Christmas Trips · REYKJAVIK CHRISTMAS TOURS
The 15 best reykjavik christmas tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Board a comfortable Special Tours boat at Reykjavik's Old Harbor at 11 p.m. Cruise into Faxaflói Bay, watch fireworks across the city, toast midnight with champagne or non-alcoholic Prosecco, and return around 12:30 a.m.
Join the Amelia Rose at 10:30 PM for a two-hour New Year’s Eve cruise from Reykjavik. You’ll watch city fireworks from three panoramic decks, raise a complimentary Champagne toast, and perhaps see the Northern Lights if the sky is clear. An English-speaking guide, onboard bar, and Wi-Fi are included.
“Extremely disappointed, expecting a 2 hour cruise experience with views of fireworks , we were taken from where the boat was docked and we floated at anchor in the bay opposite the city of Reykjavik for two hours ! Basically a floating bar at the cost of £239.74p Sterling for 2 passengers . We did get a glass of free champagne ( hardly free it’s paid for within the costings ) Free WiFi , hit and miss connection if you want to send new year Greetings . The company let off 4 off their own fireworks before returning to Dock ( The othered were free to view from anywhere in…”
Sail from Reykjavik at 10:30 PM on the Arctic Rose for a two-hour New Year’s Eve cruise. You’ll watch fireworks over the capital and nearby towns from three panoramic decks, toast midnight with champagne, and enjoy coastline views from Faxaflói Bay.
“Highly recommend this tour! We had a great time celebrating new years watching all of the fire works and even got an amazing show of the northern lights!! If you are going to Iceland for new years - book this!!!!”
Walk central Reykjavik with a local guide such as Palli, Paul, Einar, or Pauly while tasting smoked lamb, laufabrauð, gravlax, reindeer paté, Christmas drinks, and more. You will also visit the Little Christmas Store and hear Icelandic holiday tales, including some rather scary ones.
“Loved the tour, our guide Pauly was amazing, kind and told us a lot about Iceland and it’s traditions. Food itself was great, loved all the restaurants and food options. We had an amazing time”
Walk downtown Reykjavik with an English-speaking local guide, hearing stories of the 13 Yule Lads, Grýla, and the Christmas Cat. You’ll visit Ingólfstorg, Austurvöllur, Laugavegur, a bookshop, Litla Jólabúðin, and Hallgrímskirkja. The tour runs only in December.
“Guide sympa, lumières féeriques, jolie ville pour passer Noël.”
Walk central Reykjavik with a local guide such as Ester, Stefan, Einar, or Barti, learning about Yule Lads, the Christmas Cat, books, music, and Icelandic customs. The route includes festive squares, shops, hot drinks on some departures, and ends at Hallgrímskirkja.
“This was an interesting walking tour as we learned so much about their Christmas traditions. We had two additional guides in training which was nice as we were able to talk with three guides and were able to learn to much more about the country.”
Sail Reykjavík’s coast for 1.5 hours with an English or Icelandic guide, passing Videy Island and the Imagine Peace monument before watching New Year’s fireworks from the water. A midnight champagne toast is included. The yacht has room for about 35 people.
“An intimate way to spend NYE in Reykjavik... capped at 35 people on a luxury yacht, we got Earth's fireworks (Northern Lights) and the just insane fireworks show the citizens of Reykjavik put on every New Year's Eve! If visiting Reykjavik during the New Year's holiday, I definitely recommend taking this cruise!”
Join an English-speaking guide, possibly Lalli, for a 90-minute Christmas walk through Reykjavík. Visit Hallgrímskirkja, the Einar Jónsson sculpture garden, and Alþingi Parliament while hearing Icelandic Christmas myths and traditions. Groups are limited to 15 people.
“Lalli was a great tour guide made it really funny and interesting, loved it! Would definitely recommend x”
Board Special Tours’ boat at Reykjavik’s harbor at 11 p.m. for a 90-minute New Year’s Eve outing on Faxaflói Bay. You’ll watch the city’s fireworks from the water, receive a glass of Champagne, use warm coveralls, and return downtown after midnight.
“The boat travelled a very shirt distance out and then was stationary, and the commentary by the attendant was hard to hear as his WiFi connection kept breaking. But the fireworks themselves were spectacular and we were given real champagne so it was overall not bad.”
Walk central Reykjavik with a local guide such as Paul or Helgi, stopping for Icelandic Christmas foods, pastries, drinks, holiday stories, and treats. You will visit Christmas shops, write to Santa, see the Ingólfstorg skating rink, and receive small local gifts along the way.
“What a fabulous afternoon. We had a superb most knowledgeable and attentive host Helge. It was a great walk around the city and the food was delicious. I had the best time. Would totally recommend this.”
Join Iceland Discover at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at 10:30 pm for a two-hour New Year’s Eve boat outing. Watch fireworks spread across the coastline from the bay, step indoors to warm up, or head outside for the full view. A bar, restroom, Wi-Fi, blankets, and one glass of champagne are included.
“Highly recommend this for NYE!! It was beyyyond cold AF and we weren't sure what to do. Didn't want to hang outside, but really wanted to see/experience the NYE fireworks...so how do you do that? Answer: hop on a boat where you can be both indoors and out and see everything from the water! We were able to comfortably view everything from both inside the boat or outside, had a bar and bathrooms, and we even got to see the Northern Lights!! It was a very special NYE.”
Walk through central Reykjavik with a local English-speaking guide, hearing tales of the 13 Yule Lads, Grýla, and the Christmas Cat. Visit holiday squares, a bookshop, and Laugavegur, with possible food samples and discounts at selected shops and restaurants.
“Tour met onze gids Robyn was top. Zij gaf ons een goed beeld van IJsland. Na afloop nog diverse hapjes aangeboden gekregen.”
Join a local English-speaking guide, often Palli, for three hours of Reykjavik Christmas food, drinks, lights, and stories. Try smoked lamb, laufabrauð, reindeer paté, gravlax, and more, then visit the Little Christmas Store for a locally inspired gift.
Walk from Ingólfur Square to Hallgrímskirkja with a private guide, learning about Iceland’s 13 Santas, the Christmas Cat, local books, music, and holiday customs. Your tour includes coffee, tea, or hot cocoa with a pastry, plus stops at festive squares and shops.
“Stefan was the perfect guide. He answered everyone's questions and is very friendly and knowledgeable. He brought us to places we might not otherwise have found. Very well done, very pleasurable experience and glad we went!”
Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for 2.5 hours past Harpa, Viðey, Engey, and Lundey. You’ll watch midnight fireworks from three panoramic decks, toast with Champagne, and may see the northern lights if skies are clear. Wi-Fi is available, but warm clothing is essential.
“Wonderful New Year’s Eve excursion! So much fun, we saw northern lights! Lots of room to move around.”
Pick a market, a lights run or a night in the snow.
