Find out which restaurants are open for Christmas and New Year's 2025 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 2025 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.
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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.
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Explore the options: Top 30 Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
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See also: Where to Eat in Reykjavik: The Best Affordable Restaurants
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Check out: The VIP Club: Save Big With Guide to Iceland
Quick List: Reykjavik Restaurants Open for Christmas & New Year’s 2025
Looking for somewhere to dine during the holidays in Reykjavik? Here’s a quick overview of Reykjavik restaurants that are open on Christmas and New Year’s. If you want to see their special menus, opening hours, or how to book a table, just scroll down or use the table of contents on the left to jump to each restaurant’s full details.
Jorgensen Kitchen & Bar
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Open: December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1
Kol Restaurant
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Open: December 31, January 1
Monkeys Food & Wine
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Open: December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1
Fjallkonan
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Open: December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1
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Christmas menu is available from November 12
Snaps Bistro
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Open: December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1
Hja Joni
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Open: December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1
Krons Restaurant
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Open: December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1
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Seasonal Christmas menus available from November 22 to December 23
Haust Restaurant
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Open: December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1
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Seasonal menus and buffet available from November 14 to January 1
Grillmarkadurinn (The Grillmarket)
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Open: December 23, December 31, January 1
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Christmas menu available from November 20 to December 23
Mar Seafood
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Open: December 24, December 25, December 31, January 1
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.
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Check out the Reykjavik Nightlife Guide
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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 (Christmas & New Year's)
Jorgensen 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
Special Holiday Offers by Jorgensen Restaurant:
A special holiday buffet is available at Jogensen Restaurant on December 24, 25, and 31. On all other days from November through December, you can enjoy a special three-course Christmas menu.
How To Book a Table at Jorgensen Restaurant:
To book the seasonal buffets at Jorgensen Restaurant, you can check these links:
For all other times, including January 1st, you can book a table at Jorgensen Kitchen & Bar here.
Snaps Bistro (Christmas & New Year's)
For a delightful holiday meal with a French twist, Snaps Bistro is the perfect spot. This charming restaurant, known for its Parisian-inspired atmosphere, serves a menu full of classic French dishes, from rich onion soup to perfect boeuf bourguignon.
Christmas Opening Hours of Snaps Bistro:
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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
Special Holiday Offers by Snaps Bistro:
Snaps Bistro kicks off the season with a festive Christmas Set Menu starting November 13. They’re open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, making it easy to enjoy a warm and stylish holiday meal right in the heart of Reykjavik.
Please note that during these holiday dates, Snaps Bistro’s a la carte menu will not be available, as they exclusively serve their seasonal set menus.
How To Book a Table at Snaps Bistro:
To check the Christmas menu and reserve a table on December 24, 25, or 31, you can check this link:
For all other dates, you can book your table at Snaps Bistro here.
Hjá Jóni (Christmas & New Year's)
Hjá Jóni restaurant, located in the 4-star Iceland Parliament Hotel by Austurvollur Square, is the perfect choice for a refined dining experience this holiday season. Known for its contemporary cuisine, the restaurant combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients with modern techniques to create dishes that are both innovative and delicious.
Christmas Opening Hours of Hjá Jóni 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
Special Holiday Offers by Hjá Jóni
From November 21st to December 13th, you can enjoy a weekend dinner buffet and Christmas lunch buffet at Hjá Jóni. In the evenings, they serve a Christmas dinner buffet with live music and dancing, creating a lively holiday atmosphere.
On December 24th, December 25th, and December 31st, Hja Joni offers a special four-course festive menu, which is only available with a pre-booked reservation.
How To Book a Table at Hjá Jóni
If you want to see the menu available during the holiday season and book a table at Hjá Jóni for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, you can check the following:
For other dates, you can book your table at Hjá Jóni here.
Kröns Restaurant (Christmas & New Year's)
Kröns is a small, family-run restaurant that offers dishes inspired by flavors from around the world while celebrating Icelandic ingredients in every bite. It's located on Laugavegur Street in downtown Reykjavik and has a very homey feel.
