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Iceland
Maja Jarecka
November 30, 2025
Jiri sedlacek
November 30, 2025
Christmas in Reykjavík is unlike anywhere else in the world. As the days grow shorter, the city transforms into a glowing winter village filled with twinkling lights, artisan stalls, hot chocolate, and the unmistakable charm of Icelandic holiday traditions. Whether you’re searching for handcrafted gifts, festive food, or simply the magical atmosphere of December in Iceland, the Christmas markets of Reykjavík offer something for every visitor.
In this Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in Reykjavík 2025, you’ll find all the essential information you need—dates, locations, highlights, and local tips—to make the most of the city’s holiday season. From the iconic Hafnartorg market and the family-friendly Christmas Market in Heiðmörk, to cozy pop-ups and weekly markets at places like the Exeter Hotel near the Old Harbor, this guide takes you through every festive spot worth visiting.
Just a short 20-minute drive from Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður is known for its rich folklore, Viking heritage, and its reputation as Iceland’s “town of elves.” During December, however, it becomes something even more magical: the unofficial Christmas town of Iceland, where local traditions, storytelling, and holiday spirit come together.
Each year, the town center transforms into a lively Christmas Village, centered around Thorsplan Square, where small wooden huts sell handcrafted gifts, Icelandic design pieces, seasonal treats, and warm drinks. The square is beautifully lit and decorated, creating a cozy festive atmosphere perfect for browsing, snacking, and warming up with a cup of hot chocolate or glögg.
Families especially love visiting on weekends.
During opening hours, Strandgata, one of the town’s main streets, becomes pedestrian-only, adding to the relaxed and festive feeling throughout the town.
The Christmas Village has grown steadily over the past two decades, and today the entire downtown area joins in the celebration with light displays, concerts, pop-up events, and community activities. It’s the longest-running Christmas market in the Capital Region and continues to expand each year with the help of local residents, artists, and businesses.
While exploring, don’t miss Hellisgerði Park, a charming lava-rock garden only a short walk from the square. During Advent, it becomes an enchanting light-filled hideaway and is especially beautiful at dusk.
Next to the library, you’ll find Hjartavöllur Ice Rink, open on weekends throughout the season—another favorite stop for families and visitors who want to add a little winter fun to their Christmas outing.
Open every weekend from November 14th until Christmas
Jólaportið is Reykjavík’s newest addition to the Christmas market scene, bringing festive cheer to the heart of the city. Located inside Kolaportið, the iconic flea market by the Old Harbor, this market offers a cozy and weatherproof holiday experience—perfect for Iceland’s unpredictable December days.
Opening on November 15, Jólaportið gives visitors an early start to the Christmas season. The entire hall is transformed with warm lights, holiday decorations, and rows of festive stalls. Alongside Kolaportið’s 50 permanent vendors, the market hosts around 40 additional Christmas sellers, creating one of the largest seasonal markets ever held in Iceland.
Shoppers can browse a wide mix of Icelandic products, handmade gifts, holiday foods, and seasonal specialties. Expect Christmas houses, a giant tree, mulled wine, Christmas beer, and plenty of festive treats. Live music, carols, and family-friendly events add to the joyful atmosphere, making the space lively throughout the weekend.
Because it’s fully indoors, Jólaportið is a comfortable stop for families, travelers, and anyone exploring downtown Reykjavík. Its central location makes it easy to reach on foot from the city center or by public transport—and entry is completely free.
In the heart of downtown Reykjavík, Ingólfstorg Square transforms every December into a festive winter scene, complete with a sparkling ice rink, wooden market huts, and thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Sponsored by Nova, this beloved rink has been a cherished holiday tradition in Iceland since 2006 and continues to be one of the most atmospheric spots in the city during Advent.
The rink is surrounded by small huts selling warm drinks, roasted almonds, hot chocolate, and seasonal treats, creating a cozy Christmas market atmosphere. Holiday music plays throughout the square, and the festive decorations extend into the nearby streets—Austurstræti and Austurvöllur—making the whole area feel like a holiday village in the middle of Reykjavík.
A highlight this year is the dazzling display of 100,000 Christmas lights illuminating the square, making evening skating especially magical.
Skating is suitable for all ages, and the entry fee includes everything you need:
Whether you join in on the ice or simply enjoy the atmosphere from the sidelines, Ingólfstorg offers some of the most joyful Christmas vibes in the city.
Every December, Austurvöllur Square in downtown Reykjavík turns into a festive escape filled with warm lights, local flavors, and Icelandic holiday charm. Wooden stalls line the square with handmade gifts, seasonal sweets like kleina and caramelized almonds, and comforting drinks including glögg and Christmas beer. The scent of spices and fresh pastries drifts through the air, inviting visitors to linger and explore.
Light tunnels, a large Christmas wreath, and cheerful decorations create a magical backdrop, while live music, small events, and surprise visits from the Yule Lads add to the joyful atmosphere. For anyone spending December in Reykjavík, the Austurvöllur Christmas Market is a must-see stop for authentic Icelandic holiday spirit.
Just outside Reykjavík, the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve offers a serene and scenic setting for a Christmas market surrounded by forest, snow, and Icelandic winter beauty. Hosted at Elliðavatnsbær, the market runs on weekends throughout Advent, creating a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Visitors can stroll through the market, browse local handicrafts, and enjoy Icelandic holiday traditions. Highlights include storytime by the campfire, where Icelandic authors read seasonal tales in the charming forest setting.
The market also features a Christmas tree sale organized by the Reykjavík Forestry Society. These locally grown, pesticide-free Icelandic pine trees offer a sustainable and eco-friendly way to celebrate the season.
