Your Holiday Guide to Christmas Markets in Reykjavík
Discover Reykjavík Christmas Markets
Reykjavík, Iceland’s charming capital, transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The city’s Christmas markets are a highlight, offering festive treats, unique gifts, and a cheerful holiday atmosphere that captivates both locals and travellers. This guide will help you navigate the festive Christmas markets in Reykjavík and provide insights into Icelandic Christmas traditions, foods, drinks, and popular gifts.
Celebrating Christmas in Iceland
Christmas in Iceland, or “Jól,” is a magical time filled with unique traditions and folklore. The festivities begin on 23 December with Þorláksmessa and continue through to the 13th day of Christmas, 6 January, known as Þrettándinn. One of the most charming aspects of Icelandic Christmas is the legend of the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous characters who visit children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts in their shoes if they’ve been good (or a potato if they haven’t).
Homes are decorated, and the streets of Reykjavík are lit with beautiful Christmas lights, creating a festive and cosy atmosphere. Traditional Icelandic Christmas foods and drinks further enhance the holiday spirit, as do Christmas markets.
Experience the enchanting Christmas markets in Reykjavík. Enjoy festive treats, unique gifts, and holiday cheer in the heart of Iceland’s charming capital.
Christmas Markets in Reykjavík
Jólaþorpið (The Christmas Village) in Hafnarfjörður
Just a short drive from downtown Reykjavík, the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður is one of the most beloved Christmas markets in the area. Held on weekends in December, this market features small wooden huts decorated with lights and filled with vendors selling handcrafted goods, festive decorations, and delicious treats. Visitors can enjoy live music, meet some Icelandic Yule Lads, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Austurvöllur Christmas Market
Located in the heart of Reykjavík, the Austurvöllur Christmas Market is a favourite among locals and tourists. Vendors offer a variety of handmade crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, and local delicacies. The market is excellent for picking up unique gifts and enjoying traditional Icelandic foods like smoked lamb and sweet pastries. The roasted almonds and cinnamon aroma fills the air, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Christmas Market in Heiðmörk
The Christmas Marketin in Heiðmörk, on the outskirts of Reykjavík, provides a more rustic and natural Christmas market experience. This market is surrounded by beautiful woodlands, offering a serene setting to browse stalls filled with handcrafted items, artisanal foods, and festive decorations. Visitors can also purchase freshly cut Christmas trees and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, making it a perfect outing for families.
Christmas Atmosphere at Árbær Open Air Museum
Just a few minutes from downtown Reykjavík, the Árbær Open Air Museum holds a couple of Christmas-themed weekends in December. Guests can take a gander at the charming old houses, marvel at the towering Christmas tree, and catch some of the fun Yule Lads walking about. It’s a charming look at the traditional side of Christmas in Iceland.
Icelandic Christmas foods and drinks
Icelandic Christmas cuisine is rich and hearty, reflecting the island’s history and culture. One of the most popular dishes is Hangikjöt, smoked lamb often served with potatoes in béchamel sauce and green peas. Another festive favourite is Laufabrauð, or “leaf bread,” thin, crisp bread decorated with intricate patterns. Jólakaka, a spiced Christmas cake, and cookies made with almond macaroon, chocolate, and cream, are popular choices for dessert.
When it comes to drinks, Icelanders enjoy a Christmas ale made by mixing malt extract and orange soda, creating a sweet and fizzy beverage. Another traditional drink is Glogg, a mulled wine spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s night.
Popular Christmas Gifts in Iceland
Gift-giving in Iceland is thoughtful and often includes practical or handmade items. Popular gifts include woollen goods like lopapeysa (traditional Icelandic sweaters), handmade crafts, local art, and books. Iceland has a strong literary tradition, and Jólabókaflóð, or the Christmas Book Flood, is a beloved custom where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve, and families spend the night reading.
Reykjavík’s Christmas markets offer a magical experience, blending festive cheer with Icelandic traditions and culture. From handcrafted gifts and delicious treats to the enchanting stories of the Yule Lads, these markets provide a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying a mulled wine in Hafnarfjörður, or finding the perfect woollen sweater at Yule Town, Reykjavík’s Christmas markets are sure to fill you with the holiday spirit and create lasting memories of your visit to Iceland.
FAQ
Yes, Reykjavík is beautiful in December with festive lights, Northern lights sightings, and unique winter activities.
Traditional Christmas food includes smoked lamb, ptarmigan, and fermented skate.
Reykjavík is worth visiting in winter for its festive atmosphere, winter landscapes, and cultural experiences.
