Things To Do In Reykjavík In December
The best things to do in Reykjavik in December include festive traditions, sparkling Christmas lights and snowy adventures in the world’s most northerly capital.
Long winter nights are brightened by holiday cheer, Icelandic customs and the near certainty of snowfall which makes December one of the most magical months to visit Reykjavik. If you are planning your winter trip, here is the ultimate guide to experiencing it all.
For insights into the previous month’s activities, check out our guide on things to do in Reykjavík in November.
Top 10 Things To Do in Reykjavik in December
1. Experience Local Reykjavik Holiday Traditions
Those long winter nights really are long. The solstice on the 21st of December brings the shortest day of the year, with the darkness settling over Reykjavík for 20 hours and the sun just peeking over the horizon for the four hours left.
For many visitors, one of the most magical things to do in Reykjavik in December is to embrace these dark days filled with twinkling lights, festive traditions, and holiday cheer.
But for centuries, Icelanders have responded to this by bringing their own light into the gloom. Households, outside and in, bathe in the gentle glow of fairy lights. The city follows suit, Christmas in Reykjavík hosts a magnificent display of illuminations in its streets and parks.
The Oslo Christmas Tree in Austurvöllur and the glowing Christmas Cat (Jólakötturinn) make the city sparkle against the winter darkness. Icelanders also embrace Jólabókaflóð (the Christmas Book Flood), gifting books on Christmas Eve for cozy nights of reading.
Explore Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, for festive gifts. Unique shops like Hjarta Reykjavíkur and Litla Jólabúðin brim with holiday spirit. For stunning photography books about Iceland’s nature, stop by the gift shop at Perlan.
2. Try Fermented Skate and Meet the Yule Lads
On Þorláksmessa (December 23rd), locals gather to eat “kæst skata” (fermented skate), a dish with a strong ammonia scent and chewy texture. For adventurous foodies, it’s a must-try at restaurants like Kaffi Loki, part of Iceland’s unique Christmas food traditions.
But beyond the merry festive traditions of consuming books and rotten fish, there are plenty of other things to do in Reykjavik in December. Kids especially will love the old Icelandic legend of the Yule Lads, 13 elfin sons of trolls who get up to various sorts of mischief around the festive season. Each one named after their naughty deeds, such as door-slammer or candle-stealer, the Yule Lads create havoc around the houses of humans.
However, in more recent times—and in the absence of a Santa Claus legend in Iceland, their image has softened a little, and they have been attributed with bringing gifts to well-behaved children. Animations of individual lads are projected onto various buildings around Reykjavík during the festive season; see if you can spot all 13 of them as you go about the city.
3. Discover the Imagine Peace Tower
Take a ferry to Viðey Island and see Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower, a striking beam of light dedicated to John Lennon. It shines every evening from the winter solstice until New Year’s Day, symbolizing peace and hope. Learn more about Viðey Island, one of Reykjavik’s most serene attractions.
4. Go Ice Skating at Ingólfstorg Square
Every December, Ingólfstorg Square turns into a lively ice rink, complete with lights, music, and stalls selling hot drinks. Whether you skate or simply soak up the atmosphere, it’s a quintessential Reykjavik winter activity, often listed among the top things to do in Reykjavik in winter.
5. Chase the Northern Lights
With only a few daylight hours, one of the most unforgettable things to do in Reykjavik in December is chasing the Aurora Borealis. Try the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula for dark skies just minutes from downtown.
For a guaranteed experience, watch the Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show at Perlan. This immersive indoor display recreates the aurora with science and artistry, ideal when clouds hide the real thing. See which months are the best months for the northern lights in Iceland.
6. Explore Christmas Farms and Craft Markets
Visit the Árbær Open Air Museum to step back into Reykjavik’s history, complete with candle-making, singing, and festive cooking. Don’t miss the Heiðmörk Forest Christmas Market or the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður, where handmade crafts and festive foods make for an authentic Icelandic holiday experience. Read more in this guide on Christmas in Reykjavik.
7. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Fireworks
Reykjavik’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are unlike any other. Locals describe the fireworks as “sprengja út árið” (“blowing out the year”). Crowds gather at Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager (Sólfarið).
