Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour

Christmas in Reykjavik comes with trolls. This two-hour walk through central Reykjavik brings the city’s lights, markets, bookshops, and Icelandic folklore together in a family-friendly outing. You’ll hear about the 13 Yule Lads, their frightening mother Grýla, and the Christmas Cat, a creature far less cuddly than its name suggests.

I like the way the tour focuses on local Christmas traditions instead of offering only a pretty lights stroll. I also like the route, which links Ingólfstorg, Austurvöllur Square, Laugavegur, a small Christmas shop, and Hallgrímskirkja. The main consideration is the price: at $74 per person, this is best for visitors who want stories and guidance, not simply a quick look at the decorations.

Key points to know before you book

• The 13 Yule Lads are the stars: You’ll learn about Iceland’s mischievous Christmas visitors and the troll Grýla, who eats naughty children.
• It is a real city walk: The route covers central squares, shopping streets, markets, a bookshop, and Hallgrímskirkja.
• The Oslo Christmas Tree adds a special touch: Austurvöllur Square is home to Reykjavik’s famous Christmas tree from Oslo.
• Litla Jólabúðin is a required stop: This little Christmas store gives the walk a playful shopping break and photo opportunity.
• The tour finishes at Hallgrímskirkja: You end near Reykjavik’s best-known church after walking uphill along Skólavörðustígur.
• Come dressed for Icelandic weather: Layers and weather-appropriate clothing matter, even for a two-hour outing.

Why this Christmas walk is different

Many city Christmas tours are mainly about lights, shopping, and seasonal decoration. This one uses those things as a setting for Icelandic folklore. That gives the walk more personality, especially if you are visiting from a country where Santa arrives alone with a sleigh and a sack of presents.

Iceland has 13 Yule Lads, each with his own name and troublesome habit. The stories lead to Grýla, their troll mother, and then to the Christmas Cat, a ferocious creature with a reputation that makes ordinary holiday mascots seem harmless. The guide turns these tales into the main thread of the walk, so you get a better sense of how Icelandic Christmas customs differ from familiar European and North American traditions.

The route also touches on Iceland’s love of books. A short bookshop visit highlights the importance of Christmas reading and the country’s fondness for giving books during the season. It is a small stop, but it adds a useful cultural detail that you would probably miss on a simple self-guided walk.

The tour is run by Your Friend in Reykjavik, with an English-speaking local guide. Guides usually wear a light blue jacket marked with the company name, which makes the meeting point easier to spot. A December 2024 booking praised Bjornvain as friendly and funny, with strong knowledge of the Yule Lads and other folklore. That matters here because the value of the experience depends heavily on storytelling.

Meeting at Hlöllabátar and Ingólfstorg

The meeting point is outside Hlöllabátar sandwich shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and its two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right, and benches, tables, and a covered ceiling provide a practical place to wait.

This is a sensible starting point because you are already in the center of Reykjavik. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way there. Arrive with enough time to find the square, particularly if the December darkness and unfamiliar streets slow you down.

The first stop is Ingólfstorg, where you can see the skating rink, holiday decorations, and Christmas market stalls. The square gives the tour an immediate seasonal feel without requiring a long walk before the festive part begins. You may have time to look at the stalls, but this is still a guided walk rather than a dedicated shopping trip.

The guide uses the setting to introduce Icelandic holiday customs and the first pieces of folklore. If you are traveling with children, this is a good moment to explain that Icelandic Christmas stories can be funny, strange, and a little scary at the same time.

Austurstræti and the Oslo Christmas Tree

From Ingólfstorg, the walk continues through Austurstræti, one of the central streets in the route. This section combines sightseeing with a chance to see the Christmas atmosphere around downtown shops and decorations.

The next major stop is Austurvöllur Square, home to the Oslo Christmas Tree. The tree is a gift from Oslo, Norway, and it has become a familiar part of Reykjavik’s Christmas season. It gives the walk a clear landmark and connects Iceland’s capital with its Nordic neighbor.

Austurvöllur is also a useful pause in the walk. You can take photographs, listen to more stories, and get your bearings before moving toward the shopping streets. The square itself is not a full attraction requiring hours, so the guide’s commentary is what gives this stop its value.

The route is mostly easy city walking, but you should still expect winter conditions. Reykjavík’s December weather can be cold, wet, or windy, and the tour continues outdoors for most of its two hours. Wear layers, bring a waterproof outer layer, and choose shoes suitable for streets that may be slippery.

Laugavegur, books, and Icelandic Christmas culture

Laugavegur is Reykjavik’s main shopping street and one of the liveliest parts of the route. Here, the tour moves from public squares into the city’s retail center, with time for photographs, sightseeing, and a look at seasonal goods.

One of the more thoughtful moments is the short visit to a bookshop. Icelanders have a strong connection with books, and the guide explains why books are especially important at Christmas. You’ll see distinctive Icelandic Christmas books and get a cultural detail that goes beyond decorations and gift buying.

I like this part because it helps explain the season through everyday life. Christmas is not only a display of lights and market stalls. It is also about what people read, eat, drink, and give to one another. The tour may include a chance to sample a Christmassy food or drink, although this should not be treated as a guaranteed meal or tasting menu.

