Reykjavik turns into a Christmas story at night. This 2-hour Christmas walking tour threads through the city’s lit streets, markets, and landmark spots while sharing Icelandic holiday lore—so it feels less like sightseeing and more like following a local tradition.

What I love most is the guide’s focus on the people and characters behind the season, from the 13 Santas to Troll Grýla and the ferocious Christmas Cat. I also like how the route mixes big photo moments (like the Oslo Christmas Tree) with small, shop-front surprises, including the Little Christmas store and even a quick peek at Icelandic Christmas books.

One possible drawback: it’s outdoors and December in Reykjavik can be windy and cold. If you don’t dress in layers, you’ll feel it before the final church views.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• 13 Santas of Iceland and their mother, plus Troll Grýla and the naughty-children theme
• Elf Stone and other character sightings woven into a city-center hunt for hidden Yule lads
• Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvöllur Square, paired with classic Reykjavik holiday atmosphere
• Christmas markets and the skating rink area at Ingólfstorg, good for first photos and holiday vibes
• A stop at Little Christmas store (Litla Jólabúðin) for small, themed gifts
• A bonus with discounts at select Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants

Reykjavik Christmas, explained through stories not just lights

Reykjavik in December can look like a postcard on its own. But what makes this tour more fun is the way the guide ties the sights to the characters and customs Icelanders associate with the season.

You’ll hear about the Icelandic Christmas traditions and the folklore that comes with them—especially the darker, more colorful bits that don’t show up in most holiday movies. Think of Troll Grýla, who’s known for eating naughty children, and the ferocious Christmas Cat, which brings a wilder edge to the holiday mood. That mix is a big reason the tour lands with both kids and adults.

You also get a walking pace that fits winter. The tour is only two hours, so you’re not stuck grinding through cold streets for a whole evening. Instead, you get a focused route that hits the core downtown highlights without feeling rushed.

Meeting at Hlöllabátar: easy start, right in the holiday action

Your meetup is outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right, and there are benches, tables, and a covered ceiling—useful when you’re waiting in December weather.

This matters more than you might think. A good meeting point makes your whole evening smoother, and you don’t waste time playing “Where is the tour group?” once the cold hits.

Your guide is usually easy to spot in a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back. In fact, one of the best things about this experience is the guide’s personality—people have especially liked guides who bring humor and real warmth to the storytelling. One named guide you might meet is Bjornvain, called out for being friendly and funny, with a style that makes folklore feel like it belongs to the streets you’re standing on.

Ingólfstorg Square first: decorations, markets, and the skating rink feel

The tour begins with a stop at Ingólfstorg (Ingólfstorg Square) for about 15 minutes. This is a smart first segment because it locks in the holiday atmosphere quickly.

Here’s what you’ll look for:

• The ice skating rink
• Holiday decorations and the overall glow around the square
• Christmas market stalls, where you can soak up the scents and activity even if you don’t plan to shop yet

This part also gives you a rhythm. You’re not starting at the “most famous landmark” right away—you’re building the mood. Then, as you move on, each new stop feels like a continuation of the same holiday world.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is a good moment to get your first shots. It’s early enough that light and crowds still feel manageable, and the square is set up for winter scenes.

Austurvöllur Square and the Oslo Christmas Tree: a classic centerpiece

After the Ingólfstorg area, the route heads toward Austurvöllur Square, where you’ll see the Oslo Christmas Tree. This is one of Reykjavik’s big seasonal photo points, and it’s also useful for context: it’s a reminder that Iceland’s holidays aren’t only local—they connect with wider Nordic traditions too.

While the tree itself is the obvious attraction, what you’ll gain here is the way the guide connects the tree-and-lights look with the stories you’re hearing along the walk. If you like meaning behind what you’re seeing, this stop delivers.

It also helps you pace yourself. After a short early walk, it gives you a real “pause and look” moment before the tour turns into more street-level character hunting.

The Yule lads hunt and the street between stories: Austurstræti to Laugavegur

One of the tour’s most distinctive ideas is that you’ll try to spot the unique Icelandic Yule lads (and other seasonal Santa-type characters) hiding around the city center. That turns a winter walk into a game, and it’s particularly good if you’re traveling with kids—or if you’re the adult who still enjoys a scavenger mission.

As you move through the core streets, you’ll spend time on:

• Austurstræti (around 20 minutes), where you’ll keep your eyes open while walking through festive downtown energy
• Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street (around 20 minutes), with a photo stop plus guided sightseeing

Laugavegur is the place to feel the “Christmas shopping” side of the city. It’s also where you’ll notice how the holiday theme shows up in storefronts rather than just on the streets. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, walking this stretch during December helps you understand the seasonal rhythm of the town.

One practical note: Laugavegur is a shopping street, so it can be more crowded than the side-street segments. The guide’s timing keeps it moving, but if you don’t like busy sidewalks, keep that in mind.