For unbeatable views, book Perlan's New Year’s Eve Gala. With 360° views from its observation deck, it’s the best place to see Reykjavik light up the skies. Plan ahead with this full guide to New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik.
8. Relax in Geothermal Pools
Escape the cold by soaking in Reykjavik’s geothermal pools. Laugardalslaug is a local favorite, while the modern Sky Lagoon just outside the city offers luxury with ocean views.
A popular option is the Into the Glacier tour from Reykjavik, which takes you deep inside Iceland’s stunning ice tunnels for an unforgettable adventure.
Few experiences beat relaxing in hot water as snow falls around you one of the most soothing Reykjavik winter experiences.
9. Explore Reykjavik’s Museums and Culture
December’s short days are perfect for indoor exploration. Discover Iceland’s past at the National Museum, admire art at the Reykjavik Art Museum, or take the family to Whales of Iceland.
The Harpa Concert Hall also hosts seasonal concerts and events. Its glass façade, glowing in the winter dark, is worth a visit alone. Culture lovers can also explore the ultimate guide to Reykjavik.
10. Taste Seasonal Icelandic Cuisine
December in Reykjavik means Christmas buffets (Jólahlaðborð), lavish spreads of lamb, smoked meats, fish, and desserts. Many restaurants prepare special holiday menus, while cafés serve festive pastries and hot chocolate. Don’t leave without sampling Icelandic holiday flavors, one of the top things to do in Reykjavik in December. Check out some of the best restaurants in Reykjavík.
Celebrate the Magic of Reykjavik in December
From sparkling Christmas lights and Icelandic folklore to cultural attractions like Perlan, there are endless things to do in Reykjavik in December that make the city truly magical.
Whether you are ice skating in the heart of downtown, exploring festive Christmas markets, or chasing the northern lights, Reykjavik transforms into a winter wonderland full of unique experiences.
For more inspiration, check out our seasonal guides on things to do in Reykjavik in November and things to do in Reykjavik in January to plan your perfect Iceland adventure.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Reykjavik?
December is a wonderful time to visit Reykjavík! Festive lights illuminate the city; there are numerous Christmas activities to enjoy and a good chance of snowfall. Plus, if you stay for New Year's Eve, you'll witness an immersive fireworks display unlike anything that you have ever experienced.
Are the northern lights visible in December in Reykjavik?
Because you can't predict how nature will behave, you can never tell when the aurora borealis will appear. But since you need a dark night to see them, and December is the time of year when the Icelandic nights are longest, your chances are pretty good if you keep your eyes on the skies.
How cold is Reykjavik in December?
Temperatures in Reykjavík during winter will usually hover just above freezing, although more remote locations around Iceland may be colder. Remember that the Icelandic weather is unpredictable and the temperature can drop drastically, especially when the wind picks up. Bring plenty of warm layered clothing, walking boots and good waterproof/wind-resistant outerwear.
Is it worth going to Reykjavik in December?
December can be one of the best times to visit Iceland. Although the days are short and travel around the country might be limited by weather conditions, there is so much for visitors to see and do without straying too far from Reykjavík. And going at the quietest time in the tourism calendar means that you'll avoid the peak-season crowds.
Is Reykjavik snowy in December?
Although you can never guarantee anything about the Icelandic weather, the fact that the capital's temperature hovers around freezing in December means that there's a very good chance of snow in the city during that month.
What food should I try in Reykjavik in December?
December is the season of Icelandic Christmas buffets (Jólahlaðborð), where you can sample smoked lamb, pickled herring, and festive pastries. A must-try is fermented skate on December 23rd, part of the country’s unique holiday food traditions.
What should I pack for Reykjavik in December?
Reykjavik in December is cold, windy, and often snowy, so pack warm layers, thermal underwear, waterproof boots, and a wind-resistant coat. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves for exploring outdoor things to do in Reykjavik in December.
How do Icelanders celebrate Christmas in Reykjavik?
Icelanders celebrate with sparkling Christmas lights, the 13 Yule Lads bringing gifts, and traditions like the Christmas Book Flood (Jólabókaflóð). Visitors can join the festivities at Christmas markets, concerts, and events across the city.
