What are the 13 Yule Lads and why are they important to Icelandic Christmas?

The 13 Yule Lads are mischievous characters from Icelandic folklore who visit children in the 13 nights before Christmas. Each has a distinct personality and quirk. Understanding their stories is central to Icelandic Christmas tradition and your guide will introduce them during the walk.

Who is Grýla and the Christmas Cat?

Grýla is the fearsome troll mother of the Yule Lads in Icelandic folklore, often depicted as eating naughty children. The Christmas Cat (Jólakötturinn) is another iconic figure in Icelandic Christmas mythology. Your guide will explain these characters and their significance to local traditions.

Will we taste Icelandic Christmas food on this tour?

The tour may include opportunities to sample traditional Icelandic Christmas foods and drinks (exact items depend on availability and route stops). Typical seasonal specialities include laufabrauð, gløgg, and other festive treats reflecting Iceland's culinary Christmas customs.

What is the Oslo Christmas Tree doing in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik receives a Christmas tree gift from Oslo, Norway annually as a symbol of goodwill between Nordic nations. The tree is displayed at Austurvollur Square, and your guide will point out this festive landmark during the walk.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, this is a family-friendly tour focused on storytelling, folklore, and interactive Christmas traditions. The 2-hour duration and walking pace are designed to engage both children and adults interested in Icelandic cultural experiences.

What should I wear and bring?

Dress warmly in layers, as Reykjavik is cold and windy in December. Bring comfortable, waterproof walking shoes and consider a warm hat, gloves, and jacket. The tour is outdoors in festive but wintry conditions.

The statue of the Icelandic Christmas cat

Christmas Walking Tour through the christmas lit streets of Reykjavik

Guests visiting the little Christmas store in Reykjavik

The festively lit streets of downtown Reykjavik in the winter

Christmas market stalls in downtown Reykjavik

Travellers inside a store talking to the employee

The Trolls Grýla and Leppalúði, the parents of the 13 Icelandic Yulelads

The Blue Christmas Tree at our starting point

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Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour

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Reykjavík, Iceland

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About this activity

Immerse yourself in Iceland's unique Christmas traditions on a 2-hour guided walk through festive Reykjavik, learning about the 13 Yule Lads, Grýla, and the legendary Christmas Cat while discovering seasonal food, holiday markets, and iconic landmarks.

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 front of Center Hotels Plaza 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.

This tour is only operated in December and is also available as a private tour in any language.

Highlights

✓Meet the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads (Yuletide characters) and their folklore
✓Visit Ingólfur Square's ice skating rink and Christmas market
✓See the Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvollur Square
✓Explore Icelandic Christmas books and local bookstore traditions
✓Shop Laugavegur's festive storefronts and unique Christmas boutiques
✓Walk toward Hallgrímskirkja church with city views

Insider tips

★Icelanders gift books to each other at Christmas (Jólabókaflóð tradition)—visit the bookstore to understand this cultural quirk
★Ask your guide to point out hiding spots for the Yule Lads around the city center; locals often hide figurines or decorations as part of the season
★Sample Icelandic Christmas specialties like laufabrauð (leaf bread) or gløgg (spiced wine) if offered—these are seasonal must-tries
★Dress warmly in layers; Reykjavik in December is windy and cold despite decorations creating a cosy atmosphere

Good to know

•Meeting point: in front of Center Hotels Plaza in downtown Reykjavik
•Tour covers downtown walking routes; comfortable walking shoes recommended
•Family-friendly with storytelling focus; suitable for children interested in folklore
•Seasonal tour operates during Icelandic Christmas season (late November–December)

Who it's for

Families seeking cultural immersion and folklore-centred activitiesChristmas enthusiasts wanting authentic Nordic traditions beyond commercial celebrationsCultural explorers interested in Icelandic mythology and seasonal customsFirst-time Reykjavik visitors wanting to orientate themselves with local stories

Best time to visit

Late November through December, when Reykjavik is fully decorated and Christmas markets are active. Early evening (around dusk) offers festive lighting and a magical atmosphere as darkness falls early in Iceland's winter.