Best Restaurants in Iceland Open During Christmas & New Year's 2024
Find out which restaurants are open for Christmas and New Year's 2024 in Reykjavik and plan your holiday season meals. While some restaurants close during the holidays, some stay open during this time of year and offer Christmas buffets and fantastic meals. Continue reading to learn which restaurants are open for Christmas and New Year’s in Reykjavik.
Christmas in Iceland is a beautiful time of year, and 2024 is no exception. Fluffy white snow lightly covers the ground, and the streets are decorated with colorful lights and festive ornaments. One of the season's greatest joys is stepping into a nice, warm restaurant after a walk in the snow and enjoying a wonderful Christmas meal while looking out the windows. For a fun and immersive experience, book a food tour in Iceland while enjoying the festivities outside.
Stories of the troll giantess Gryla and the thirteen Yule Lads are a great introduction to Icelandic Christmas culture, while many tours tailor their activities to the season. The festive season coincides with the appearance of the aurora borealis, which you can see while going on a northern lights tour, or you can visit a sparkling ice cave during this time of year, which makes Christmas a popular time for travel to the country.
Visitors who want to indulge in Iceland’s culture over the Yuletide wouldn’t want to be unprepared and find their plans foiled because of the public holidays! On the 24th, 25th, and 26th, many shops, services, and attractions will be closed, as these dates are public holidays in Iceland. The same applies to New Year's Eve (December 31st) and New Year's Day (January 1st).
Though not all will be open over Christmas, some will be. Many restaurants adapt their menu to the time of year, using seasonal ingredients to allow you to enjoy both festive Icelandic and international feasts. Combine this with the decorations most restaurants invest in, and there are few better places to get into the Christmas spirit. Most of the best restaurants in Iceland are located in the capital, so make sure to book a room in Reykjavik for your visit.
- Explore the options: The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
Regardless of the food or price, almost all restaurants require you to make a reservation around Christmas, with some booking up quickly. Be sure to do this as early as possible, especially on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. If you don’t, you’ll be put on a waiting list with no guarantees of a table.
Suppose you want to see Reykjavik’s incredible fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. In that case, you'll have a place to fill up before midnight, which will be particularly rewarding for those planning to enjoy the city’s thriving nightlife. If you're looking for something economical, check out our 12 best spots for dining on a budget in Reykjavik.
The list below covers the best Reykjavik restaurants open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve. The table also details what kind of cuisine they offer and any additional notes.
Restaurants in Reykjavik Open During the Holiday Season
As many restaurants in Reykjavik will shut their doors for some time during the winter season, you may be wondering if any restaurants in Reykjavik are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's Eve. Some will have specific menus presenting classic Icelandic Christmas staples, such as smoked lamb and ptarmigan, giving you a true local flavor.
The restaurants listed below are highly recommended and will be open for all or some of the holidays. Which days these restaurants are open will be listed below. You can book a table directly by clicking the link in the description.
Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar
Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar is a good restaurant with a modern flair and a versatile menu where everybody should find something that will cater to their interests. The wine and cocktail menu is extensive as well, which you can enjoy in a nice atmosphere in downtown Reykjavik.
On December 24th, 25th, and 31st, Jorgensen offers a special holiday buffet with fantastic options. You can either book a table at 6 PM or 8:30 PM for these nights, so make sure to reserve your spot with good notice!
Christmas Opening Hours of Jorgensen Restaurant:
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December 24th: Open for bookings at 6 PM or 8:30 PM
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December 25th: Open for bookings at 6 PM or 8:30 PM
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December 26th: Open
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December 31st: Open for bookings at 6 PM or 8:30 PM
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January 1st: Open
To book a dinner on December 24th, 25th, or 31st, you'll have to contact the restaurant directly. For all other times, you can book a table at Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar here!
Kol Restaurant
Kol Restaurant is a hip and lively spot located close to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church in downtown Reykjavik. The interior design has a warm and modern feel to it, with cozy leather couches and beautiful hanging lamps by British designer Tom Dixon.
During November and December, Kol offers amazing Christmas-tasting menus that are sure to be a delight. You can either go for lunch or dinner or try one of their famous brunch experiences with a Christmas twist.
While Kol is closed on December 24th and 25th, you can enjoy a visit for New Year's Eve. You can book a table at 5:30/6 PM or 8:30/9 PM. For the evening, there's a fantastic set menu, which can be vegetarian, vegan, or pescetarian at request upon booking.
Christmas Opening Hours of Kol Restaurant:
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December 24th: Closed
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December 25th: Closed
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December 26th: Open
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December 31st: Open with a fixed menu and seating
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January 1st: Open for dinner
To book dinner on New Year's Eve, you'll have to contact the restaurant directly. For all other times, you can book your table at Kol restaurant here!
