Where are Christmas markets in Reykjavik? What happens at Christmas markets in Iceland? Find the best Christmas markets in Reykjavik in this guide.
It might come as a surprise that Christmas markets have historically not been as common in Iceland, but this has changed in recent years. Today, twinkling lights, small wooden huts, the smell of mulled wine, and cheerful music make Christmas vacations in Iceland unforgettable.
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Even on the coldest days, there are endless winter activities in Iceland to keep you entertained. Advent, starting four Sundays before Christmas, brings pop-up markets, seasonal buffets, and live concerts that fill the city with joy and holiday cheer.
With plenty of accommodations to choose from and the option to easily book your flight to Iceland, discovering the country’s Christmas charm has never been simpler.
This guide highlights the best and newest Christmas markets in Reykjavik and the surrounding capital area. Whether you’re planning a holiday in Iceland or just visiting for a few days, this guide will help you make the most of Christmas in Reykjavik.
Key Takeaways
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There are several annual Christmas markets in Reykjavik, each with its own food stalls and live entertainment, with the biggest one being right in downtown Reykjavik.
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Most Reykjavik Christmas markets open on the last weekend of November, around the first Sunday of Advent.
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Updated opening hours and schedules are usually published in mid-November.
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You can usually pay by card at Christmas markets in Iceland, but some booths may take cash.
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Popular choices include the Austurvollur Christmas Market, the Ingolfstorg Ice Rink, and the Hafnarfjordur Christmas Village.
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Jolaportid Market on Kolaportid is the newest Christmas market in Reykjavik.
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Beyond the Christmas markets in Reykjavik, you can enjoy many seasonal attractions in and around the capital.
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Explore top-rated Christmas vacation packages in Iceland to enjoy visits to Reykjavik's Christmas markets.
Ice Skating on Ingolfstorg Square | The Classic Christmas Market
Alpine-like wooden huts, twinkling Christmas lights, and an ice rink create a magical holiday scene! Every December, a man-made ice rink has been put up on Ingolfstorg Square, right in the middle of downtown Reykjavik. Sponsored by the telephone company Nova, the rink has been a beloved tradition in Iceland since 2006. You can rent skates and helmets on-site for 50 minutes or bring your own to join in the fun for free.
Even if you stay on the sidelines, the cheerful atmosphere is irresistible. Christmas music fills the air, and roasted almonds and hot chocolate drift from nearby stalls. The festivities extend through the connecting Austurstraeti Street and Austurvollur Square, so you'll want to explore the surrounding area as well!
Ingolfstorg Christmas Market Opening Times:
Every day between November 21st and December 22nd: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
December 23rd: 10 AM - 11 PM.
Closed December 24 - 25th.
December 26th: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
December 27th: 12:00 - 10:00 PM
Austurvollur Christmas Market | A Festive Space
Each December in Iceland, Austurvollur Square transforms into a winter wonderland with its traditional Christmas market. Stroll through wooden stalls overflowing with handmade crafts and seasonal treats like kleina (Icelandic doughnuts) and sugar-coated almonds. Warm up with a cup of mulled wine or a Christmas ale as the aromas of goodies fill the air.
This outdoor Christmas market in Iceland features playful light tunnels and a giant Christmas wreath that instantly puts you in the holiday mood. Choirs, musicians, and the mischievous Yule Lads bring extra cheer to the lively scene. Visiting Austurvollur is one of the best things to do in Reykjavik in December for an unforgettable Christmas in Iceland.
Austurvollur Christmas Market Opening Times:
November 29th – 30th: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
December 4th: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
December 5th – 7th: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
December 11th: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
December 12th–14: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
December 18th: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
December 19th – 21st: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
December 22nd – 23rd: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Jolaportid on Kolaportid Flea Market | The Newest Christmas Market
Experience the magic of the season at Jolaportid, the newest Christmas market in Reykjavik in 2025. Set inside the Kolaportid Flea Market by the Old Harbor, the hall sparkles with festive booths and cheerful holiday decorations. Opening ahead of the holiday rush on November 15, it gives you an early taste of Christmas in Iceland.
As one of the largest Christmas markets ever held in Iceland, Jolaportid offers a joyful experience. Sing along to live carols, enjoy captivating performances, and take part in family-friendly activities that bring Reykjavik’s holiday spirit to life.
Since the market is indoors, you can browse the stalls comfortably no matter the weather. Admission is free, and its central location makes it easy to reach on foot or by public transport from downtown Reykjavik.
