| Event | Detail on 12 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Elliðavatnsbær market, Heiðmörk | Advent weekends, run by the Reykjavík Forestry Association |
| Ice skating at Ingólfstorg | Rink beside a decorated village with food and drink |
| Austurvöllur | Oslo tree, cut in the Norwegian grove in Heiðmörk |
| Hjartatorg market | Listed for 5-6, 12-13 and 18-23 December |
| Yule Lads | One arrives each night from 12 December |
| Shop hours | Many stores open until 22:00 daily from 15 December |
| New Year's Eve | Fireworks watched by about 200,000 people |
The markets
Elliðavatnsbær, Heiðmörk. The Reykjavík Forestry Association runs a craft market in the woods on the edge of the city, generally on Advent weekends. The programme published by the organiser shows 12:00 to 17:00 on market days, with handmade gifts and local food such as candles, ceramics, wreaths, jams, smoked ham, sheep's cheese, wooden toys, soaps and knitwear, plus an outdoor coffee shop. At 13:00 and 14:00 there are readings by writers and children's book authors by a campfire in the nearby grove. Dress warmly: the market is outdoors. Confirm the 2026 dates before you go.
Central markets. The December guide lists a Jólakvosin market at Austurvöllur, which opens by the Ingólfstorg rink, and a Hjartatorg market on 5-6, 12-13 and 18-23 December. Dates change each year, so check the city's event pages.
Christmas trees. A tree sale runs in a greenhouse at Lækjartorg in the days before Christmas, and a Christmas forest at Hólmsheiði lets you cut your own tree, with saws available on site.
The lights and city events
The city lights its centre with about 20 km of Christmas light strings. The Oslo tree on Austurvöllur was first lit more than 50 years ago. At Ingólfstorg, an ice rink sits beside a village decorated with lights, selling food and drinks. Families can also visit Christmas Valley in Laugardalur, Christmas at Árbær Open Air Museum, and the Christmas Creatures, a set of 14 figures shown from 1 December at the Reykjavík Art Museum (Hafnarhús), City Hall and around the city.
The Yule Lads
One Yule Lad arrives each night from 12 December, starting with Sheep-Cote Clod, and the last, Candle Beggar, arrives on 24 December. They return to the mountains on 6 January. The Christmas Cat, who devours anyone without new clothes, is on display in town. In Hafnarfjörður, the Christmas Village has stalls, live entertainment and visits from the Yule Lads.
Shopping hours and food
From 15 December many shops stay open daily until 22:00. Look for traditional Christmas buffets (jólahlaðborð) and special Christmas Eve dinners; book early, since these fill up. For other things to do on the day, see our free things to do in Reykjavik.
Plan your stay
For the season in more detail, read Iceland at Christmas, Iceland in December and New Year's Eve in Iceland. Choose a base with our guide to where to stay in Reykjavik, and add a dark-sky evening with northern lights tours. For museums indoors, see Hallgrímskirkja and the National Museum.
If you want a daytime excursion between markets, the closest option we list is the Golden Circle day tour on GetYourGuide. It is not a Christmas event, but it works in winter and helps you see Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss with transport.
FAQ
Is there a Christmas market in Reykjavik?
There are several small ones, including the Advent market at Elliðavatnsbær in Heiðmörk and markets at Austurvöllur and Hjartatorg.
When do the Yule Lads arrive?
One arrives each night from 12 December; the last arrives on 24 December.
Where do I see the Christmas tree lights?
The Oslo tree stands on Austurvöllur, in front of Parliament.
Are shops open late in December?
From 15 December many stores stay open daily until 22:00.
Can I go ice skating?
Yes, at the rink at Ingólfstorg beside the decorated village.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 12 November 2026.