Christmas Opening Hours of Kröns 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
Special Holiday Offers at Kröns
Krons is known for its warm atmosphere and focus on fresh Icelandic flavors, making it an inviting place to enjoy a holiday meal. The festivities begin on November 22nd, when their Taste of Iceland Christmas special takes over the menu and continues through December 23rd.
You can enjoy special menus on December 24th and December 25th, and to welcome the new year, Krons prepares a festive three-course New Year’s Eve menu, perfect for ending the season on a delicious note. After the holidays, their regular a la carte menu returns on January 1st.
How To Book a Table at Kröns
To explore the menu and check availability, you can check out these Kröns Restaurant booking links:
For other dates, book your table at Kröns here for a delicious meal.
Haust Restaurant (Christmas & New Year's)
Haust is the restaurant of Fosshotel Reykjavik, a popular 4-star hotel. They specialize in seasonal ingredients, with an exciting and ever-changing menu.
Christmas Opening Hours of Haust 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
Special Holiday Offers at Haust
Between November 15th and January 1st, Haust offers a festive Christmas brunch from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. During the same period, you can also enjoy their large American Christmas buffet in the evenings.
Expect classics like pumpkin pie, turkey breast, honey-glazed Christmas ham, apple pie, and so much more. This mouthwatering buffet is also available over Christmas and New Year’s, making it a great choice if you want to celebrate in true American style.
For December 24, 25, and 31, you can book a special Holiday Christmas Dinner to celebrate in style.
How To Book a Table at Haust
You can visit these links to book a table and see the menu for Haust Restaurant’s Christmas and New Year offers:
To visit on other dates, book your visit to Haust here.
Kol Restaurant (New Year's)
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.
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: Opens at 5:00 PM
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December 31st: Open with a fixed menu and seating
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January 1st: Open for dinner
Special Holiday Offers at Kol Restaurant
Throughout November and December, Kol serves a selection of wonderful Christmas-themed tasting menus. You can stop by for lunch or dinner, or even enjoy one of their popular brunch experiences with a festive twist.
Kol is closed on December 24th and 25th, but they welcome guests on New Year’s Eve. You can book a table at 5:30 pm or 6:00 pm, or go for the later seating at 8:30 pm or 9:00 pm. For the evening, the restaurant offers one exceptional set menu, with vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian versions available upon request when booking.
How To Book a Table at Kol Restaurant
For the special New Year’s Eve dinner, you will have to contact the restaurant directly by email.
For all other dates, you can book a table at Kol Restaurant here.
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Learn more about visiting: Review of Kol Restaurant: Expect an Experience
Monkeys Food & Wine (New Year's)
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.
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: Opens at 5:00 PM
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December 31st: Open with a fixed menu and seating
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January 1st: Open for dinner
Special Holiday Offers at Monkeys Food and Wine
Monkeys brings plenty of festive fun to the season with creative Christmas tasting menus and lively brunches leading up to the holidays. From November 15th to December 23rd, you can join their Christmas Bubble Brunch every Saturday and Sunday. It’s a great way to add some sparkle to your weekend.
They also offer a Christmas lunch menu featuring a festive appetizer box, while the evening menus highlight dishes like salmon, duck, and reindeer.
The restaurant is closed on December 24th and 25th, but it reopens for New Year’s Eve. Guests can book a special a la carte lunch or choose a full dinner experience. For the evening celebration, Monkeys serves a fantastic five-course fixed menu, perfect for ending the year on a delicious and memorable note.
How To Book a Table at Monkeys Food and Wine
To reserve a table for the New Year’s special at Monkeys Food and Wine, you’ll need to send them an email. You can preview the menus here:
If you’re planning to visit on any other day, you can book a table online at Monkeys Food & Wine here.
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Check out: Review of Monkeys Food & Wine
Fjallkonan Restaurant (New Year's)
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.
