Reykjavik gets weird for Christmas.

This easy two-hour stroll turns downtown Reykjavik into a storybook, with Icelandic folklore right where you’re walking. You’ll hear about the 13 Santas of Iceland, their mother, and the ferocious Christmas Cat as you move from square to square.

I love that the tour mixes myths with real holiday sights, so it’s not just talk. I also like the practical stops: a Christmas market, a book store packed with Icelandic Christmas titles, and chances to use discounts at select Christmas shops and even restaurants.

One thing to consider: the pace includes time set aside for warm refreshments like hot chocolate, so if you want nonstop window-watching and walking, plan for that.

Key highlights to look for

• The 13 Santas of Iceland storyline: Icelandic Christmas folklore tied to places in the city center.
• Troll Grýla and the ferocious Christmas Cat: darker winter characters, presented in a family-friendly way.
• Ingólfur Square holiday stop: ice skating rink views, decorations, and market stalls.
• Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvollur: a recognizable holiday icon you can actually photograph on foot.
• Book store time: Iceland’s love of Christmas books shows up fast when you see the shelves.
• Discounts along the route: select Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants can cost a bit less.

Where the tour starts: Hlöllabátar and Ingólfstorg orientation

Meet up outside the Hlöllabátar sandwich shop at Austurstræti 1, Reykjavík. You’ll want to gather facing Ingólfstorg square, near the two tall stone seat-pillars, each over two meters high. If you see Center Hotel Plaza to your right, you’re in the right neighborhood.

This is a smart starting point for an evening-in-December walk. You’re positioned near central streets that connect naturally to Ingólfur Square, Austurvollur, Laugavegur, and the climb toward Hallgrímskirkja.

Your guide is easy to spot. Your Friend in Reykjavik guides usually wear a light blue jacket with the company name on the back, which matters when the wind is doing its best impression of a hairdryer.

Because Reykjavik in December can be cold and slippery, this meeting setup helps you get your bearings fast. Show up a few minutes early, get bundled, and keep your phone charged for the darker hours.

Ingólfur Square: rink views, decorations, and the Christmas market buzz

After you start downtown, the tour heads to Ingólfur Square. This is where you’ll see an ice skating rink, holiday decorations, and Christmas market stalls. Even if you don’t skate (or don’t want to risk it), the area gives you that classic holiday scene you’re looking for.

This stop also works well for the storytelling. When your guide talks about Icelandic traditions and folklore, it lands better because you’re watching winter life happening around you. You’ll see how the holiday season feels local, not imported.

One practical tip: if you want photos, do them here and at Austurvollur. The lighting is usually more forgiving in open squares than on narrow sidewalks later in the route.

At the same time, remember you’re still on a walking tour. Ingólfur Square can be tempting for lingering, but the best part of this tour is moving through the city center and catching the clues your guide points out.

Austurvollur and the Oslo Christmas Tree moment

Next up is Austurvollur, where you’ll take a look at the famous Oslo Christmas Tree. It’s a familiar symbol that instantly makes the holiday feel connected to the wider Nordic world, even while the guide keeps steering you back to Icelandic characters and local tradition.

Austurvollur is also a good “reset” stop. You can look around, regroup, and warm up briefly between stretches. It’s especially helpful because the route keeps you outdoors and you’ll want small breathing pauses before the climb later toward Hallgrímskirkja.

While you’re walking between stops, your guide will point you toward the hidden winter characters—Yulelads (Santa Clauses)—that show up around Reykjavik’s city center. This kind of scavenger hunt is more than a gimmick. It turns a cold walk into an activity, so you stay alert instead of just enduring the weather.

Finding the Yulelads on Laugavegur and beyond

The tour keeps you moving through Reykjavík’s holiday shopping areas, including the main shopping street called Laugavegur. Here, the emphasis shifts from folklore-only to folklore-plus-shopping, which is great if you actually want to bring something home besides memories.

You’ll also be looking for Icelandic Santa characters hiding around the city center. It’s the kind of thing that’s fun even if you’re not a big shopper, because the hunt adds a sense of play. If you love quirky Christmas details, you’ll enjoy slowing down when you spot a clue.

This part of the experience is also where discounts start to matter. The tour includes discounts at select Christmas stores and stalls, and even restaurants. That can turn a few items from “window shopping” into “okay, I’ll grab this.”

One more reason this stop works: it’s visually rich without being overwhelming. You’re not stuck in one store or one market stall. You’re walking a real street, seeing how locals pass time during December, then getting back on track.

The book store stop: Iceland’s Christmas reading habit

One of my favorite parts of this tour is the visit to a book store. You get a short look at unique Icelandic Christmas books, and you can see how serious Icelanders are about reading—even during the holiday season.

This is more than a quick stop to take a photo. It gives you a cultural thread you can carry home. The holidays here aren’t only about crafts and cookies; they’re also about stories, language, and family traditions carried through books.

If you’re the type who always picks up a local title when you travel, this stop is value-packed. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll likely enjoy browsing. It’s the kind of moment where you slow down naturally, because you’re not just hunting sights—you’re looking at ideas.

