Christmas in Reykjavik moves faster than you expect. This private walking tour strings together the season’s sights and stories, from blue trees to Christmas cats, with an easy route and a guide who explains how Iceland celebrates in its own style. I like how it mixes festive landmarks with culture, so you’re not just taking photos.

Two things I really like: first, the tour feels personal because it’s private, so you can slow down for questions or scenery. Second, the guide typically brings the holiday legends to life, including the playful idea of the legendary 13 Santas, and connects them to places you’re actually standing in.

One possible drawback: this is a short walk, so Christmas market time is limited to a quick look at stalls and the ice rink rather than a long browse. If you’re hoping for hours of market wandering, set expectations early and plan extra time on your own.

Key highlights to look for

• A private route you can pace: only your group, so you’re not rushed through winter streets
• Folklore tied to real spots: 13 Santas, the Christmas cat, and tree traditions explained where it matters
• Straightforward downtown stops: most visits are at iconic squares and stores without complicated logistics
• Warm-up included: coffee/tea or hot cocoa plus a pastry to keep the walk comfortable
• End at Hallgrímskirkja: a perfect finish for your Christmas-photo moment and next plans

Why this private Christmas walk feels different in Reykjavik

Reykjavik in December is all wind, light, and little bursts of magic. What I like about a Christmas walking tour here is that the holiday season isn’t treated like a separate theme park. It’s woven into everyday downtown—squares, shops, bookstores, music stores, and the church that anchors the skyline.

This one is private, which changes the whole feel. You’re not negotiating with a big group for time at the best angles. You can ask follow-up questions when something clicks. And because it’s only about two hours, it works well even if you’re still getting your bearings.

The tour’s structure also helps. Each stop is short, but the order makes sense: you start with a festive tree and a landmark, then move through squares and local shops, and finish at Hallgrímskirkja. You’re gradually building a Christmas “map” in your head, and by the end you understand what you saw and why Iceland does it this way.

Price and what you’re really paying for

At $159.41 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to see holiday Reykjavik. But it’s priced like a private experience with an expert guide and included warm refreshments. The value comes from three things.

First, you get time with a guide who can explain the holiday traditions as you walk—stories that you’d miss if you just used a map. Second, the route is designed to cover major festive landmarks without wasting time crisscrossing the city. Third, the tour includes coffee/tea or hot cocoa and a pastry, which matters in Icelandic winter. Warm drinks are not a small detail when you’re outside for a couple hours.

One practical note: the tour is often booked well ahead (an average of 123 days). That’s a sign the dates around the holidays can fill up, so if your travel window is fixed, earlier booking can help.

The meet-up and end point: how to set yourself up for an easy start

The tour starts at Ingólfur Square (Austurstræti 4) and ends at Hallgrímstorg 1 near Hallgrímskirkja. That end point is convenient: after the walk, you’re already close to one of the city’s main landmarks, so you can keep sightseeing without a long transfer.

The downtown start is also where you want to be a little careful. Squares can look similar, and winter makes everyone bundle up fast. I’d recommend arriving a few minutes early and matching the exact meet-up details on your confirmation message. If you’re sensitive to meeting-point confusion, this is the one area where you’ll want to be organized.

Stop-by-stop: what you’ll see on the route

This is the kind of tour where each stop is small, but the explanations add up. Here’s what to expect at every stop, and what’s worth looking for.

Stop 1: Fógetagarðurinn blue tree and Skúli the sheriff

You start at Fógetagarðurinn, where you’ll spot the statue of Skúli the sheriff, described as the father of Reykjavik. It’s a good opener because it roots the tour in local identity, not just decorations.

Then there’s a festive visual hook: a beautiful blue Christmas tree by the square. Think of it as your “welcome to Reykjavik’s holiday look” moment. Photos here are easy because the scene is compact and clearly defined.

What to watch for: spend a minute framing the statue plus the tree if you like storytelling shots, not just straight holiday snaps.

Stop 2: Ingólfur Square ice rink and market stalls

Next comes Ingólfur Square, which is a classic downtown holiday hub. You’ll see the ice skating rink, the holiday decorations, and Christmas market stalls in the area.

This stop is where the Christmas “market” aspect shows up most directly. The trade-off is that it’s short. You’ll likely get time for a quick browse and a look around, not a full shopping spree.

Good if: you want the vibe and want to know where the stalls are for later.

Consider if: you’re expecting lots of market time during the tour itself.

Stop 3: Austurvollur Square and the Oslo-style tree

At Austurvollur Square, you’ll visit a traditional Oslo Christmas tree. The guide uses it as a prompt to talk about why trees and decorations matter in Icelandic homes—how this season shows up beyond the street.

This is one of those stops that pays off if you’re curious about cultural habits. You’ll connect what you see outdoors to what people actually do indoors.

What I like about this stop: it helps you interpret the decorations you’ll keep noticing around the city after the tour ends.

Stop 4: Penninn Eymundsson and Icelandic Christmas books

Then you shift from squares to stories in print at Penninn Eymundsson, a bookstore stop focused on Icelandic Christmas traditions. You’ll find unique Icelandic Christmas books here, and the visit is a reminder that holiday culture in Iceland isn’t only about ornaments and music.