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
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January 1st: Open for dinner
Special Holiday Offers at Fjallkonan Restaurant
From November 12th 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 and dinner 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!
How To Book a Table at Fjallkonan Restaurant
To book a table on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, you'll have to contact the restaurant directly by email. You can take a look at their special New Year’s menu right here:
For other dates, book your table at Fjallkonan Restaurant here, before seats run out.
Grillmarket (New Year's)
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.
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: Opens at 5:30 PM
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December 31st: Open with a fixed menu and seating
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January 1st: Open with a fixed menu
Special Holiday Offers at Grillmarket Restaurant
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 10th until December 23rd. It’s a great way to enjoy a festive meal and experience the holiday spirit with their seasonal dishes.
How To Book a Table at Grillmarket Restaurant
It's best to email Grillmarkadurinn directly to reserve a seat for their New Year’s Eve special dinner, but it is possible to book online. If you do, we recommend confirming your reservation with the restaurant directly as well.
For other dates, you can book a table at Grillmarkadurinn here.
Mar Seafood Restaurant
Mar Restaurant has two locations, one on Frakkastigur 8b in downtown Reykjavik and another in the town of Selfoss. This spot is celebrated for its fresh Icelandic seafood and generous fish-sharing pans, perfect for groups and families. With a focus on local flavors and hearty portions, Mar Seafood offers a warm and inviting dining experience inspired by the ocean.
Christmas Opening Hours of Mar Seafood:
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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
Special Holiday Offers at Mar Seafood
Mar Seafood is a fantastic choice for the season as they have a special holiday menu at both their Reykjavik and Selfoss locations. With its fresh Icelandic seafood and relaxed coastal atmosphere, the restaurant offers a warm and delicious break from the holiday rush. It’s a great spot to enjoy high-quality dishes and unwind during Christmas and New Year’s in Reykjavik.
How To Book a Table at Mar Seafood
You can book for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve through their regular booking platforms.
Restaurants Outside Reykjavik Open During the Holiday Season
There are not only fantastic restaurants in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, but you can also 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.
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See also: Top 28 Restaurants in Iceland
Múlaberg Bistro & Bar (Akureyri)
Múlaberg Bistro & Bar is part of the iconic Hotel Kea, offering a cozy, inviting atmosphere and excellent Scandinavian cuisine. It's located next to the Akureyrarkirkja church, and its creative menu blends Icelandic ingredients with modern techniques. This bistro is the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious dishes in the heart of Akureyri, the "Capital of the North."
Christmas Opening Hours of Múlaberg Bistro & Bar:
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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
Special Holiday Offers at Múlaberg Bistro & Bar
If you'll be exploring North Iceland during December, then Múlaberg is an excellent choice for a Christmas or New Year's meal. They're open on December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1st, and they will serve a special three or four-course menu, which can be made vegan.
Mulaberg also offers a festive Christmas buffet from November 15th to December 25th, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy a seasonal feast throughout the month.
How To Book a Table at Múlaberg Bistro & Bar
To book your seats at Múlaberg, during the holidays, use these links:
If you’re planning for a group of more than 10 people, contact the restaurant directly.
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Check out the Top 9 Restaurants in Akureyri and the Top 12 Restaurants in North Iceland
Hver Restaurant (Hveragerdi)
Hver Restaurant is a great restaurant serving delicious Nordic cuisine. It is located at the four-star Hotel Örk in the town of Hveragerdi in South Iceland.
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
Special Holiday Offers at Hver Restaurant
Throughout December, you can enjoy the Christmas buffet at Hotel Örk or enjoy a wonderful holiday dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's.
We recommend this for anyone exploring this region of Iceland during the holidays, especially if you're staying at the hotel! Just make sure to secure your table by booking.
How To Book a Table at Hver Restaurant
If you're planning a visit during Christmas, New Year's, or any other date, you can book your table at Hver Restaurant here.
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See also: Top 9 Things to Do in Hveragerdi
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!