A book store break: Iceland’s Christmas reading habit in miniature

Between the shopping streets, you’ll make a short visit to a book store to see unique Icelandic Christmas books. This is a small stop, but it’s one of those “you didn’t know you needed this” moments.

It also adds depth to the tour. You’re already hearing folklore—so stepping into a place that sells Christmas books shows another side of Icelandic culture. It’s not just legends and lights. There’s also a tradition of reading and collecting holiday-themed stories.

If you enjoy cultural details that don’t require museums or extra tickets, this break is a win. It also gives you a warmer indoor moment briefly, which helps on cold evenings.

Litla Jólabúðin (Little Christmas store): small gifts, big holiday charm

Next comes Litla Jólabúðin, the so-called Little Christmas store, with a photo stop and about 30 minutes to look and browse.

Why this stop works:

• The name sets expectations: you’re walking into a very themed little shop
• It’s a perfect match for the tour’s tone—story + character + seasonal objects
• It gives you an easy chance to buy a small Christmas item without committing to a bigger shopping expedition

If you like bringing home something that feels specific to where you were, this is a straightforward place to do it. And as a bonus, the tour includes discounts at select Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants—so you might feel better about spending if you’re buying a souvenir or snack.

Skólavörðustígur uphill to Hallgrímskirkja: the grand finish

The final stretch moves you up Skólavörðustígur toward Hallgrímskirkja. This is where the tour shifts from “downtown storefronts” into “holiday skyline.”

You’ll spend about 30 minutes around Hallgrímskirkja, with photo opportunities and guided sightseeing. It’s also a smart ending point because the church is a Reykjavik icon, and it’s easy to use as a reference point for where you are in the city once the tour ends.

Bonus: this last segment includes peeks at select stores with Christmas-related items. That means you’re not stuck at one single location for the finale—you still get the sense of continuing to browse while ending at a landmark.

Price and timing: $74 for two hours that pack a lot in

At $74 per person for about 2 hours, the key question is value: what do you actually get for that price?

Here’s what’s included:

• A guided walking tour through multiple downtown segments
• The guide’s storytelling, including Icelandic folklore characters
• A couple of character-hunt moments (Yule lads and other sightings)
• A bonus with discounts at Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants

And what you don’t get:

• No hotel pickup or drop-off
• It’s weather-dependent walking, so you handle your own clothing choices

In other words, you’re paying for expert interpretation and a route that’s designed to hit the city’s seasonal highlights quickly. If you’re only in Reykjavik briefly in December, this kind of timed walk usually beats trying to DIY the whole route. You also avoid the awkward part—wandering around asking yourself what the characters even are. The guide gives the “why,” not just the “where.”

Who should book this Reykjavik Christmas walking tour?

This is a strong pick if:

• You’re in Reykjavik for a short visit and want the core Christmas spots in one go
• You like folklore with personality, including the slightly spooky traditions like Troll Grýla
• You want a family-friendly experience where the holiday characters are part of the fun, not just background decoration
• You enjoy shopping streets, but you’d rather browse with a purpose (photo stops, themed stores, and bookish detours)

It’s also a good fit if you appreciate guides who bring energy. The strongest praise you’ll hear about this tour is the guide vibe—friendly, funny, and good at making stories land where you’re standing. If you want a holiday walk with warmth, that’s your lane.

If you hate cold weather walking or you’re looking for a museum-style experience, you may find the format limited. But if your goal is a festive evening in downtown Reykjavik, it’s well matched.

Practical tips so you enjoy the walk (not just endure it)

Reykjavik can feel chilly fast in December. The tour advises weather-appropriate clothing and especially layers. Do that and your experience improves instantly.

A few practical habits help:

• Wear layers you can adjust as you warm up from walking
• Bring gloves and something wind-friendly for your face if it’s gusty
• Have a plan for photos: the best moments are outdoors, including the tree and the Hallgrímskirkja area

Also, because it ends at Hallgrímskirkja and starts near Ingólfstorg, you can easily keep exploring after. It’s not a “tour and you’re done” setup.

Should you book? My honest take

Book it if you want a Christmas evening in Reykjavik that mixes holiday lights, landmark views, and Icelandic folklore characters without wasting hours. The route makes sense for winter: a short start at Ingólfstorg, a centerpiece at Austurvöllur (Oslo Christmas Tree), character hunting through the downtown streets, then an iconic finish at Hallgrímskirkja.

Skip it only if you’re extremely sensitive to cold outdoor walking or you’re not interested in the story side of the season. If you care about hearing what the holiday characters represent—and you’ll enjoy a bit of playful spotting around town—this is a smart use of two hours.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is the tour guided, and what language is it in?

Yes. There is a live English-speaking guide.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I wear for this tour?

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and plan to dress in layers.

Is a private tour available?

Yes, this tour is available as a private group.