Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour

Reykjavik in December can feel like a movie set, but this tour is interesting because it shows the season through Icelandic Christmas traditions in the middle of town, not just from a distance. You’ll walk past the spots people actually talk about during the holidays, then connect the decorations to the stories behind them.

I love two things most: first, the local guide storytelling ties each stop to how Icelanders celebrate at home. Second, you get shop time along the route, so it’s not only pictures, it’s also browsing and gift-hunting.

One consideration is the pacing. The stops are short, about 5 to 10 minutes each, so in real winter cold your photos and shopping can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re traveling on a date when some holiday spots close early.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• A tight 2-hour route that packs landmarks, folklore, and several downtown shops into one walk
• Easy start point outside Hlöllabátar in Austurstræti, with big stone markers to find your guide fast
• Free admission at the listed stops, so your money mainly supports the guide and the route
• Folklore you can point at including the Christmas cat at Lækjartorg
• Warm-up moments like hot drinks and seasonal treats during the walk
• Finish at Hallgrímskirkja where you’ll hear how Christianity and Norse mythology show up in the Christmas story

A Christmas tour through Reykjavik’s key squares and shops

This is the kind of Christmas walk that works when you want atmosphere without spending your whole day freezing outside. You’ll cover central Reykjavik at a human pace, then get the meaning behind what you see. In Iceland, that matters, because the holiday look is tied to long traditions, old stories, and the way people live with winter dark.

The tour also feels practical. It starts in an easy-to-find downtown area, keeps you moving through recognizable squares, and ends at Hallgrímskirkja, which is a top landmark for anyone building a first-time Reykjavik route. Even if you’re not a “Christmas ornament person,” the mix of religion, folklore, books, and music gives you a lot to talk about on the flight home.

Price, timing, and how this stays worth it

The cost is $75.70 per person for about 2 hours. That’s not cheap for a walk, but it’s also not a ticket factory. The main included value is the expert local guide, and the route is packed with short stops that are described with free admission.

You’ll also want to plan for winter timing. Stops are typically 5 to 10 minutes, so you’re not going to do slow browsing for an hour in every store. If you love shopping, I’d treat this as a “sampling lap” through downtown, then plan extra time later if you see gifts you really want.

One more detail that affects value is demand. This tour is commonly booked about 67 days in advance on average, so if you want your preferred date in peak Christmas season, book early.

From Hlöllabátar to Ingólfur Square, you start in the center

You meet outside Hlöllabátar, a sandwich shop at Austurstræti 1 in Reykjavík. The meeting spot is very specific: gather facing Ingólfstorg and the two tall stone seat-pillars, each over two meters high. Center Hotel Plaza is to your right, which makes navigation easier when you arrive with your fingers already numb.

Your guide is easy to spot too. Guides usually wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back. That’s a small thing, but it saves time, and on a cold afternoon, saving time is saving comfort.

This start area also helps. There are benches, tables, and a covered ceiling overhead right by the wait zone, so you’re not standing fully exposed while the group gathers. Once the tour begins, it turns into a steady, guided stroll where you’ll be back outdoors, then back indoors again at the stops.

Ingólfstorg ice rink and the Oslo Christmas tree at Austurvollur Square

At Ingólfstorg (also written as Ingólfur Square in the route description), you’ll get your first real hit of holiday scenery. The plan includes the ice skating rink, Christmas decorations, and market stalls around the square. This is the moment to slow down and actually look, because these details set the tone for the rest of the walk.

The route then moves to Austurvollur Square, where you visit a traditional Oslo Christmas tree. The guide talks through why trees and decorations matter in Icelandic homes. I like this part because it turns something you might treat as pure aesthetics into something you understand as a winter rhythm. If you’ve only seen Christmas trees on postcards, you’ll probably walk away with a better sense of what locals are trying to do with light, greenery, and celebration during dark months.

Penninn Eymundsson, the Christmas cat, and gift browsing that actually helps

Next you stop at Penninn Eymundsson, a bookstore, because books are a big part of Icelandic Christmas traditions. You’ll get a chance to browse unique Icelandic Christmas books, which is great if you like bringing home something more personal than a magnet. If you’re traveling with teens or adults who enjoy culture beyond the obvious landmarks, this stop usually lands well.

Then the tour shifts to folklore at Lækjartorg A. This is where you’ll hear about the ferocious Christmas cat, a well-known character in Icelandic holiday tales. The tour keeps it short, but it’s memorable because it connects an oddly specific story to the way Icelandic Christmas folklore shows up around town.

