Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour

What makes this Reykjavik Christmas walking tour interesting is the way Icelandic Christmas folklore turns the city center into a storybook. You walk past lights, markets, and iconic spots while the guide brings the seasonal characters to life, including the scary ones that make the laughs louder.

I love how it mixes famous sights with uniquely Icelandic details, like the 13 Santas of Iceland and the troll Grýla. I also like the practical shopping moments, especially the stop at the Little Christmas store where the holiday vibe actually becomes something you can bring home.

The main consideration is simple: it’s a 2 hour walk in December, so you will spend most of that time outside. If cold weather bothers you, wear serious layers and plan for a brisk pace.

Quick hits you will feel on the walk

• Meet the 13 Santas of Iceland, plus their mother and the troll Grýla story that comes with Icelandic Christmas bite
• Ingólfstorg Christmas markets and festive décor to kick off the evening lights
• Austurvöllur Square and the Oslo Christmas Tree for an easy, classic photo moment
• A hunt for Yule lads and Santa Clauses hidden around downtown streets
• The ferocious Christmas Cat and other folklore characters that turn the route into a moving theater
• Store stops, including Litla Jólabúðin, and possible discounts to help your holiday budget

Why this Reykjavik Christmas route feels different from a typical lights tour

Reykjavik in December is all about atmosphere. The sun drops early, the streetlights come on fast, and the city looks like it was designed for Christmas photos. This tour works because it doesn’t treat the holiday as just decoration. It treats it like culture.

You get holiday characters from Icelandic tradition, not just generic Santa stuff. That matters because the stories change how you look at the signs in shop windows, the little details on streets, and even the mood of the markets. Instead of walking from one photo spot to another, you are solving a small folklore scavenger hunt as you go.

And then there is the shopping angle that feels smart, not salesy. The walk includes a book store moment and a stop at a dedicated Christmas store, so you can leave with something Icelandic, not just souvenirs from a shelf.

Price and what you realistically get for $74 in 2 hours

At $74 per person, this is not a bargain you stumble onto. But in Reykjavik during December, you are paying for a guide who strings the experience together, plus a route that packs multiple highlights into a short time.

For the value side, here is what you are actually buying:

• A live English speaking guide who keeps the story flowing while you walk
• A tight loop that hits key downtown landmarks rather than random streets
• Stops that include Christmas markets, photo moments, and time in specialty stores
• A bonus of discounts at a couple of Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants
• A chance to pick up holiday snacks or drinks along the way, since the tour mentions sampling Christmassy food and drinks

Is it long? No. This is a 2 hour walk, so you are not meant to linger for a full meal. But if your goal is to understand the Christmas characters, see the big lights, and still have energy to explore on your own afterward, it is a good fit.

Meeting at Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg, and starting with the right energy

Your start point is outside Hlöllabátar Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square with the two tall stone pillars. The guide usually wears a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back, which makes it easier to spot the group when the sidewalks are busy or the sky is dark.

The waiting setup is practical: there are benches, tables, and a covered ceiling near the meeting area. That sounds small, but in Iceland weather it helps. If you arrive a few minutes early, you can warm up a bit before you join the walking pace.

If you are pairing this tour with other Christmas plans, I’d treat it like your downtown orientation at night. You will see the main shopping street and the church area by the end, so you can navigate easier later.

Ingólfur Square Christmas markets, skating rink glow, and first folklore beats

The walk kicks off at Ingólfstorg, and right away you get the festive visuals that make Reykjavik feel like it is lit from the inside. You’ll check out the ice skating rink, holiday decorations, and the Christmas market stalls around the square.

This opening stop matters because it sets the theme. Markets are where Icelandic Christmas energy is visible in real time. Even if you do not buy anything, you learn the rhythm: people show up for treats, they browse small stalls, and they chat while the lights do their job.

Then the guide starts layering in the story side. This is where the tour’s folklore tone begins to click. Instead of only pointing at lights, the guide ties them to Icelandic Christmas figures, including characters connected to good and bad behavior during the season. You’ll get that contrast early, which makes later surprises feel earned rather than random.

Austurstræti and Laugavegur: photo stops that lead you toward real downtown Christmas

From Ingólfstorg you move through the downtown streets, including Austurstræti and then toward Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street.

You can expect a mix of:

• Short guided explanations while you walk
• Photo stops where the light and the streets look especially good
• Time to check out what’s in the windows and storefronts

I like these middle stretches because they are the easiest way to soak up the Christmas look without feeling stuck in one place. Laugavegur is where you’ll notice the holiday look changing from basic décor into real themed displays.

Also, the tour includes a fun element that I think works best in the real outdoors: you will try to find unique Icelandic Yule lads or Santa Clauses hiding around the city center. That turns a long main street walk into a game. You look for details you would otherwise miss, and the guide can help point them out before you walk right past.

One small drawback here is the pace. You are not doing a slow stroll. It is a guided walk with multiple stops, so if you prefer extended independent browsing, plan to shop after the tour.

Austurvöllur Square and the Oslo Christmas Tree, a classic photo moment done right

Next up is Austurvöllur Square for the Oslo Christmas Tree. This is one of those landmarks that gives you an instant sense of scale. It’s the kind of Christmas symbol that lets you compare Reykjavik’s vibe to Scandinavia without needing a long trip.

The reason this stop is valuable on a tour like this is timing and framing. By the time you reach the square, you are already in the holiday headspace. The guide has also set up expectations with Icelandic characters, so the Oslo Tree lands as a contrast rather than a replacement. You get both local folklore and a bigger regional Christmas nod.