And it helps that the tour isn’t rushing you through everything. The book stop gives a break from standing in the cold. You get warmth, you get context, and you get a souvenir that feels Icelandic instead of generic.

Christmas stores, stalls, and a few tastings along the way

As you continue, you’ll check out Christmas-related shops and stalls, including a small Christmas store on Laugavegur described as the one and only little Christmas store. This is where you might find decorations, gifts, and Iceland-themed holiday items you won’t see in big-brand shops at home.

The tour also teases Christmassy food and drinks. You may get a chance to sample some on the walk, and that fits the overall vibe: Icelandic Christmas isn’t one-note. It’s folklore, yes, but it’s also warmth in a cup and small treats while you’re out in winter air.

A heads-up based on how the experience is paced: there can be a warm-up moment where hot chocolate plays a starring role. It’s a nice reset if you’re cold, but if you’re the type who hates waiting around, keep your expectations aligned with a short refresh break near the end.

This mix of sights, stories, and small edible moments is exactly why the tour works for families too. Kids get characters and the hunt for Yulelads, while adults get cultural context and the practical bonus of discounts.

Climbing Skólavörðustígur to Hallgrímskirkja: the tour’s final payoff

From the shopping streets, you’ll start heading up Skólavörðustígur toward the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church, where the tour ends. The climb is part of the charm and part of the reality check—this is a walking tour in December, so your legs and your traction matter.

Along the way, you’ll take peeks at select stores with Christmas items. This is a last chance to spot something you like, use a discount if it applies, and still end with the church as your anchor.

Hallgrímskirkja is an excellent finish point for two reasons. First, it gives you a clear destination when you’ve been walking around a lot of streets. Second, the church area helps the tour feel complete. You don’t end in a random alley or back at the start—you end at a recognizable Reykjavík landmark.

If you’re planning the rest of your evening, this ending spot is convenient for staying in the center. You’ll likely find it easier to grab dinner or keep wandering with the rest of your itinerary.

Price and value: what $66 buys you in Icelandic Christmas storytelling

At $66 per person for about two hours, this tour isn’t a bargain price in the way a free walking lecture might be. But it also isn’t just paid curiosity. You’re paying for an organized route, live storytelling, multiple holiday stops, and extras that help offset the cost.

Here’s why it can feel good value:

• You get several major Christmas sight stops in one compact walk: Ingólfur Square and Austurvollur, plus the route through Laugavegur.
• You get a cultural narrative you can’t easily recreate on your own, including the 13 Santas, their mother, Troll Grýla, and the ferocious Christmas Cat.
• You get tangible add-ons: a Christmas market and a book store visit.
• Discounts at select Christmas stores and even restaurants can make a noticeable difference if you planned to buy a small gift or snack anyway.

The main tradeoff is time. Two hours goes fast in winter, and there’s limited room for extra detours. If you want a slow, private stroll with lots of shopping time, consider booking a longer private option (the tour is available as a private tour in any language).

Who should book this Reykjavik Christmas walking tour

Book it if you want:

• Folklore you can connect to real places in central Reykjavík.
• A route that already handles the logistics, so you don’t waste your December time guessing where to go.
• A family-friendly way to see ice rink vibes, market stalls, and Christmas icons without committing to a full-day program.
• A quick cultural souvenir: Icelandic Christmas books at the book store stop.

Skip it if:

• You’d rather spend the whole time in stores and don’t care about a guided story route.
• You dislike any hot refreshment breaks, and you’re very sensitive to schedule pacing.

Should you book it?

Yes—if you’re in Reykjavík in December and you want a compact, story-led Christmas experience with real sights and practical perks. I’d particularly recommend it for first-time visitors who want to understand Icelandic Christmas characters like the 13 Santas, Troll Grýla, and the Christmas Cat without needing a crash course first.

It’s also a smart way to kick off your holiday. The tour is guided, friendly, and anchored to the places you’ll actually walk through later on your own.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the duration of the Reykjavik Christmas walking tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $66 per person.

What month is the tour available?

This tour is only available in December.

What language is the guide?

The live guide speaks English.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet outside Hlöllabátar at Austurstræti 1 in Reykjavík, facing Ingólfstorg and the two tall stone seat-pillars. Center Hotel Plaza is to your right.

What are the main places you visit?

You’ll see Ingólfur Square (including an ice skating rink and market stalls), take a look at the Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvollur, visit a book store, walk along Laugavegur, and head up Skólavörðustígur to finish at Hallgrímskirkja.

Is there a Christmas market stop?

Yes, the tour includes a visit to a Christmas market.

Do you get discounts during the tour?

Yes. You receive discounts at select Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants.

Is the tour family-friendly?

Yes. It’s described as family-friendly and suitable for families and individuals interested in Icelandic culture and traditions.

Is smoking allowed?

No, smoking is not allowed during the tour.

Can I pay later or cancel if plans change?

You can reserve now & pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a private option?

Yes, the tour is also available as a private tour in any language.

If you tell me your travel dates and what time of day you’re free, I can help you choose whether this should be your first Christmas activity in Reykjavík or a follow-up after you’ve settled in.

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