After that, you have a gift-focused stop at Litla Jolabudin, a little Christmas store. It’s open year-round, so you can browse ornaments without feeling like you’re running into a seasonal dead end. If you want a practical takeaway from the tour, this is where you can actually buy something. Even if you skip purchasing, the guide’s background helps you choose with more intent.

Finally, there’s 12 Tonar, a downtown music store. The tour describes Icelandic Christmas music as borrowing from various countries, and the guide brings that idea to life during the stop. One reason I like this tour for music lovers is that the guide style can be playful. In past departures, guides like Einar have turned the walk into a more musical experience, including songs around the central Christmas tree and talk about hymns connected to family or church tradition.

When the cold hits, plan for a warm drink and treats

One of the nicest practical touches of this route is how it handles the temperature. On cold afternoons, it’s easy for a walking tour to turn into a survival mission. This one builds in time where you can warm up, and guests have specifically mentioned hot chocolate and treats at a downtown stop.

So if your Christmas season includes wind, rain, or just that sharp Icelandic bite, go in knowing you’re not stuck outside the whole time. Keep your layers ready, but you can relax a bit. I’d still bring gloves and a scarf, because you’ll be walking between squares, and the route is designed to keep moving.

Also, since the pace is built around multiple short stops, it helps to have a realistic plan for shopping. Think “check what’s here” rather than “shop until you find everything.” If you find the perfect ornament in Litla Jolabudin, you’ll have a reason to return later after the tour ends.

Hallgrímskirkja, myth, and why the Christmas story isn’t just one thing

The walk ends at Hallgrímskirkja, the big church landmark that dominates Reykjavik’s skyline. Here, the guide ties the season together by discussing how Christianity and Norse mythology show up in Christmas. This is a great finish because it turns the whole tour into one coherent idea: Icelandic Christmas is both familiar and different.

The timing helps too. Ending at Hallgrímskirkja gives you a strong photo moment and a clear sense of closure. You also get a final bit of meaning, so you’re not just collecting sights. You’re collecting explanations, including how old stories and newer religious themes can coexist in the same holiday season.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys hearing the “why” behind what you see, this is usually the part that stays with people the longest.

Who this fits best, and who should think twice

This tour makes the most sense if you want a guide-led route that blends tradition, folklore, and shopping stops without requiring a car or a big time commitment. It’s also a good fit for couples and groups who like learning while still having freedom to browse.

The group size can be up to 99 travelers, so it may feel busy in the central squares. That doesn’t ruin it, but if you hate crowds, I’d treat this as a “structured downtown walk” rather than a quiet intimate experience.

Age is a mixed question. One review specifically said they were unsure it’s ideal for little kids, while young adults found it entertaining. If you’re traveling with small children, you may want to test your tolerance for cold and short stops. Teenagers and adults often handle the pace better, especially when the guide brings humor and extra storytelling.

Finally, guide quality is a major strength here. Reviews highlight guides like Ester E., Stefan, Einar, and Barti for being friendly, funny, and genuinely engaging. Some guests also noted extras like small language lessons in Icelandic and surprise moments along the route. That’s the kind of added value that makes a guided walk feel personal instead of scripted.

Should you book this Reykjavik Christmas walking tour?

I think you should book if you want a short, guided Christmas experience that mixes landmarks with real Icelandic holiday context. The route is focused, you’ll visit the central squares, you’ll browse gift shops and a bookstore, and you’ll end with a meaningful explanation at Hallgrímskirkja. At $75.70 for about 2 hours, the value is strongest when you’re buying the guide experience, not only the sightseeing.

I would hesitate if you expect a slow shopping day or a fully open market atmosphere. In one past departure around New Year’s Eve, a guest reported that Christmas markets were closed and some described elements were not available. If your dates include major holiday closures, plan to be flexible and treat the tour as a guided Christmas storytelling walk that still includes several stops.

If you’re ready for cold weather, short stops, and a guide who turns the season into stories you can actually use, this one is a solid bet for Reykjavik in December.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet at Hlöllabátar, Austurstræti 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, outside the sandwich shop. The directions say to gather facing Ingólfstorg and the two tall stone seat-pillars.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Hallgrímskirkja, Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes an expert fun loving guide. Tips are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Are there admission tickets for the stops?

For the listed stops, admission tickets are marked as free.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.