The walk along Laugavegur also gives you some free-looking time, but the stop is not designed for a major shopping session. If you already know you want to buy Icelandic gifts, you may want to return later with more time.

Litla Jólabúðin, Reykjavik’s little Christmas store

The route includes about 30 minutes at Litla Jólabúðin, the little Christmas store. This is one of the most focused seasonal stops, with time for photographs, browsing, and a look at Christmas-related goods.

For some people, this will be the most enjoyable part of the walk. The shop adds a small, cheerful break from the cold, and it gives you a chance to see the kind of decorations and souvenirs connected with Icelandic Christmas. It is also a useful stop if you want a modest seasonal keepsake rather than a standard Reykjavik souvenir.

For others, 30 minutes in a shop may feel long, especially if shopping is not a priority. The guide keeps the group moving through the rest of the route, so this is your main dedicated retail stop. The experience provider also offers discounts at selected Christmas shops, stalls, and restaurants, which can improve the value if you plan to buy something or stop for food afterward.

A 2024 booking highlighted the small extras included along the way. Those touches appear to be part of what makes the experience feel more personal than a basic guided stroll.

The walk uphill to Hallgrímskirkja

The final section follows Skólavörðustígur toward Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s famous church. This is a striking finish because the street leads toward one of the city’s most recognizable buildings.

The guide may pause at selected stores along the way to point out Christmas-related items. The route then ends at Hallgrímskirkja, with time for photographs and a final look at the church.

There is one practical point to keep in mind: the final stretch is uphill. It is not described as a strenuous hike, but winter footwear and warm layers will help. If your group includes young children or anyone who dislikes hills, keep that short climb in mind when deciding if this walk suits you.

Ending at Hallgrímskirkja is useful for your own sightseeing plans. You can continue exploring the area afterward, although entry inside the church is not listed as part of this tour. The walk gives you the exterior and the setting, not a full church visit.

What the $74 price really covers

At $74 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Reykjavik’s Christmas lights. You are paying for a two-hour guided experience, local stories, a planned central route, and the chance to learn customs that are not obvious from the decorations alone.

The value is strongest if you want context. A self-guided walk can show you the tree, lights, markets, and shops, but it will not easily explain all 13 Yule Lads, Grýla, the Christmas Cat, or Icelandic Christmas reading traditions. A good guide also helps connect the stops so the evening feels like one story rather than a series of unrelated photo spots.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want shopping time or a short look at the lights. You could visit Ingólfstorg, Austurvöllur, Laugavegur, Litla Jólabúðin, and Hallgrímskirkja on your own. The added cost makes sense when the folklore and live commentary are central to what you want.

Discounts at selected Christmas shops, stalls, and restaurants may help offset the price, but the exact savings are not specified. Treat them as a useful bonus rather than the reason to book.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavik experience most

This tour suits families particularly well. The stories about the Yule Lads and Grýla give children something memorable to listen for, and the Christmas Cat adds just enough fright to keep the folklore lively. Younger children may need warm clothing and patience during the two-hour walk, especially in poor weather.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want an introduction to downtown Reykjavik during December. You’ll see several central areas in one outing and finish at Hallgrímskirkja, while the guide provides cultural background along the way.

Book it if you enjoy local stories, seasonal traditions, small shops, and walking between city sights. It is a good choice for an early trip activity because it helps you understand the center and gives you ideas for places to revisit.

You may want to skip it if you dislike guided groups, prefer to explore at your own pace, or want a tour centered on food and drink. Sampling may be offered, but it is not the main product. This is a Christmas folklore walk with some shopping and sightseeing included.

The tour is offered only in December, so timing matters. It is also available as a private tour if you want a more personal format or need a group arrangement that suits your schedule.

Practical advice for a comfortable two hours

Wear several layers rather than relying on one thick coat. You can adjust your clothing as you move between outdoor streets and indoor stops, and the operator specifically advises dressing for the weather.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The route includes normal city streets and an uphill finish toward Hallgrímskirkja. You will not need special hiking equipment, but winter conditions make sensible footwear important.

Keep your schedule flexible around the two-hour duration. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking. The tour is conducted in English, and private groups are available.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your December plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

Book this tour if you want Icelandic folklore with your Christmas lights. The 13 Yule Lads, Grýla, and the Christmas Cat give the experience a clear identity, while the route covers the main festive corners of central Reykjavik.

The strongest reason to go is the guide. Bjornvain received especially warm praise for being friendly, funny, and good at bringing the stories to life. Since the tour is built around folklore, an engaging guide makes a major difference.

Skip it if you only need a quick photo walk or if $74 feels too high for two hours of city sightseeing. But if you are in Reykjavik during December and want a cheerful, culturally specific introduction to Icelandic Christmas, this is a worthwhile way to spend an evening.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is conducted in English.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is outside Hlöllabátar sandwich shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and its two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right.

Where does the tour finish?

The walk finishes at Hallgrímskirkja church.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the meeting point independently.

What should I wear?

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and layers. December conditions in Reykjavik can be cold, so warm outdoor clothing is important.

Is the tour available as a private experience?

Yes. A private group option is available.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.