Reykjavik: Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks

If you’re dreaming of spending Christmas in a city that combines charming lights, holiday cheer, and unique local flavors, the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour might be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, we’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect. It’s designed for anyone wanting to get a taste of Icelandic holiday traditions, especially through its food and drinks.

What really draws us in are the focus on authentic Christmas dishes and the chance to learn about Iceland’s festive customs from a knowledgeable guide. Plus, the tour includes a visit to a cozy Christmas store, where you can pick up a local goodie—ideal for remembering your trip long after the season is over. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan how to get to the meeting point. Overall, if your idea of a holiday adventure involves food, culture, and a lively winter atmosphere, this tour fits the bill.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy culinary explorations, are curious about cultural traditions, and don’t mind walking a bit through Reykjavik’s decorated streets. It’s also accessible for most, thanks to wheelchair accessibility, making it a good choice for a wide range of travelers. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this tour interesting—and worth considering.

Key Points

• Authentic Festive Flavors: The tour offers a great chance to sample traditional Icelandic Christmas dishes and drinks, making it perfect for foodies.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about the significance of each dish and drink, deepening your understanding of Icelandic holiday customs.
• Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy walking through Reykjavik’s beautifully decorated streets, adding to the holiday spirit.
• Local Connections: The visit to a Christmas store and a locally inspired gift add a personal touch to your experience.
• Convenient and Flexible: You can reserve without immediate payment, and cancellation is possible up to 24 hours beforehand.
• Inclusive & Accessible: The tour caters to most dietary needs and is wheelchair accessible, making it welcoming for many.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour

The Basics: What’s Included and What’s Not

For $146 per person, you get a curated 3-hour journey guided by a friendly local who’s well-versed in Reykjavik’s holiday traditions. Included are food tastings, drinks, a visit to the Christmas store, and a small, locally inspired gift to take home. It’s worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you should plan accordingly to meet at the designated spot in front of the Center Hotels Plaza.

The tour is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal. You’ll need comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as Iceland winter weather can be unpredictable—dress in layers and be ready to walk.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: The meet-up spot is straightforward—just in front of the Center Hotels Plaza at Aðalstræti 4-6. Arriving five minutes early helps ensure you don’t miss the start.

Walking through Reykjavik’s Christmas Lights: One of the tour’s highlights is a guided stroll through the city’s festively decorated streets. While the focus is on food, this part of the experience sets a cheerful mood and allows you to appreciate Reykjavik’s holiday spirit. The lights, the decorations, and the cozy vibe of the city make it a true winter wonderland.

Food Tastings: The core of the tour involves sampling a variety of traditional Icelandic Christmas dishes. You’ll get to try:

• Smoked lamb, known for its hearty, smoky flavor
• Laufabrauð, a crispy, intricate leaf bread that’s a festive treat
• Glazed Hamborgarhrygg, a sweet and savory roasted pork
• Reindeer pâté, a signature delicacy
• Gravlax (cured salmon) and pickled herring, showcasing Iceland’s love for preserved fish

Each dish isn’t just about taste; it carries cultural importance, often linked to family gatherings and holiday traditions. You’ll be learning about the history and significance of each, which adds depth to the tasting experience.

Festive Drinks: No Christmas tour is complete without drinks to warm you up. Expect to sample:

• Jólaöl, a traditional Christmas ale
• Malt & appelsín, a non-alcoholic, citrusy seasonal drink
• Jólaglögg, Iceland’s mulled wine, aromatic and comforting

These beverages complement the dishes perfectly, enhancing the sensory experience and giving you a true taste of Icelandic holiday cheer.

Visit to the Christmas Store: The tour also includes a stop at a charming Christmas shop. Here, you can browse festive decorations, artisanal crafts, and seasonal treasures—great for souvenirs or holiday gifts. Plus, each participant receives a locally inspired gift, a thoughtful touch that makes the experience memorable.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Multiple reviews highlight how engaging and informative the guide is, sharing stories behind each dish and their cultural roots. One reviewer mentioned, “We learned so much about Iceland’s Christmas traditions while enjoying fantastic food,” emphasizing how this tour combines education with entertainment.

Others appreciated the relaxed pace and the opportunity to socialize. The fact that the tour operates in all weather conditions is reassuring—just dress warmly and be prepared for a bit of walking. The group size tends to be manageable, which means more interaction with the guide and a more personal experience.

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The Value of the Tour

While $146 might seem steep for just three hours, consider what’s included: a variety of tastings, drinks, a cultural walk, a gift, and a local guide. It’s a comprehensive way to learn about Reykjavik’s Christmas ambiance without the stress of planning individual visits. Plus, the tour’s focus on local traditions—rather than generic holiday fare—makes it special.

How the Tour Fits Into Your Iceland Trip

If you’re in Reykjavik during the holiday season, this tour offers a cozy, delicious way to enjoy the city’s festive side. It’s particularly appealing if you love food, want to learn about Icelandic customs, and enjoy walking through a beautifully decorated city. The experience is not designed for families specifically, but adults and older travelers will find it engaging and charming.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Christmas Food Tour is ideal for travelers seeking a taste of Icelandic holiday cuisine paired with cultural insights. It suits those who appreciate walking tours, have a curiosity about local traditions, and enjoy seasonal foods and drinks. If you’re after a relaxed, social experience that combines sightseeing with tasting, this will likely hit the right notes.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children or prefer a more active, sightseeing-heavy adventure, the focus on food and drinks might not be the best fit. Also, individuals with specific dietary restrictions should communicate their needs when booking, as the tour promoter is happy to accommodate them.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour stands out as a warm, inviting way to celebrate the holiday season in Iceland’s capital. Combining traditional dishes, festive drinks, and a walk through dazzling streets, it offers a balanced blend of culinary discovery and cultural storytelling. It’s a great choice for those who love seasonal foods, want to learn about Icelandic holiday customs, and enjoy a relaxed, guided experience.

While it’s not a tour for those on a strict budget, the inclusion of multiple tastings and a local gift makes it a worthwhile splurge for a special occasion or a festive treat. Plus, the manageable group size and wheelchair accessibility ensure it’s welcoming to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re visiting Reykjavik for a few days or looking to add a cozy, tasty activity to your holiday plans, this tour could be just the right fit.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, the tour does not include hotel transportation. You’ll need to meet at the designated spot in front of the Center Hotels Plaza.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 3 hours, making it a manageable, relaxed experience without feeling rushed.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the tour operator is happy to accommodate specific dietary needs if informed when booking.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes—winter weather in Reykjavik can be chilly and unpredictable.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s more geared toward adult travelers or those interested in culinary and cultural experiences; not specifically designed for children.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Sampling traditional Icelandic Christmas dishes and drinks while exploring Reykjavik’s festive streets.

If you’re after a cozy, flavorful glimpse into Icelandic Christmas traditions, this tour offers a delightful balance of food, culture, and holiday spirit. Just remember to bundle up and arrive ready to indulge in some festive flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here: