Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour

Christmas lights in Reykjavik, folklore in your footsteps. This 2-hour guided walk brings Icelandic holiday characters and traditions into the downtown streets, from the Yule Lad hunt to spooky tales like Troll Grýla and the ferocious Christmas Cat. You also get a real sense of the season through Christmas markets and specific local sights, not just general holiday vibes.

I especially like two things. First, you hit classic photo stops such as the Oslo Christmas Tree in Austurvöllur Square and the big views around Hallgrímskirkja as you head up Skólavörðustígur. Second, the tour leans into the playful side of Iceland at Christmas, with hunts for the hidden Yule lads, plus themed stops that include a dedicated little Christmas store called Litla Jólabúðin.

One thing to plan for: this is an outdoor, walking-based tour in winter. December can mean cold wind and slick streets, so wear layers and expect to stand around for a few photos.

Quick hits from the walk

• The 13 Santas of Iceland and their mother, told as part of the seasonal story
• A Yule Lad spotting game across the city center, including hidden characters
• Christmas markets and the Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvöllur Square
• Troll Grýla and the ferocious Christmas Cat to balance spooky and kid-friendly fun
• Litla Jólabúðin plus bonus discounts at select holiday shops, stalls, and restaurants
• Hallgrímskirkja finish with a satisfying downtown-to-church Christmas walk

Why Icelandic Christmas feels different in Reykjavik

Reykjavik in December is not just lights and shopping, it is a whole cast of characters. On this tour, the holiday season is explained through local folklore, so you understand why people talk about Yule lads and why Grýla the troll shows up in Christmas stories.

You also get a smart mix of “look at this” moments and “listen to this” moments. That matters in a place like Iceland, where winter nights can turn any long walk into a test of comfort. Here, the story pacing gives you reasons to stop, warm up a bit inside shops, and keep your energy up.

Meeting at Hlöllabátar by Ingólfstorg Square

You start outside Hlöllabátar, by Ingólfstorg Square. The spot is easy to find because you are facing Ingólfstorg and the two tall stone pillars, and CenterHotel Plaza sits to the right. There are benches, tables, and even a covered ceiling, so it is not a miserable wait if weather is rough.

Your guide is easy to spot too. They usually wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back. In the past, guests have specifically praised guides like Bjornvain for being friendly and funny, which is a great fit for this kind of story-led walk.

Practical tip: because this is a walking tour, arrive a little early and take a minute to get your bearings around Ingólfstorg. Once you start moving, you will be scanning for festive details and street-level clues.

Ingólfstorg Square to Austurstræti: markets, skating, and first stories

From Ingólfstorg, you begin with the holiday atmosphere of downtown Reykjavik. You will see the Christmas market stalls and the ice skating rink, plus decorations set around the square. It is a good opening because it grounds you fast in the season, and it gives the guide an easy starting point for stories.

Then you move toward Austurstræti, a stretch that blends holiday shopping with classic central-street energy. This is where the tour’s “folklore plus city stroll” approach really clicks. As you walk, you are not only passing sights, you are learning what Icelandic Christmas traditions mean and where the characters fit in.

If you are traveling with kids, this segment tends to work well because the guide can pace the spooky stuff and keep it fun. Even if you are an adult, you will likely enjoy that the characters are not just random names, they connect to a whole idea of Christmas behavior and holiday myths.

Austurvöllur Square and the Oslo Christmas Tree

A major stop is Austurvöllur Square, home to the Oslo Christmas Tree. This is one of those sights that feels instantly recognizable once you see it, especially if you have seen Christmas trees from Norway before. It also works as a reset point during the walk, because you get a chance to regroup and take photos before continuing on the shopping streets.

This stop also helps you understand the regional Christmas connections. The tour frames it as part of the festive downtown scene, not as an isolated photo-op. That makes the tree feel like a real part of the story the guide is telling.

Plan for this: in winter evenings, light can change quickly. If you care about photos, keep your phone ready and be ready to adjust settings, especially if the tree is surrounded by bright lights.

Chasing the Yule lads through downtown streets

One of the most entertaining parts is the hunt for Icelandic Yule lads, the Santa-like characters that show up in different forms across the country. While you are walking through the city center, your guide encourages you to spot them around town, which turns the tour into a game.

This is more than a gimmick. The guide ties these characters to local seasonal themes, including the darker side of Christmas folklore. You do not just hear about them, you learn why they matter in Icelandic storytelling and how they fit into the broader Christmas mood.

Another highlight tied to the holiday myth side is the elf stone. It is included as one of the standout elements, and it adds that Iceland feeling of old folklore sitting right next to modern streets.