Monkeys Food & Wine
Monkey Food & Wine is a fun and trendy restaurant in downtown Reykjavik serving so-called Nikkei cuisine, which combines Japanese cooking techniques with the vibrant flavors of Peru, with the best and freshest ingredients from Iceland.
From November until Christmas, you can enjoy a special Christmas-tasting menu at Monkeys or go for a weekend Christmas brunch for some holiday cheer.
Monkeys are closed on December 24th and 25th but open for New Year's Eve. You can book a delicious lunch with an a la carte menu or enjoy a dinner experience. There's a fixed menu with five fantastic courses that will provide a delightful end to the year!
Christmas Opening Hours of Monkeys Food & Wine:
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December 24th: Closed
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December 25th: Closed
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December 26th: Open from 5 PM
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December 31st: Open with a fixed menu and seating
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January 1st: Open for dinner
To book dinner on New Year's Eve, you'll have to contact the restaurant directly. For all other times, you can book a table at Monkeys Food & Wine here!
Fjallkonan Restaurant
Fjallkonan is a popular spot for a delicious lunch or dinner while exploring Reykjavik, as it's right by Ingolfstorg square. Their menu is inspired by food from all around the world, but they always focus on using fresh Icelandic ingredients.
From November until Christmas, there are special Christmas menus available for lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. Fjallkonan is closed on December 24th and 25th, but you can enjoy a fantastic four-course lunch on December 31st or dinner on January 1st.
The New Year's menu features some creative dishes celebrating classic Icelandic Christmas ingredients, perfect for ending the year or starting the new one with unique flavors!
Christmas Opening Hours of Fjallkonan Restaurant:
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December 24th: Closed
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December 25th: Closed
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December 26th: Open
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December 31st: Open for lunch
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January 1st: Open for dinner
Book your table at Fjallkonan Restaurant today!
Grillmarket
The Grillmarket, or "Grillmarkaðurinn" in Iceland, is a stylish and modern restaurant located along Austurstraeti street, right in the heart of Reykjavik. It is known for its farm-to-table focus, creative dishes, and quality steaks. The warm atmosphere, featuring earthy tones and natural elements, makes it a cozy and inviting spot for a nice night out.
While Grillmarket is closed on December 24th and 25th, it’s open on New Year’s Eve and January 1st, offering a fantastic way to celebrate the new year. For these evenings, the restaurant serves a fixed menu featuring festive dishes, with Icelandic lamb being the standout main dish.
Grillmarket also offers a luxurious Christmas menu from November until Christmas. It’s a great way to enjoy a festive meal and experience the holiday spirit with their seasonal dishes.
Christmas Opening Hours of the Grillmarket Restaurant:
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December 24th: Closed
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December 25th: Closed
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December 26th: Open
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December 31st: Open with a fixed menu and seating
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January 1st: Open with a fixed menu
Book your table at the Grillmarket Restaurant today!
Hressó
Hressó is known as the original bistro in Reykjavik, and it's one of the most charming spots for a cozy meal. They serve delicious and authentic Icelandic dishes that have been elevated by a team of award-winning chefs!
To celebrate the holiday season, Hressó offers a festive menu available from November until Christmas. The bistro will be closed on December 24th and 25th but reopens for a special New Year’s Eve dinner with two seating options at 6 PM and 9 PM.
The New Year’s Eve menu features an array of flavorful dishes, including multiple starters and Icelandic lamb as the main course. Enjoy a festive end to the year, and book your table!
Christmas Opening Hours of the Hressó Bistro:
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December 24th: Closed
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December 25th: Closed
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December 26th: Open
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December 31st: Open with a fixed menu and seating
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January 1st: Closed
Restaurants Outside Reykjavik Open During the Holiday Season
There are not only fantastic restaurants in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, but you can have an Icelandic Christmas feast in the countryside with some of the restaurants listed below. Most of these restaurants offer special Christmas and New Year's menus, with seasonal cuisine and a festive flair.
Hver Restaurant (Hveragerdi)
Hver Restaurant is a great restaurant serving delicious Nordic cuisine. It is located at the four-star Hotel Ork in the town of Hveragerdi in South Iceland. We recommend this for anyone exploring this region of Iceland during the holidays, especially if you're staying at the hotel.
Christmas Opening Hours of Hver Restaurant:
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December 24th: Open
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December 25th: Open
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December 26th: Open
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December 31st: Open
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January 1st: Open
Book a table at Hver Restaurant in Hveragerdi today!
We hope you’ve found the perfect restaurant in Iceland to dine out for the holidays. As previously stated, remember to book early to secure your table for the holidays. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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