3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik

Thinking about experiencing Reykjavik during the holiday season? If you’re a foodie who loves discovering local traditions and flavors, this 3-hour shared Christmas food tour might just be your perfect festive escape. While I haven’t taken this specific tour myself, I’ve looked into what makes it special, and I can honestly say it offers a warm, tasty peek into Iceland’s Christmas culinary traditions.

What really caught my eye are the small-group setting, which promises a more personal, relaxed experience, and the inclusive bites that seem to amount to a significant meal—no need to worry about snacks or lunch afterward. Plus, the guide’s stories about Icelandic holiday customs, like the Yule Lads, add a cozy cultural layer that many travelers find charming.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is tailored to those who want an authentic, immersive taste of Christmas Iceland-style, not just a sightseeing stroll. It’s ideal for food lovers or anyone curious about local traditions during the holidays. If you’re after a lively, well-rounded culinary adventure that’s manageable in time and budget, this tour appears to check those boxes nicely.

Key Points

• Intimate experience with a small group of travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Authentic Icelandic foods and holiday traditions you won’t find in mainstream menus or tourist spots.
• All samples are included, making it a satisfying meal rather than just a tasting.
• Knowledgeable guides that enrich the experience with stories about Iceland’s Christmas customs.
• Convenient meeting points and a flexible cancellation policy.
• Perfect for foodies or cultural explorers wanting a festive, immersive experience.

What’s the Tour All About?

This 3-hour Reykjavik Christmas food tour is designed to give you a genuine taste of Icelandic holiday treats, all while exploring some of the city’s most charming spots. It’s operated by “Your Friend In Reykjavik,” and the small-group setting (limit of 12 participants) is ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed, less touristy experience.

The tour costs $149 per person, which may seem like a lot at first glance. But when you consider all the included samples—succulent smoked lamb, crispy leaf bread (laufabrauð), reindeer pâté, and traditional drinks like Jólaglögg mulled wine—the value adds up to a wholesome, generous meal. Plus, the stories and local insights you’ll get from your guide enrich the tasting experience, making it more memorable.

The Itinerary: What Can You Expect?

Meeting Point: Center Hotels Plaza

You’ll start in front of the Center Hotels Plaza, located at Aðalstræti 4-6. It’s a central spot, well connected by public transport, and you’re encouraged to arrive 5 minutes early. The meeting location isn’t just a practical choice; it’s where your journey into Icelandic Christmas flavors begins.

Stop 1: Laugavegur and Little Christmas Shop

Your first stop takes you to Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street. Here, you’ll visit the “Little Christmas Shop,” where you’ll receive a small local gift and have a chance to write a letter to Santa. The shop is brimming with holiday cheer, and the gesture of writing to Santa is quite charming, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy the festive spirit.

Stop 2: Le KocK Restaurant

Next, you’ll step into Le KocK, where a variety of Christmas foods await you. The focus here is on tasting traditional Icelandic holiday dishes, which can include smoked meats and possibly some reindeer pâté. Expect around 35 minutes to savor the flavors and hear stories about each treat from your guide. The relaxed pace means you can really appreciate each bite.

Stop 3: Taste Of Iceland

As you continue, Taste Of Iceland offers some of the country’s classic Christmas treats. This is a highlight for many, as the samples are generous and representative of Icelandic winter festivities. Our sources mention that the experience is both flavorful and culturally rich, offering a tasting of what Icelanders enjoy during the holidays.

Stop 4: Litla Jolabudin (Little Christmas Store)

Reykjavík’s only Christmas store, Litla Jolabudin, marks a festive stop. Here, you’ll receive another small gift, and you might get to browse through the holiday decorations and gifts. It’s a cozy, heartwarming place that captures the spirit of Icelandic Christmas shopping.

Stop 5: Dass Reykjavik

This stop is dedicated to sampling holiday favorites enjoyed by Icelanders. The 40-minute section allows for a thorough taste and stories about the traditions behind each dish. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, who enhance this part of the tour with interesting anecdotes and cultural context.

Stop 6: Ingólfur Square and Christmas Stalls

The final stop takes you to Reykjavík’s ice skating rink and Christmas stalls, a lively and photogenic scene. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to sample some additional snacks here. The lively atmosphere makes this a fitting end to your festive journey.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who tell stories about the Yule Lads and Icelandic Christmas traditions. One reviewer mentions, “Our tour guide was fantastic, telling us different stories of the Yule Lads and Cat,” highlighting how storytelling adds depth to the tasting experience.

The inclusive samples are seen as a real value, providing enough to feel like a proper meal rather than just a tasting. Travelers also appreciate the small-group environment, which makes the experience more personal and less rushed.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers a wonderful mix of food and cultural insights, it’s worth noting that it runs for about 3 hours and is best suited for those with a moderate level of mobility. The cost of $149 per person includes all tastings, so you won’t need extra cash for additional food or drinks.

The tour is accessible for most travelers, and the meeting point is convenient. The flexible cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, adding peace of mind for those with uncertain schedules.

The Value Proposition

At $149, this tour provides a pretty comprehensive snapshot of Iceland’s Christmas cuisine and traditions. Considering all the included samples, the personal stories, and the small-group setting, it’s a good value for anyone wanting an authentic, festive experience without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

It’s especially suited for food lovers, culture buffs, or anyone wanting to get into the holiday spirit in Reykjavik. If you’re traveling during December and want a taste of local customs in a relaxed environment, this tour fits the bill.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy trying local foods and hearing stories behind cultural traditions, this tour is a perfect choice. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a cozy, intimate group setting and are interested in Icelandic Christmas customs. Travelers looking for a full meal and a cultural experience bundled into a manageable time frame will find this a good fit.

However, if you prefer more active or outdoor experiences, or if you’re traveling with very young children who might find the walking and tasting stops challenging, it’s worth considering how this tour matches your travel style.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally relaxed, with plenty of tasting, so it could be enjoyable for older children or teenagers. However, it’s geared towards those interested in food and culture, so very young kids might not find it as engaging.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity in Reykjavik.

Are all the food samples included?
Yes, all bites and samples are included in the price, and they add up to a generous meal.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins in front of the Center Hotels Plaza at Aðalstræti 4-6 and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal and relaxed experience.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, cozy, and delicious way to celebrate Reykjavik’s Christmas season, this food tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Icelandic traditions. It combines tasty treats, local stories, and festive cheer, making for a memorable holiday outing.