Winter in Reykjavik | Visit Reykjavík

There’s never a dull day in Reykjavík during the wintertime, even if the days are dark!

Apart from the occasional fall of luminous snow and regular displays of Northern Lights, there’s also a full calendar of cultural events with festivities galore, concerts, plays and many seasonal exhibitions.

Compiled below are various activities, which are sure to make your winter experience in Iceland memorable.

Dark Music Days

JanuaryDark Music Days is an annual music festival that has lit up the darkest period of the Icelandic winter in Reykjavík for over 40 years. It offers an exciting environment that caters to the curious mind with high-quality music and world-class performers

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Winter Lights Festival

FebruaryThe long winter days of darkness in Reykjavík will be illuminated magnificently at the city’s next annual Winter Lights Festival.

Food and Fun Festival

MarchWith extraordinary culinary talent, a selection of quality Icelandic ingredients combined with countless adventures and the chance to experience Reykjavík’s world-famous nightlife, the Food and Fun festival mixes a variety of exciting elements to create the ultimate recipe for fun.

Iceland Airwaves

NovemberIceland Airwaves is a critically acclaimed international music festival showcasing the hottest new international bands and the best up-and-coming Icelandic artists.

Bláfjöll

Iceland’s number one skiing area, Bláfjöll Ski Resort, is just a half-hour drive away from Reykjavík. It's both very popular with tourists as well as Icelanders and is especially known for its spectacular views and varied landscapes. It´s open when there's snow and weather permitting.

Geothermal Pools & Spas

Swimming pools in Iceland are nothing like in most European Cities. If you truly want to follow in the footsteps of the locals, you should visit one of Reykjavík's 18 swimming pools.

The Northern Lights

Iceland is renowned for its otherworldly illuminations, the Northern Lights being one remarkable example. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights can be experienced in Iceland during winter, where they appear in a variety of colours and forms.

December in Reykjavík

Our wonderful Holiday season, crowned regularly with displays of enchanting Northern Lights, is one of the city’s main winter attractions; however, it’s not just those otherworldly illuminations and extravagant decorations getting all the attention.

New Year's Eve in Reykjavík

December 31stJoin 200,000 people on New Year's Eve as the city's population unleashes an unforgettable epic display of fireworks! This legendary night is very much created by the people of Reykjavik who collectively do an amazing job.