If you enjoy small, thoughtful gifts, this is a strong stop. Books are also an easy “souvenir” to bring home without worrying about fragile packaging.

Tip: if you’re short on time later, you can browse a few minutes here and decide what you’d like to buy instead of hunting for it on your own.

Stop 5: Lækjartorg A and the ferocious Christmas cat

At Lækjartorg A, you’ll hear about the Christmas cat and explore a bit of Icelandic folklore. Calling it ferocious is part of the fun. The important part is that Iceland has a strong tradition of using characters and legends to explain the season’s mood.

This stop works especially well for anyone who likes “why is that here?” moments. The guide connects the folklore to the space you’re walking through, so it doesn’t feel like a random story dump.

Best angle for photos: look for places where you can frame the cat-themed info alongside the square setting.

Stop 6: Litla Jolabudin and a shop that stays open

Next is Litla Jolabudin, the little Christmas store. What makes it notable is that it’s open year-round, so you can browse ornaments even if you’re there outside the peak season.

This stop is practical if you want to buy gifts without guessing which stores will be open. You can also pick up small decorations that won’t dominate your luggage.

What to expect: a casual shop visit with time to look at Icelandic Christmas ornaments, and maybe find something you didn’t plan to bring home.

Stop 7: 12 Tonar for Icelandic Christmas music

At 12 Tonar, the focus shifts to sound: Icelandic Christmas music that borrows from different countries. The guide explains how the music tradition fits into the broader holiday mix, and you’ll visit a downtown music store connected to that theme.

If you’re the type who brings home playlists, this is a great stop. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll leave with a better sense of what Christmas music sounds like in Iceland and why.

Stop 8: Hallgrímskirkja and the meeting of Christianity and Norse mythology

You end at Hallgrímskirkja, with a discussion about the role of Christianity and Norse mythology in Christmas. This final stop ties the whole tour together.

It’s also a fitting ending visually. The church is a recognizable landmark, and by the time you get there, you’ve spent two hours learning how the season blends traditions rather than replacing them.

Why the ending matters: it gives you a thematic conclusion that’s more satisfying than just finishing at a random point in town.

The guide: where the experience gets its real value

In a tour like this, the guide is the difference between seeing decorations and understanding them. The best moments come from the way stories are placed alongside what you’re seeing.

One review highlighted Stefan as a perfect guide who answered questions and stayed friendly and knowledgeable. Another praised a guide for explaining Christmas traditions, Icelandic culture and history, and for bringing the group to local spots like a Christmas shop and a lovely local coffee stop.

That kind of guidance is what makes you feel like the tour is doing something more than a checklist. You’re learning the logic behind the season, and you’re getting small pointers for what to look for after the tour.

Warm drinks and pastry: the small comfort that matters

You get coffee and/or tea or hot cocoa, plus a pastry. It sounds simple, but in Reykjavik winter, a warm break can make the whole experience feel smoother.

It also gives you a natural pause in the middle of downtown walking. You can regroup, warm up your hands, and ask any questions you saved for later instead of trying to multitask while bundled up.

Is it worth it for your travel style?

This private Christmas walking tour is a good match if you want:

• A fast way to understand holiday Iceland, not just see decorations
• A guided route through key downtown spots
• A calm, private pacing instead of a rushed group march
• A mix of tradition, folklore, and practical shopping stops

It might not be the best fit if:

• You want lots of market time and full shopping hours
• You prefer going completely self-guided with no storytelling component
• You’re the type who needs long rests, since the tour is about two hours on your feet

Quick advice to make the most of the tour

Bring the basics that keep walking pleasant: warm layers, gloves, and shoes with good grip. Downtown Iceland can feel extra slick when you’re moving between squares. Also, since several stops are right by streets and open plazas, expect wind—so plan to keep your scarf handy.

If you’re photographing, think about lighting. In December, the day is short. You’ll get better results if you slow down at each stop for a minute, rather than sprinting ahead for the next spot.

And if you’re a planner, check how you’ll spend time right after the tour. Because it ends at Hallgrímstorg near Hallgrímskirkja, it’s easy to roll directly into your next activity.

Should you book the Private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

I’d book it if you want to understand Reykjavik’s Christmas traditions in a way that feels organized, friendly, and actually connected to real places. The private format, the included warm drink and pastry, and the folklore-led route through squares and local shops make it a strong value for the time you’re investing.

But book with the right expectations. This is not a full-day market crawl. You’ll get a quick look at festive stalls and the ice rink, and then you’ll move on to storytelling, local shops like Penninn Eymundsson and 12 Tonar, and a final finish at Hallgrímskirkja.

If your goal is holiday meaning plus the convenience of a guided route, this tour is a smart pick.

FAQ

How long is the Private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes an expert fun-loving guide, and coffee and/or tea or hot cocoa, plus a pastry.

Are pickup and mobile tickets available?

Pickup is offered, and you’ll have a mobile ticket.

Where do you meet and where does the tour end?

You start at Ingólfur Square, Austurstræti 4, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends at Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík near Hallgrímskirkja.

Are tips included?

No. Tips are not included.

Is admission required for the stops?

The stops listed have free admission tickets.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can service animals join the tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.