Handcrafted gifts, natural materials inspired by the forest, local foods, and artisanal cosmetics are available for purchase, along with warm drinks like hot chocolate to keep you cozy while exploring.
Step back in time and experience Christmas as it was celebrated in Iceland at the Árbær Open Air Museum. Set among authentic turf and historic houses, this festive market offers a unique opportunity to explore Icelandic holiday traditions from decades or even centuries past.
During Advent, visitors can try traditional crafts like spinning sheep wool, making Christmas ornaments, or watching leaf bread being prepared and decorated. Seasonal Icelandic dishes, such as skate fish (traditionally eaten on December 23) and smoked lamb (Hangikjöt), offer a taste of authentic holiday flavors.
Fun and folklore come alive with visits from the mischievous Kertasníkir, one of the 13 Yule Lads, who delights children and adults alike. Sing, dance, and gather around the Christmas tree, enjoy handmade treats, and browse local crafts and souvenirs to take the festive spirit home.
Admission is free for children, people with disabilities, and holders of the Reykjavík City Card, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.
This market is ideal for anyone looking to celebrate Advent the traditional Icelandic way, with activities for all ages and a charming festive atmosphere spread across the historic museum grounds.
During December, Reykjavík City Hall transforms into a magical indoor Christmas forest in the Tjarnarsalur Hall (The Lake Room). Twinkling lights, fragrant pine trees, and festive decorations create a cozy winter escape, complemented by views of the serene Tjörnin Lake right outside.
Local artists bring the space to life each year, reimagining the forest with creative themes, seasonal installations, and immersive holiday touches. This family-friendly attraction offers a quiet, charming way to enjoy Icelandic Christmas indoors, making it perfect for those looking to combine culture, art, and holiday spirit.
Admission is free, making it an accessible stop for both locals and visitors exploring Reykjavík in December.
Each December, Laugardalur Valley in Reykjavík comes alive with a dazzling display of Christmas lights, turning the park into a magical winter wonderland. Colorful illuminations line the pathways, creating a warm and festive atmosphere perfect for a stroll with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Families can enjoy the carousel, cozy outdoor activities, or simply soak in the holiday ambiance under the crisp Icelandic sky.
The valley also offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. Explore the Reykjavík Botanical Garden and its Arctic plant collection, glide on the ice rink surrounded by decorated Christmas trees, or visit the animals at the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo. End the evening with a relaxing dip in the nearby Laugardalslaug Pool, completing a true Icelandic winter experience.
This illuminated valley is an ideal stop for anyone exploring Reykjavík’s Christmas markets and looking to enjoy a peaceful, festive outing in nature.
Step into the cozy holiday spirit at the Kóbalt Concept Store Christmas Market, hosted at the Exeter Hotel in the heart of downtown Reykjavík. This festive pop-up market brings together Icelandic design, handcrafted gifts, local art, and seasonal treats in a warm, indoor setting—perfect for escaping the winter chill.
Browse unique offerings from Kóbolt Concept and other local artisans, sip on hot beverages, and enjoy the joyful atmosphere as the hotel lobby and event space are decorated with twinkling lights and festive décor. The market is a great spot to pick up holiday gifts, homewares, and handmade Icelandic products, all while supporting small local businesses.
Whether you’re visiting Reykjavík for the first time or looking for a relaxed weekend outing, the Exeter Hotel market offers a charming, intimate holiday experience, combining creativity, food, and Christmas cheer under one roof.
This event is family-friendly and free to enter, making it a perfect addition to your Reykjavík Christmas market tour.
Each year, the Oslo Tree Lighting in Austurvöllur Square marks the official start of Reykjavík’s holiday season on the first Sunday of Advent. Since 1951, the city has received a Christmas tree from Oslo, celebrating decades of friendship between the two capitals. Today, the tree comes from Heiðmörk Nature Reserve and is adorned with ornaments crafted by a charity supporting people with disabilities.
The lighting ceremony is a festive highlight, featuring live music, speeches, and the magical moment when the tree illuminates the square. Snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, and the joyful crowd create a quintessential Icelandic Christmas atmosphere.
Lækjartorg has recently stepped into a new role as a vibrant cultural and craft market square in the heart of Reykjavík. Once a historic junction in the old town, the square is now reimagined as a hub for local art, handmade crafts, and urban gathering — offering both visitors and locals a modern marketplace with community spirit.
At Lækjartorg, you can browse an ever-changing selection of artisanal wares: handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and design pieces — many produced by local artists and makers dedicated to Icelandic materials and aesthetics. Small vendors often set up stalls, and the atmosphere encourages curious explorers to discover unique gifts, souvenirs, or simply enjoy the creative energy flowing through the square.
Because Lækjartorg connects directly to major pedestrian arteries and sits within walking distance of Reykjavík’s main shopping and cultural areas, it’s ideally placed for spontaneous visits — perfect before or after a meal, a walk along the old harbor, or a visit to a gallery nearby.
Get into the holiday spirit at Munck Ceramics during our festive Open Studio Christmas Market! Join us on December 13–14, 2025, from 11:00 to 17:00 at Vagnhöfði 14, 110 Reykjavík.
Explore a curated selection of handcrafted ceramics, perfect for gifts, home décor, or adding a special touch to your own collection. Wander through the studio, meet the artist Birgitte Munck, and discover how each piece is carefully designed and made by hand.
When: December 13–14, 11:00–17:00
Where: Munck Ceramics/Reykjavik Clay Vagnhöfði 14, 110 Reykjavík
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