| Date | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 11 to 24 December | Children put a shoe in the window for the Yule Lads |
| 12 to 24 December | The 13 Yule Lads arrive one at a time |
| 23 December | A Yule buffet can include fermented skate |
| 24 December | Main celebration; grocery stores open until noon; most restaurants closed that evening |
| 25 December | Grocery stores closed |
| 26 or 27 December | Grocery stores reopen |
| 31 December | Grocery stores close at noon |
| 1 January | Grocery stores closed; reopen on the 2nd or 3rd |
The Icelandic Christmas
Most Icelanders celebrate on the evening of 24 December, and gifts are usually opened after dinner. Traditional foods include smoked lamb and fermented fish. The 13 Yule Lads are mostly harmless pranksters who bring small gifts to well-behaved children; Visit Iceland names examples such as Spoon Licker, Door Slammer, Skyr Gobbler and Sausage Stealer. Grýla and the Yule Cat are the frightening figures: the Yule Cat hunts on Christmas Eve and eats people who did not get new clothes before Christmas. In Dimmuborgir and in a Christmas house in North Iceland, visitors can meet the Yule Lads. For New Year's Eve, see Iceland on New Year's Eve.
Where to stay at Christmas
Because shops and restaurants close, the best base is central Reykjavík, where the sights, pools and restaurants are within walking distance; the city centre is about a 45-minute walk from one end to the other. Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur have the shopping, and the Ingólfstorg square has an ice rink in the season. Compare the neighbourhoods in where to stay in Reykjavik, then check hotel prices for your dates in the Booking box; Christmas week fills early. If you plan to rent a car, see Iceland car rental and the winter driving advice in Iceland in winter.
What to do on 24 to 26 December
- Soak: Sky Lagoon is open 9:00 to 18:00 on 24 December and 10:00 to 21:00 on other days from 21 October to 30 April (see Sky Lagoon).
- Museums: Perlan lists daily exhibition hours of 9:00 to 21:00; confirm the holiday hours on perlan.is for your dates.
- Christmas villages: Hafnarfjörður and Selfoss both have one, and there are Christmas concerts in churches and at Harpa.
- Northern lights: the nights are long; see northern lights tours.
- Books: the annual Christmas book flood is a national tradition, and books are a popular gift.
Before you arrive
Buy groceries before noon on 23 or 24 December if your hotel has a kitchen. Reserve restaurants for 24 to 26 December as early as possible, since Visit Iceland advises booking ahead. For the shortest days and the plan around them, read Iceland in December.
Mistakes to avoid
- Counting on a supermarket on 25 December: grocery stores are closed.
- Planning a Christmas Eve dinner without a booking.
- Choosing a remote base without a car: shops and tours are in Reykjavík.
- Treating New Year as a normal day: shops close at noon on 31 December.
FAQ
Is Iceland open at Christmas?
Yes, but grocery stores close at noon on 24 December and stay closed on 25 December, and some restaurants have limited hours from 24 to 26 December.
When do Icelanders celebrate Christmas?
On the evening of 24 December, with gifts opened after dinner.
What are the Yule Lads?
Thirteen figures who arrive between 12 and 24 December and leave small gifts for children.
Where should I stay?
In central Reykjavík, where restaurants, shopping and pools are close.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
