Christmas at Árbær Open Air Museum

Christmas in Reykjavík: A December Stroll Through Time at Árbær Open Air Museum

There is something quietly magical about Reykjavík in December. The days grow short, the lights shine brighter, and the city seems to hum with a gentle kind of anticipation.
And nowhere does this feeling come alive quite like Árbær Open Air Museum, where Christmas isn’t just celebrated—it’s remembered, reenacted, and relived.

Below is a full, story-rich guide to the museum’s festive programme throughout December, with added context on Icelandic holiday traditions and tips to help you make the most of a winter visit.---

December 1 – Sovereign Day at Árbæjarsafn (18:00–22:00)

On 1 December, Iceland marks Sovereign Day, commemorating the moment in 1918 when the nation gained full sovereignty from Denmark. It’s a day woven with national pride, quiet reflection, and community celebration, and Árbær Open Air Museum becomes a living, breathing cultural stage.

For four festive hours, the museum’s historic village is filled with the warmth of shared heritage:

Traditional folk dancing led by Reykjavík’s own dance societies
Accordion melodies that spill from the old community hall
Poetry recital and traditional song practice
Handicraft demonstrations, from spinning wool to intricate embroidery
National costumes add colour and story to every corner

Visitors are encouraged, though never required, to dress in national costume, creating a wonderful tableau of old and new Iceland meeting in the lamplight.
Admission is free, and as always, everyone is welcome.

Dillon’s House Café serves comforting treats throughout the evening—perfect when the December frost starts nibbling at your fingertips.

Christmas Weekends – 7 & 14 December (13:00–16:00)

Advent arrives gently at Árbær, carried by the smell of woodsmoke, the sound of crackling fires, and the soft crunch of snow beneath boots. On the 7th and 14th of December, the village steps back in time, offering visitors a glimpse into how Reykjavík families once prepared for the festive season.

A Village in Full Christmas Spirit

Across the museum’s many historic homes, you’ll find scenes that could be lifted straight from an old Icelandic Christmas tale:

Árbær Farm – Watch leaf bread (laufabrauð) being decorated with delicate knives, each pattern passed down through generations.
Hábær – Taste warm slices of smoked lamb (hangikjöt), the smoked lamb that remains a centrepiece of Icelandic Christmas tables.
Nýlenda House – Meet the woodcarver shaping humorous figurines, a nod to Iceland’s craft traditions.
Efstibær – Smell (and perhaps cautiously brave) the cooking of skata, the famously pungent skate fish traditionally eaten on 23 December.
Miðhús – Visit the old printer who prepares Christmas cards the way they once were—ink, press, and patience.
Garðastræti Stable – See candles being made by hand, dipped slowly into warm wax.
Suðurgata 7 – Step into a Christmas celebration from the early 20th century.

And who might be wandering between the houses? The mischievous, much-loved Yule Lads — peering through windows, playing tricks, and offering gentle chaos to children and adults alike.

The museum closes at 17:00, though the programme concludes at 16:00.

Good to Know

Admission is free for children, people with disabilities, and City Card holders.
Standard admission: ISK 2,450.
Hot chocolate and coffee await at Dillon’s Café, and traditional sweets can be found in the old General Store - perfect for warming up between houses.

Why Árbær at Christmas Is So Special

Visiting Árbær Open Air Museum in December is like pressing your ear against the heartbeat of old Reykjavík. The museum doesn’t just display history; it allows you to smell it, taste it, hear it, and wander through it.
These celebrations offer a rare chance to slow down, breathe in the winter air, and feel part of something both humble and timeless.

Whether you’re a curious traveller, a Reykjavík local, or a family creating new traditions, Árbær invites you to discover Christmas as it was—and to savour the moments that make the season glow.