Jolaportid Christmas Market Opening Times:
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Christmas Village in Hafnarfjordur | The Big Christmas Market
Just about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavik, Hafnarfjordur is not only famous as the town of elves, home to the Viking Village, and the annual Viking Festival. But they are also known for being the town of Christmas in Iceland!
Of course, elves and trolls are closely related to Christmas traditions in Iceland, so it's fitting that the town takes on a big Christmas theme each year.
Thorsplan Square hosts the longest-running Christmas market in the Capital Region, celebrating for over 20 years. Warm up with a hot cocoa and savor piparkokur (gingerbread cookies) while exploring Christmas huts. Perhaps spot Grýla and the mischievous Icelandic Yule Lads wandering around town, hop on horse-drawn carriages, or look out for art exhibition events.
Don’t miss the Hellisgerdi Park, a small garden with lava formations. It's a short walk from the main square and transforms when adorned with Christmas lights!
Connecting the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjordur to the park is the Hjartasvellid ice rink, which you can find next to the library. It's open all weekends until Christmas, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays, and from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sundays.
Hafnarfjordur Christmas Market Opening Times:
Open all weekends from November 14th.
Every Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Every Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Inside the Heidmork Forest | The Natural Christmas Market
Right on the outskirts of Reykjavik, Heidmork Nature Reserve brings Christmas cheer. Surrounded by a small forest, snow, and beautiful scenery, you can enjoy a Christmas market at Ellidavatnsbaer in Heidmork each weekend during Advent in a peaceful area.
Stroll through the Christmas market, browse local handicrafts, and immerse yourself in Icelandic holiday traditions. A highlight is the book reading in Rjodrid, where Icelandic authors share stories by the campfire.
Don’t miss the Christmas tree sale by the Reykjavik Forest Service. Grown without pesticides, Icelandic pine trees are a sustainable, eco-friendly way to celebrate Christmas in Iceland.
Heidmork Christmas Market Opening Times:
Every Advent weekend from November 29th to December 21st: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Christmas at Arbaer Open Air Museum | The Traditional Christmas Market
If you want to learn how Icelanders used to celebrate Christmas a few decades or even centuries ago, then be sure to head to the Arbaer Open Air Museum. While it’s worth visiting year-round, a Christmas visit to the Arbaer Museum features programs during Advent in Iceland.
Try your hand at spinning sheep wool, craft Christmas ornaments, or watch traditional leaf bread being cut and decorated. Enjoy holiday dishes, from the pungent skate fish typically eaten on December 23 to the smoked lamb (Hangikjöt), often served as Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Iceland.
Playful Kertasníkir, one of the 13 mischievous Yule Lads from Icelandic folklore, peeks through windows and delights visitors with his antics. Sing and dance around the Christmas tree, and indulge in seasonal sweets while exploring the lively Christmas market. Handmade crafts and souvenirs are also available to take the holiday magic home with you.
Admission is free for children, people with disabilities, and Reykjavik City Card holders.
Arbaer Museum Christmas Opening Times:
The Christmas program takes place on December 7th and 14th: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
Christmas Forest in Reykjavik City Hall | The Indoor Wonderland
The Reykjavik City Hall is not just where the offices of the mayor are, as it also hosts various events such as art exhibitions, functions, and live music. In December, the Tjarnarsalur Hall (The Lake Room) gets transformed into a magical Christmas forest. Sparkling lights, the scent of pine trees, and Christmas decorations fill the space, while views of the Tjornin Lake complete the holiday scene.
Every year, different local artists reimagine the space with creative themes and festive touches. The Christmas Forest at Reykjavik City Hall is free to explore and is one of the top things to do in Reykjavik for families seeking indoor holiday fun.
Christmas Forest in Reykjavik City Hall Opening Times:
Every day from December 6th:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
Christmas Valley in Laugardalur | The Valley of Lights
During winter in Iceland, beautiful Christmas lights have been installed all over the park of Laugardalur. The park glows with colorful lights, creating a cheerful escape from the long December nights. Stroll under the lights with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, take a spin on the carousel, or grill dinner outdoors beneath the crisp winter sky.
Within Laugardalur Valley, you can stroll among Arctic plants at the Reykjavik Botanical Garden. Ice-skate around Christmas trees, and meet the animals at the Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo. Finish the night with a dip in the steaming Laugardalslaug Pool. If you’re exploring Christmas markets in Reykjavik, this park is the perfect spot to slow down and feel the spirit of Christmas in Iceland.
Christmas Valley in Laugardalur Opening Times:
Every Friday to Sunday from December 1 to Christmas: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Hjartartorg Christmas Market | Market in the Heart of the City
Accessible from Laugavegur Street, the Hjartartorg Christmas Market turns downtown Reykjavik into a festive winter wonderland. Stroll among small wooden stalls to see handcrafted Icelandic goods, jewelry, clothing, and other Christmassy things for sale.
Savor warming treats, from reindeer sausage to jolasmakokur (Christmas cookies), while live entertainment adds cheer to the market atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to combine a visit with shopping or dining along Laugavegur, where many restaurants in Reykjavik open on Christmas and New Year. The Hjartartorg Christmas Market is the perfect spot to soak up Christmas in Reykjavik and enjoy an authentic Icelandic holiday experience.
Hjartartorg Christmas Market Opening Times:
Every weekend in December: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
December 21st - 23rd: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Other Things You Can Do and See As You Visit Reykjavik's Christmas Markets
During your time in Reykjavik, there's far more than just Christmas markets to enjoy. With countless sights to see, Icelandic foods to try, and Reykjavik tours to experience, you'll have plenty of options to make your Christmas in Iceland truly magical.
Take a Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
This Christmas walking tour in Reykjavik is one of the best December tours in Iceland to learn about the city’s holiday traditions and decorations. Stroll through decorated landmarks, learn about Icelandic folklore, and enjoy seasonal treats.
Knowledgeable guides share stories about the 13 Yule Lads, Iceland’s unique holiday figures. The tour also takes you to Reykjavik’s Christmas markets, giving you the perfect opportunity to shop for handcrafted gifts and experience Christmas in Iceland like a local.
See the Oslo Tree Lighting
The Oslo Tree Lighting takes place in Austurvollur Square, marking the start of Reykjavik’s festive season on the first Sunday of Advent. Since 1951, Oslo has gifted a Christmas tree to the city, symbolizing decades of friendship between the two capitals. While the tree once came all the way from Norway, it now originates from the Heidmork Nature Reserve, decorated with ornaments created by a charity supporting people with disabilities.
Join the official ceremony to enjoy live music, holiday speeches, and the magical moment when the tree lights up. This event is an excellent way to start the Reykjavik Christmas Market season and experience the joyful atmosphere of Christmas in Iceland.
Check Out the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood
Icelanders love to read books and especially love to give them as presents to loved ones during Christmas. What's more, they also love writing them — more books are published per capita in the land of ice and fire than in any other country!
There's also a tradition called the Christmas Book Flood in Iceland, known as "Jolabokaflodid." This stems from the fact that Christmas is the main publishing season in Iceland, when new books quite literally flood the market.
Every December, bookstores across Reykjavik host events celebrating the release of new books. You can join locals in browsing titles and purchasing books as gifts for Christmas Eve reading. It's a nice seasonal activity in Iceland to enjoy alongside your visits to Reykjavik's Christmas markets.
Visit the Christmas Cat
Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Atli Týr Ægisson. No edits made.
The Christmas Yule Cat, or Jolakotturinn, is a mythical creature from Icelandic folklore. This large, fearsome cat is said to eat anyone who does not receive new clothes before Christmas. Legend says it belongs to the giantess Grýla and her husband Leppalúði, the parents of the 13 Yule Lads.
During the festive season, you can learn about this fascinating folklore at Christmas markets in Reykjavik. A seasonal Christmas Cat sculpture at Laekjartorg Square brings the city’s holiday traditions to life and giving visitors a memorable way to experience Christmas in Reykjavik.
Book Your Christmas Vacation in Iceland
Look out for surprise entertainment events in Iceland throughout December taking place around Reykjavik, bringing a jolly festive cheer for all. Check out these Christmas vacation packages in Iceland to start planning your holiday season:
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Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon — Discover the relaxing Blue Lagoon, majestic ice caves, and more on this memorable 5-day vacation package.
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6-Day Northern Lights Adventure Package in Iceland with Ice Caving — Explore Iceland's South Coast, Golden Circle, and more during this adventure package.
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Small Group 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Golden Circle & South Coast — This 4-day package includes Iceland's top attractions, mesmerizing sights, and raises your chances of seeing the magical northern lights.
We hope everybody has a wonderful time during Christmas in Iceland, and as we say in Icelandic, Gleðileg jól!
