A picture of the Icelandic Christmas Cat in downtown Reykjavik.
Travellers purchasing Icelandic Christmas specialities in a store
A picture of the Christmas Market in downtown Reykjavik
The Yulelads or Santa's of Iceland strolling downtown Reykjavik
The Rainbow Street in downtown Reykjavik during Christmas Time
Travellers visiting the Little Christmas Store in downtown Reykjavik
The main shopping street, Laugavegur, during Christmas time
A guide from Your Friend in Reykjavik explaining Christmas items to travellers
Travellers posing for a picture in front of the Icelandic Christmas Cat
The Ice skating rink at Ingólfur Square
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Private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour

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Reykjavík, Iceland
Walking ToursCity ToursCultural ToursCity BreaksFood & Drink Tours
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About this activity

Immerse yourself in Icelandic Christmas magic on a 2-hour guided walk through festive downtown Reykjavik, uncovering centuries-old folklore, local traditions, and seasonal treats. This intimate private tour blends mythological storytelling with visits to holiday markets, iconic landmarks, and authentic cultural experiences unique to Iceland's yuletide season.

This Christmas, join Your Friend in Reykjavik for a walking tour through the Christmas lit and festive streets of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

Together we will explore the Icelandic Christmas traditions and discover the 13 Santas of Iceland, their mother, the Troll Grýla that eats naughty children, and finally, the ferocious Christmas Cat.

This family-friendly tour brings Icelandic Christmas traditions brought to life with exciting stories and Icelandic folklore. We will also come to know the delicious food and drinks that Iceland considers Christmassy and maybe sample some on our walk. Our meeting point is in Fógetagarðurinn for this Christmas Walking Tour through downtown Reykjavik.


First, we admire the Ice skating rink, holiday decorations, and Christmas market stalls at Ingólfur Square. Then we move on to take a look at the famous Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvollur. While we walk, we will try to find some of the unique Icelandic Yulelads or Santa Clauses hiding around the Reykjavik city center.

We make a short visit to a book store to see unique Icelandic Christmas books and discover the love Icelanders have for books, especially during Christmas time. Then it's up to the main shopping street of Reykjavik called Laugavegur, and there we check out the one and only little Christmas store. You can be sure we have some fun surprises along the way.


Finally, we walk up the beautiful Skólavörðustígur towards the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church, where we end our wonderful walk together, taking a peek at select stores along the way for Christmas related things. As a bonus to our Christmas Walking Tour, you will get discounts at a couple of Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants to make it even more worthwhile to join us.


Hot cocoa and a pastry are included in the private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour.

This tour is only operated in December.

Highlights

  • ✓Meet Iceland's 13 Yulelads (Jólasveinar) and learn about Grýla and the Christmas Cat from local legend
  • ✓Browse the Christmas market and ice rink at Ingólfur Square with full seasonal decorations
  • ✓Visit Austurvollur to see the iconic Oslo Christmas Tree
  • ✓Explore Icelandic Christmas literature and the national book-gifting tradition
  • ✓Sample traditional Icelandic Christmas foods and drinks during the walk
  • ✓End at the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church with views from Skólavörðustígur

Insider tips

  • ★Icelanders have a deep Christmas book-gifting tradition (Jólabókaflóð)—visit the dedicated Christmas bookstore to understand this unique cultural practice
  • ★Wear warm, waterproof layers; Reykjavik's December weather is cold and often windy, and the tour is entirely outdoors
  • ★Ask your guide to point out the Yulelads hidden around the city center—spotting them becomes a fun game during the walk
  • ★The tour includes tastings of seasonal treats like traditional laufabrauð (leaf bread) and hot chocolate—arrive with an appetite

Good to know

  • •Meeting point: Fógetagarðurinn (central downtown location); confirm exact pickup details with your guide
  • •Duration of 2 hours covers significant ground on foot through city center streets
  • •Private tour means personalized pacing and the option to adjust stops based on group interests
  • •Best experienced during November–December when full Christmas decorations, markets, and lighting are live
  • •Tour is family-friendly but involves walking; young children should be comfortable with 2 hours of continuous movement

Who it's for

Families seeking cultural immersion in Icelandic traditions during the holiday seasonFolklore and mythology enthusiasts interested in Nordic Christmas legendsSmall groups and couples looking for an intimate, personalized city experienceFood-focused travelers curious about Iceland's seasonal culinary traditions

Best time to visit

Visit during late November through December when Reykjavik's Christmas markets, decorations, and lights are fully installed, and the city's festive atmosphere peaks. Early afternoon departures maximize daylight hours during Iceland's short winter days.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€289
per person