Plan around the light

Visit Iceland says the sun stays above the horizon for about four hours around the winter solstice, and gives four to five hours for South Iceland in December. That changes the plan: instead of a long loop, pick one region per day and start when it gets light. Route 1 is paved and reaches the Golden Circle and most South Coast stops, but highland roads are closed in winter and Visit Iceland advises checking road and weather conditions before every drive; the full approach is in Iceland in winter. Snow and ice can close roads or delay travel with little notice, so keep a spare half day in a short trip. For New Year's Eve, see Iceland on New Year's Eve.

Northern lights in the long nights

December and January give the widest window for stargazing, with the best hours roughly 22:30 to 01:00 on clear nights. Cloud matters as much as darkness: cloud cover below about 30 percent generally gives good viewing, and the Icelandic Met Office publishes a free cloud cover and aurora forecast. Rural areas are darker than towns; near Reykjavík, Grótta Lighthouse is 10 to 20 minutes from downtown, and Kleifarvatn, Þingvellir and the Reykjanes Peninsula are within about 45 minutes. A guided evening tour is the simplest option without a car: see northern lights tours in Iceland.

Christmas customs and dates

The 13 Yule Lads arrive one at a time between 12 and 24 December, and children put a shoe in the window from 11 to 24 December. Most Icelanders celebrate on 24 December and open gifts after dinner. Grocery stores are open until noon on 24 December, closed on 25 December and reopen on the 26th or 27th. Restaurant hours vary: some may be closed or limited on 24, 25 and 26 December, so book ahead. The same applies around New Year; see Iceland at Christmas for the holiday stretch.

What to do

  • Reykjavík: shop on Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, go ice skating at Ingólfstorg square, or hear a Christmas concert at Harpa. Perlan is open 9:00 to 21:00 and is the indoor choice on a stormy day.
  • Soak: Sky Lagoon is open 10:00 to 21:00 until 30 April and 9:00 to 18:00 on 24 December. The Blue Lagoon is open 08:00 to 22:00 from 21 August to 31 December. See Sky Lagoon.
  • Ice caves: the season usually starts in November; go only with a qualified guide. See ice cave tours.
  • Akureyri: the town's Christmas market is on Ráðhústorg in late November and December; see Akureyri.

The Golden Circle in December

Visit Iceland lists the Golden Circle as a 250 km loop from Reykjavík that works all year and does not require a 4x4. It passes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, where Strokkur erupts every 8 to 10 minutes up to 30 metres, and Gullfoss, whose lower trails are sometimes closed in winter because of ice and snow. We recommend the full-day Golden Circle tour with Kerid crater to this page because it is the one year-round day trip that needs no winter driving: 4.7 out of 5 from 27,992 reviews, from €70 on 6 November 2026. The stops are compared in Golden Circle tours.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Planning a long South Coast drive for the shortest days of the year.
  • Arriving on 24 December without food: grocery stores close at noon.
  • Booking a single night for the lights: clouds decide.
  • Driving into the highlands: the roads are closed.

FAQ

How much daylight does Iceland have in December?

About four to five hours, with around four at the winter solstice (Visit Iceland).

Can you see the northern lights in December?

Yes. December and January have the longest nights; you need clear skies and a dark place.

What is open on Christmas Eve?

Grocery stores close at noon, and most restaurants are closed that evening, although some high-end places in Reykjavík stay open.

Is the Golden Circle open in winter?

Yes, all year, though the lower trails at Gullfoss are sometimes closed because of ice.

Who are the Yule Lads?

Thirteen figures who visit one at a time between 12 and 24 December and leave small presents in children's shoes.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.