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Traveling in Iceland in December means balancing short daylight hours and icy roads with festive traditions and city life. There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik in December, with Christmas markets, holiday lights, and one of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks displays enhancing the atmosphere. With expert guides handling the conditions, you can safely experience Iceland’s waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, and celebrations at their most atmospheric.
Traveling in Iceland in December is easy with tours and packages that include accommodation and minimize planning, whether you prefer flexibility or guided experiences.
Winter Vacation Packages: Customizable trips that include accommodation, guided tours, and arranged transport for a seamless winter holiday.
Winter Self-Drive Tours: Includes a rental car and accommodation, with flexible add-on activities so you can explore Iceland at your own pace.
Multi-Day Tours: Features accommodation and a well-planned route, with a guide who handles the driving and ensures a smooth experience.
Alternatively, you can plan your own trip by booking a rental car or airport transfers, accommodation, and day tours separately.
5-Day Winter Vacation Package to Golden Circle and South Coast
6-Day Winter Adventure Package to Golden Circle and South Coast
1-Week Winter Travel Package to Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes
7-Day Winter Self-Drive Tour to Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes
6-Day Winter Self-Drive Tour to Golden Circle and South Coast
5-Day Winter Self-Drive Tour to Golden Circle and South Coast
All the most popular regions to visit in Iceland are still fully accessible in December. The top places to visit take on a beautiful look as temperatures decrease and the sun sits closer to the horizon.
Tours to the Golden Circle: See geysers, waterfalls, and rift valleys transformed by winter scenery.
Tours to the South Coast: Visit icy waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glacier views in their winter glow.
Tours to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Explore coastlines, lava fields, and mountains wrapped in snow.
December in Iceland offers activities ranging from adventurous to relaxing.
Northern Lights Hunting: Witness magical auroras dance in the night sky.
Hot Spring Bathing: Warm up in Iceland’s famous geothermal lagoons.
Ice Caving: Explore shimmering blue ice tunnels deep inside Iceland’s glaciers.
Glacier Hiking: Trek across frozen glacier landscapes with certified guides.
Snowmobiling: Ride high-speed across snowy glaciers for a fun winter experience.
Whale Watching: Spot humpbacks and winter wildlife on guided boat tours.
Horse Riding: Follow scenic countryside trails on Iceland’s sturdy horses.
Snorkeling: Drift through crystal-clear glacial water between tectonic plates.
While planning your trip, you’ll discover that the best things to see in Iceland in December take on a new look in winter. Snow, ice, and long nights create dramatic settings for experiences only possible this time of year. Here are some of the highlights:
Northern Lights: See colorful auroras brighten Iceland’s long winter nights.
Waterfalls: Watch mighty falls framed by snow and shimmering ice.
Glaciers: View massive ice formations glowing in soft winter light.
Glacier Lagoons: Watch drifting icebergs shine in low December light.
Ice Caves: Step inside bright blue chambers formed within active glaciers.
Black Sand Beaches: Walk dramatic shorelines edged by winter waves and snow.
Geothermal Areas: See steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and geysers.
Volcanoes: Explore volcanic landscapes dusted with fresh winter snow.
Towns and Villages: Wander festive streets glowing with Christmas decorations.
December is one of the best times to see the northern lights in Iceland, with long nights giving you more chances to watch the sky. The upcoming solar maximum in 2025–2026 makes this an especially active period for aurora displays, offering some of the brightest shows in years. Here are some of the best northern lights tours in Iceland in December:
The Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik: Board a comfortable coach and head out of the city to the best spots for aurora sightings in the nearby countryside.
Northern Lights Minibus Tour: Travel in a small group, sip hot drinks under the stars, and take home professional photos of your northern lights adventure.
The Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour from Reykjavik: Ride in a 4x4 super jeep off the beaten path for a more exclusive aurora hunt, complete with free photos.
Iceland’s average temperatures in December range from 30 to 39 F (-1 to 4 C), with colder conditions in the north and inland areas. Winds can make it feel cooler, but main roads and cities are kept clear throughout winter.
Daylight lasts about four to five hours each day, giving you a few hours of sun for sightseeing and long nights for northern lights tours. Snow and rain are common, but they also make the scenery more striking, with frozen waterfalls, snowy lava fields, and icy glaciers.
December is a festive month in Iceland, and Reykjavik is the center of the celebrations. The cheerful Christmas markets in Reykjavik open in the weeks before Christmas, with stalls selling local crafts, holiday decorations, and traditional foods.
Concerts and lights brighten the dark evenings, while the 13 Yule Lads, Iceland’s own Santa figures, appear one by one before Christmas Eve. These traditions make the city a lively base for Iceland tours in December.
New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest events of the year. Bonfires glow across Reykjavik’s neighborhoods, and at midnight the sky fills with fireworks on a scale few other cities match.
Many Christmas and New Year’s vacation packages include northern lights tours or Golden Circle trips. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants in Reykjavik open during Christmas and New Year's, so you can celebrate while still exploring Iceland’s landscapes.
Simple preparation makes trips to Iceland in December more enjoyable. Keep these tips in mind to stay comfortable, make the most of daylight, and travel safely.
Dress for winter in Iceland: Wear thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy winter boots to stay comfortable in cold, windy conditions. Simple extras like gloves, a warm hat, and shoe spikes help on icy paths.
Be aware of daylight hours: December in Iceland gives you about 4-5 hours of daylight, so it’s best to use the midday hours for sightseeing and outdoor tours. Evenings are perfect for northern lights, hot springs, and Reykjavik sightseeing.
Learn about driving in Iceland in December: Roads are maintained year-round, but snow and ice are common. If you’re driving, consider renting a 4x4 and familiarize yourself with winter driving in Iceland.
Keep informed about road conditions: Conditions change quickly in winter. Check daily updates before heading out, especially when traveling outside the Reykjavik area or planning longer drives.
Check the Icelandic weather forecast: Winter weather can shift from calm to strong winds and snow within hours. Monitoring the forecast helps you adjust plans and stay safe during outdoor activities or road travel.
Iceland tours in December take advantage of the season’s unique conditions. Long nights create the best chance to see the northern lights, while frozen waterfalls, snow-covered lava fields, and glacier lagoons turn into breathtaking winter scenes. Ice caves are at their most stable this time of year, making December the best month to explore their vivid blue formations.
These tours also connect you with Iceland’s festive side. Reykjavik glows with Christmas markets, holiday concerts, and one of Europe’s biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks displays. Whether it’s a guided excursion or a self-drive adventure, December tours in Iceland combine natural wonders with cultural celebrations, giving you experiences you won’t find in any other season.
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