This Christmas season Reykjavik is expecting a record number of visitors. If you are one of those lucky visitors you have made an excellent choice, Reykjavik is a winter wonderland this time of the year. While Reykjavik doesn’t have one of those amazing Christmas markets that every other city in Europe does this quirky little town still has a ton of holiday fun to offer!
So pack your wool underwear and head up North to kick off the holiday season. And to ensure maximum holiday fun I put together one Christmassy filled day in the city.
One | Send your Christmas wish list to Santa
What better way to kick off your day of Christmas fun than by sending in your wishlist to the big guy?! Head to the main shopping street in downtown Reykjavik, Laugavegur, where you will find the Icelandic Santa’s postbox located outside one of the most adorable Christmas store around.
Once you drop your letter off to Santa be sure to take some time browsing around the shop. Just a stop inside this store puts me in the Christmas spirit and it is a great place to pick up an Icelandic ornament, a perfect souvenir to remember all the holiday fun you had in Iceland!
Two | Go shopping on Laugavegur
With your Christmas wish list mailed to Santa, head off to tackle your holiday shopping list and pick up some special Icelandic gifts in one of the many shops on Laugavegur. If your in Reykjavik on the 23rd you won’t want to miss an Icelandic tradition of walking Laugavegur in the evening, the streets will be packed with Icelanders out walking around and doing some last minute shopping and everyone is full of holiday cheer.
Three | Admire the Christmas decorations in Harpa
Harpa is a must visit spot when in Reykjavik no matter what time of year you are in Iceland, but throw some Christmas decorations up in this unique and beautiful building and you have one impressive space to check out. My personal favorite is the adorable store on the first floor, I added everything in there to my wishlist! And, if you are lucky you may stumble onto a Christmas concert in action!
Four | Walk around Tjörnin
Before your stomachs tell you its time for a snack take a walk around Tjörnin, the large pond in the middle of Reykjavik. The path around the pond takes you past sculptures, a large park area, and of course the ducks that are just waiting to be fed. When the winter sun shines down on the pond it makes for one beautiful setting!
Five | Warm up with some hot drinks and treats inside one of Reykjavik’s many cozy cafes
Let’s be honest, it is cold in Reykjavik during December, like really cold. Luckily Reykjavik has tons of adorable cafes perfect for warming up with a warm drink and a tasty treat. Each cafe in Reykjavik has its own unique hipster vibe going on, it won’t matter which one you chose they are all equally charming and cozy!
Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Stofan - This is my go-to cafe for anything from a soy latte to a glass of wine
Tíu Dropar - Located in a basement this tiny cafe is the perfect spot to warm up and enjoy tasty Icelandic treats
Reykjavik Roasters - If you are a coffee lover this is a must try spot for you, they are know for having the best coffee in the city!
Six | Hit the skating rink
After warming up head back outside and test out your ice skating skills in the new skating rink downtown. The Viking and I have yet to hit the ice but it is on our list before the month is over!
Seven | Spot all the Christmas trees around town
My first Christmas in Iceland I was amazed at how many Christmas trees the city put up around town. And the fact that the Christmas trees survive the Icelandic winds, that is a Christmas miracle. Walk around town and see how many trees you find, good luck choosing a favorite!
Eight | Enjoy dinner at a Christmas buffet
Christmas buffets, known as jólahlaðborð, are a big part of the Icelandic Christmas celebrations. Most companies have Christmas buffets and many families and friend groups head out to a restaurant for a Christmas buffet or two each holiday season. My first Christmas in Iceland I didn’t really understand the Christmas buffets, nor realize what a big part of the holiday season it was. Now, I look forward to all the delicious food we get at the Christmas buffets!
Most restaurants offer a special Christmas time menu so you can have your own Christmas buffet experience while in Reykjavik. This list is full of great spots to chose from!
And make sure you enjoy lots of laufabrauð, my favorite part about the Christmas buffets!
Nine | Take an evening stroll to admire the Christmas Lights
Bundled up and take the long way back to your hotel. What perfect way to end your Christmas day in Reykjavik with a walk around a winter wonderland?! The combination of snow and Christmas lights will make you forget about the cold and have you planning your next Christmas time trip back to Reykjavik!
My lovely Reykjavik, it is a beautiful city all year long, but Christmas time is when it really shines! A Christmas wonderland don’t you think?!
Question of the Day?
What are your favorite Christmas activities to do in your city?
