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! The streets come alive with colorful lights and festive decorations, while a light dusting of snow adds to the charm. One of the season's greatest joys is stepping into a nice, warm restaurant after a walk in the snow to enjoy a delicious Christmas meal with a view of the winter outside.
It's common for restaurants in Reykjavik to embrace the holiday spirit with special Christmas menus and festive decor. Many of the best ones are part of the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where customers can enjoy exclusive discounts on unforgettable dining experiences. Be sure to take advantage of these offers!
Many of the best restaurants are conveniently located in the downtown area, making it an ideal location for your accommodation in Reykjavik. For an extra festive foodie adventure, consider heading out for food tours to sample seasonal delights while exploring the city's holiday atmosphere.
Keep in mind that reservations are essential during the Christmas season, as restaurants fill up quickly, especially on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. To secure a table, book as early as possible to avoid being placed on a waiting list with no guarantees!
To help you plan, the list below highlights the top Reykjavik restaurants open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. You’ll find details on the type of cuisine offered and additional notes to guide your holiday dining choices.
- Explore the options: The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
- See also: Where to Eat in Reykjavik: 12 Spots for Dining on a Budget
- Check out: The VIP Club: Save Big on Exclusive Offers & Discounts
Opening Hours in Iceland During Christmas
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!
It's a great idea to plan outdoor activities for these days, such as heading out on northern lights tours or visiting sparkling ice caves. It can also be very charming to explore the streets of Reykjavik during this time and take in the festive atmosphere!
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), so you'll want to prepare ahead of time for these dates.
Though most restaurants will be closed over these days, some will offer special openings. Many restaurants adapt their menu to the time of year, using seasonal ingredients to allow you to enjoy both festive Icelandic and international feasts.
- Check out the Reykjavik Nightlife Guide
- Learn about the Icelandic Yule Lads and Gryla | Iceland's Christmas Trolls
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. If you want to visit, know that you can enjoy a 20% discount off the food menu and 40% off set menus on Mondays and Tuesdays if you're part of the Guide to Iceland VIP Club!
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 only one fantastic food experience available, 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. If you're a member of Guide to Iceland's VIP Club, you can claim a 40% discount on Mondays and Tuesdays off set menus and 20% off the food menu throughout the week.
Monkeys are closed on December 24th and 25th but open for New Year's Eve. You can book a delicious lunch with a special 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 for dinner
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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. If you'd like to experience their regular menu, you can also get a 20% discount between Sundays and Thursdays as part of the VIP Club.
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. Don't forget to claim a complimentary drink with your meal if you're part of the VIP Club!
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. For the regular menu, Hressó offers 20% off for VIP Club members, which is characterized by 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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