If you care about photos, this is a good place to slow down for a minute, take your shot, and then let the group move on. The guide will keep things moving, but you can still get a solid image before you continue.

The Santas, Grýla, and the ferocious Christmas Cat: why the stories matter

The tour’s core theme is Icelandic Christmas storytelling. You learn about the 13 Santas of Iceland, their mother, Troll Grýla, who eats naughty children, and eventually the ferocious Christmas Cat.

Now, here is what I’d pay attention to. Icelandic Christmas folklore often uses exaggeration. It’s not subtle. That is exactly why it works in a city tour. When you hear these stories outside, in the dark with real holiday lights around you, the characters feel larger than life in the way they were meant to.

And for family groups, the tone is important. The tour is described as family-friendly, which usually means the guide keeps the scary parts playful and age appropriate. Even so, if you are traveling with kids who startle easily, Grýla’s description is not mild. You’ll want to gauge that in advance.

I also like the way the guide ties the characters to the route. The tour is not just a lecture. You are walking while the story unfolds, which makes the characters feel like locals, not facts on a page.

If your guide happens to be Bjornvain, you’re in good company, since his style is described as friendly, funny, and strong on the lore side.

A book store stop that actually makes sense for Christmas in Iceland

Most Christmas tours skip the quiet details. This one includes a short visit to a book store to see unique Icelandic Christmas books, plus an explanation of how much Icelanders love reading, especially around Christmas time.

This stop is a smart break. You get out of the cold, and you swap visual décor for something cultural and tangible. Even if you do not buy anything, you’ll see the kind of Christmas publishing that Iceland supports. It’s a small detour, but it gives the tour a more thoughtful texture.

If you want a souvenir that feels personal rather than mass produced, keep an eye on what’s on display. A Christmas book in Icelandic can make a great conversation piece even if you don’t read Icelandic fluently.

Laugavegur browsing and Litla Jólabúðin: where the tour turns into shopping time

The itinerary brings you back into the shopping flow with a more focused stop at Litla Jólabúðin, which is also known as the Little Christmas store.

This is where you will see holiday items that fit the Icelandic theme, not just generic decorations. The tour gives you time to visit and shop here, and there is even mention of fun surprises. Also, the tour is designed to include discounts at a couple of Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants, which can turn the store stop from window browsing into actual value.

My practical advice: if you want to buy gifts, bring a small plan. It’s easy to get carried away in a store like this once you’re already in the story mood. Decide on your budget and pick one or two items you genuinely want, then save the rest for your final stroll after the tour ends.

Skólavörðustígur up to Hallgrímskirkja: the finale with big church views and last-minute peeks

To end, you walk up Skólavörðustígur toward Hallgrímskirkja, the famous church that anchors Reykjavik’s skyline. The tour includes photo time and a guided look during the final stretch.

This ending works because it gives you a change in feel. Earlier, you are mostly among lights, stalls, and shopping streets. Near the church, the scenery becomes more monumental and open. That makes the ending feel like a payoff rather than a repeat of the same downtown streets.

You’ll also get a peek at select stores along the way that have Christmas related items. Since the tour ends at Hallgrímskirkja, you can easily continue exploring nearby without retracing your steps.

Who this tour suits best, and who should consider a different plan

This experience fits best if you want a guided Christmas story plus practical city highlights in a short window. It’s also a strong pick for families, since it is described as family-friendly and based on folklore characters that kids tend to remember.

You’ll probably enjoy it if:

• You want Icelandic Christmas traditions explained in plain, fun language
• You like guided walking tours that mix landmarks with a theme
• You want a shot at discounts in Christmas stores and maybe a taste of Christmassy foods and drinks

You might want to rethink it if:

• You hate cold weather and would rather sit in a warm café for a long time
• You want a long shopping session with zero schedule pressure
• You are looking for a deep historical lecture instead of story-driven folklore

Weather, layers, and getting the most from a December stroll

This is the part that can make or break your evening. The tour only operates in December, and the guidance is straightforward: dress according to the weather and wear layers.

In practical terms, I’d think in systems:

• Base layer you can tolerate next to your skin
• Warm mid layer
• A windproof outer layer

Reykjavik sidewalks can be slippery, and in the dark it’s smart to wear footwear with grip. Also, since you are outside most of the time, bring gloves you can actually use while holding a camera.

And because this is a 2 hour walk, you should eat and hydrate earlier in the day. If you get a chance for Christmassy snacks and drinks, nice, but don’t count on a full meal being built into the schedule.

Should you book the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

I think you should book it if your idea of a great Christmas night includes folklore, lights, and a route that shows the key downtown highlights without turning into a marathon. The price of $74 is easier to justify when you factor in the guide, multiple landmark stops, specialty store time, and the mention of discounts that can offset some of the cost.

If you are the type who likes to understand what you are seeing, this tour does that. You leave with a story you can explain later, not just photos of street décor. And if your guide is someone with a humor-forward approach like Bjornvain, you’re likely to have an extra fun evening.

Book this one if you want a well-paced, story-driven Christmas walk in Reykjavik, then use the rest of your time to explore freely while the city is still in full holiday mood.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

What does the tour cost?

It costs $74 per person.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet outside Hlöllabátar Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is conducted in English.

Is there a live guide on this tour?

Yes, it includes a live tour guide.

Is this tour only available in December?

Yes. The tour is only operated in December.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, it is described as family-friendly.

Is a private tour available?

Yes, private group tours are available.

What should I wear in December?

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and dress in layers.

Are there any discounts or food included?

The tour mentions discounts at a couple of Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants, and it notes you might sample Christmassy food and drinks during the walk.

What is the cancellation and payment option?

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also offers a reserve now & pay later option.