If you like active tours, you will love this aspect. If you prefer a slower pace, you can still enjoy it just by watching for the clues and letting the guide do the heavy lifting.

The book store break and why Icelanders love Christmas reads

Halfway through the main shopping flow, you will stop at a book store to see Icelandic Christmas books. This is a small detour, but it is a smart one. It reminds you that Christmas in Iceland is not only about souvenirs, it is also about local culture, language, and stories people actually read during the season.

If you have ever wandered a bookstore and wished you knew what was popular, this stop is your shortcut. You get a peek at how books fit into the holiday rhythm, which also pairs nicely with the folklore-style storytelling the guide has been doing.

Even if you do not buy anything, you will probably appreciate the break from the cold air. Short indoor pauses are a big quality-of-life detail on a two-hour winter walk.

Laugavegur shopping street and Litla Jólabúðin

Next comes the heart of Reykjavik shopping: Laugavegur. This street is perfect for holiday browsing because the mix of storefronts and seasonal displays creates a steady stream of visual entertainment, even if you are not planning to shop heavily.

You also get a dedicated highlight stop at Litla Jólabúðin, the little Christmas store. This is the kind of stop that can make the tour feel special, because it is themed and focused. Instead of scattering across random shops, you spend real time in a place built for Christmas browsing.

Here is the value angle: the tour also includes bonus discounts at a couple of Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants. You may not buy a lot, but if you were already thinking of picking up a small gift or trying a Christmas-themed treat, that discount can shave off a meaningful chunk of your overall cost.

Finishing with Hallgrímskirkja on Skólavörðustígur

To close, you walk up Skólavörðustígur, heading toward the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church. This is one of Reykjavik’s iconic backdrops, and it gives your Christmas walk a proper ending point.

Along the way, you can expect more peeks into Christmas-related stores. The tour is designed to keep you moving, but it also gives you moments to slow down and take in the city details, especially around the church area.

And yes, the big folklore notes keep rolling. The tour includes stories tied to Troll Grýla and the ferocious Christmas Cat, characters that add personality to what might otherwise be a standard “lights and shops” walk. Done well, that combination turns the last stretch into a memorable payoff.

Price and what $74 really buys you

The price is $74 per person for a 2-hour guided walk. On paper, that may sound like “just a stroll.” In practice, you are paying for three things that matter in Reykjavik winter.

First, you are paying for a guide who knows how to translate Icelandic Christmas traditions into stories you can actually follow while you walk. That makes the time feel purposeful, not random.

Second, you are paying for route planning. You cover key downtown spots like the market area near Ingólfstorg, the Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvöllur Square, the main shopping street on Laugavegur, the themed Christmas store Litla Jólabúðin, and the finish near Hallgrímskirkja. Doing all that on your own is doable, but it is harder to line up the right stops in winter without losing time.

Third, you may benefit from discounts at select Christmas stores, stalls, and restaurants. If you use at least one discount, the tour can start to feel like it pays you back in shopping and holiday snacks.

The tour also runs only in December. That seasonal timing can be a plus, because you get the right atmosphere during the right month, when the Christmas markets and decorations are active.

Who this Reykjavik Christmas walking tour is for

This tour is a strong match if you want a family-friendly introduction to Icelandic Christmas traditions without having to research everything first. The mix of folklore characters, city sights, and shopping stops gives both adults and kids something to focus on.

It also works well if you enjoy guided storytelling. The guide is in English, and guests have praised guides such as Bjornvain for being friendly and funny, which helps the spooky characters feel approachable rather than scary.

If you are traveling with limited time in Reykjavik, the 2-hour length is practical. You still get multiple key neighborhoods in one go, and you finish at Hallgrímskirkja, a useful landmark if you want to keep exploring after the tour ends.

Should you book it?

Book this Reykjavik Christmas walking tour if you want your winter evening to feel like a story, not just a light display. The standouts are the combination of the Yule Lad spotting game, the folklore characters like Troll Grýla and the ferocious Christmas Cat, and the practical downtown route that hits major sights such as the Oslo Christmas Tree and Hallgrímskirkja.

Skip it (or consider a different option) if you hate cold weather and do not want to walk outdoors for about two hours. Also, if you are the type who loves total free-form wandering, you might prefer a self-guided route where you control every stop. But if you want structure plus local Christmas meaning, this is a fun, value-minded way to experience the city during the season.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $74 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars.

What time of year does the tour run?

This tour is only operated in December.

What language is the guide?

The live guide speaks English.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I wear?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing and wear layers.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, it is described as family-friendly.

Are there discounts during the tour?

Yes. As a bonus, you get discounts at a couple of Christmas stores, stalls, and restaurants.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes, private group tours are available.