Reykjavik: Christmas Walking Tour with Icelandic Traditions

Planning a trip to Iceland around the holiday season? If so, you’ll want to consider this cozy, culturally rich Christmas Walking Tour in Reykjavik. It’s a great way to experience the city’s festive atmosphere while learning about Iceland’s unique holiday customs. With a friendly local guide, you’ll stroll through beautifully decorated streets, hear fascinating folklore, and get a taste of Icelandic Christmas flavors—all in just a couple of hours.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its blend of storytelling and sights, giving you a more meaningful holiday experience than just window shopping or sightseeing. We’re especially fond of how it highlights Icelandic Christmas folklore, including the amusing Yule Lads and the infamous Christmas Cat, which adds a fun, slightly quirky twist to traditional holiday views. Plus, the visit to a local bookstore and discounts at Christmas stores make it feel like a true Icelandic Christmas adventure.

That said, it’s worth noting that this tour is only available in December, so if you’re visiting outside the holiday season, it won’t be an option. Also, since it’s a walking experience, good weather and comfortable shoes are a must. This tour suits travelers who enjoy stories, culture, and a touch of holiday magic—ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a festive introduction to Reykjavik.

Key Points:

• Cultural immersion: Learn about Icelandic Christmas traditions, folklore, and legends.
• Festive sights: See holiday decorations, Christmas market stalls, and the iconic Oslo Christmas Tree.
• Local stories: Discover Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads, their mother, and the Christmas Cat through engaging storytelling.
• Short and sweet: It’s just 2 hours, making it perfect for a quick, meaningful festive experience.
• Family-friendly: The tour is suitable for families and those interested in Icelandic culture.
• Exclusive discounts: Enjoy special offers at Christmas stores and some restaurants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour

If you’re searching for a well-rounded, culturally enriching way to celebrate Christmas in Reykjavik, this walking tour hits many of the right notes. Priced at $64 per person, it offers a level of value that makes it a worthwhile addition to your Iceland itinerary, especially considering the included stories, visits, and discounts. You get a lot packed into just two hours, making it a manageable activity even during a busy travel schedule.

The Experience and Itinerary Details

The tour kicks off at Víkurgarður, a central spot near the statue of Skúli Magnússon Sheriff. Here, your guide begins by setting the scene of Reykjavik’s festive streets, which are decorated beautifully in December. From the start, you immediately get a sense of the city’s holiday spirit—twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and the buzz of holiday markets.

As you stroll through Ingólfur Square, you’ll encounter the Ice skating rink, which is a popular winter highlight. Even if you’re not planning to skate, it makes a lively setting for photos and adds to the seasonal vibe. You’ll also see the Christmas market stalls, where locals and visitors alike browse for handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and festive decorations. The atmosphere here is vibrant but cozy, perfect for soaking in the Christmas cheer.

Moving along, you’ll visit the Austurvollur square to admire the Oslo Christmas Tree. It’s a beloved holiday symbol, and standing beneath it, you can feel the warmth and togetherness of the season. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the Yule Lads, Iceland’s mischievous Santa-like figures who hide around the city. Your guide will share stories about these characters, including the infamous Troll Grýla, who supposedly eats naughty children, and the Christmas Cat, a ferocious feline that’s part of Icelandic folklore.

Visiting Icelandic Literature and Shopping Highlights

A highlight of the tour is a visit to a local bookstore, where you’ll see Icelandic Christmas books. Icelanders have a deep love for books, especially during Christmas, and the shop is filled with both traditional tales and modern stories that give insight into Icelandic culture. It’s a perfect stop if you’re a literature lover or just curious about local holiday customs.

Next, the tour takes you along Laugavegur, the main shopping street. Here, you’ll have the chance to peek into a charming Christmas store, where the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Some of these shops offer discounts to tour participants, giving you a chance to pick up unique Icelandic gifts or souvenirs at a better price.

The route then ascends Skólavörðustígur, leading towards the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church, one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmarks. From the top, you get sweeping views of the city, beautifully decorated in lights and holiday decor. The tour ends here, but the experience leaves you with a lot to reflect on—folklore, traditions, and the festive pulse of Reykjavik.

What We Loved and What to Consider

What really makes this tour stand out is the storytelling aspect—the guide’s insights make Icelandic Christmas traditions come alive. Many reviews praise the “exciting stories and folklore,” which adds a layer of enchantment not often found in more straightforward sightseeing tours. The stunning views and festive decorations also help create a memorable holiday atmosphere.

Plus, the discounts at Christmas stores and restaurants are a nice perk, giving you a little extra incentive to explore more on your own after the tour. Plus, the tour’s family-friendly nature makes it accessible for all ages, provided everyone dresses warmly and comfortably.

However, since it’s a walking tour, weather can be unpredictable—December in Iceland can be cold and sometimes snowy, so bundling up is essential. Also, if you’re not interested in folklore or don’t love walking outside, it might not be the best fit.

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Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: Check availability for the 2-hour tour—starting times may vary.
• Cost: At $64 per person, it’s a good value considering all the stories, visits, and discounts.
• Accessibility: It’s wheelchair accessible, which is considerate for travelers with mobility needs.
• Dress warmly: Prepare for cold weather, especially if snow or wind is present.
• Book in advance: Because it’s a seasonal experience, spots can fill up quickly in December.
• Private tours: Available in any language if you prefer a more personalized experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in culture, folklore, and local traditions, this tour will give you a deeper understanding of what Christmas means in Iceland. It’s suitable for families, solo travelers, or couples wanting a festive, engaging activity. It’s especially ideal if you want a short, meaningful holiday experience that doesn’t involve long bus rides or complicated logistics.

Those looking for a quiet, contemplative experience might find it a bit lively, but most reviews rave about the lively storytelling and festive atmosphere. If you’re traveling with children, the folklore and stories could be very captivating, but remember it’s primarily a walking tour—so comfortable shoes are a must.

This Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour offers a charming, immersive peek into Iceland’s holiday customs. It’s a friendly, well-paced way to see the city decorated for the season while learning about its unique Yuletide characters and stories. The combination of sights, folklore, and local shopping makes it a well-rounded experience for anyone curious about Iceland’s winter traditions.

If you love stories, festive atmospheres, and a taste of local culture, you’ll find this tour pretty delightful. It offers good value for the price, especially with the added discounts and special visits. While it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour, it’s perfect as a festive, cultural interlude during your Iceland trip.

Overall, we’d recommend it for those who want a cozy, storytelling-style introduction to Reykjavik’s Christmas magic—ideal if you’re visiting in December and want to embrace Iceland’s sense of holiday fun and folklore.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s described as family-friendly, and the stories and festive setting make it a good activity for kids and adults alike.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts for approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable activity that won’t take up your whole day.

What language is the tour conducted in?
It’s led by a live English-speaking guide, so you’ll get to hear all the stories in English.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is accessible for wheelchairs, which is helpful for travelers with mobility needs.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes, as December weather in Iceland can be cold and possibly snowy.

Are there any discounts included?
Yes, participants get special discounts at select Christmas stores, stalls, and restaurants, making shopping and dining more affordable.

When is this tour available?
It is only available in December, aligning with the Icelandic Christmas season.

Whether you’re in Reykjavik for a short visit or looking to add a festive cultural experience to your trip, this tour offers a lovely way to celebrate the season. It combines storytelling, tradition, and holiday cheer into one engaging walk through the city’s decorated streets.

You can check availability for your dates here: