decorations.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, this Reykjavik Christmas walking tour offers a cozy, authentic look into Icelandic holiday traditions wrapped in festive sights and engaging stories. It’s ideal for those new to Icelandic customs, families, and anyone wanting a memorable, light-hearted holiday experience. The combination of charming storytelling, scenic stops, and special discounts makes it great value for your Christmas trip. Just remember to bundle up and enjoy the magic of Reykjavik in December.