Christmas in Reykjavik has teeth and humor.

This 2-hour walking tour turns Icelandic folklore into a street-level story, with the 13 Santas, their mother, and the ferocious Christmas Cat as the spine of the walk. I love how the guide connects the festive lights to actual characters you can picture and remember, and I also like the practical bits, especially the short stop at a book store and the chance to use discounts while you’re already in the middle of shopping streets. One possible drawback is timing, if you’re hoping for long stops to browse every shop, the walk keeps moving.

You start by meeting your guide near downtown landmarks, then you bounce between squares, markets, and church steps in a compact route that still feels like you’ve covered a lot. Along the way, you’ll see seasonal set pieces like an ice rink and a Christmas tree, and you’ll get prompts to spot the little Yulelads hidden around the city center. Come dressed for cold weather, because this is a true outdoor stroll even when there are indoor moments like a book shop.

Key Highlights You Should Not Rush

• 13 Santas plus their mother, told in a way that fits street corners and winter moods
• Troll Grýla and the ferocious Christmas Cat, the darker folk side of Icelandic Christmas
• Ingólfur Square ice rink, decorations, and market stalls, classic downtown holiday scenes
• Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvollur, a recognizable photo stop with local context
• A quick visit to Icelandic Christmas books, for anyone who loves reading more than buying gifts
• Discounts at select shops and even restaurants, so your walk can pay back a little

Icelandic Christmas Folklore, Put Into Motion on Foot

I love that this tour doesn’t treat Christmas like only lights and shopping. It gives you characters and motives, the kind of details you can carry into every later conversation during the trip. You’ll hear about the 13 Santas of Iceland, their mother, and the darker folklore figures like Troll Grýla, who is tied to the idea of punishing naughty children.

The tour also leans into Iceland’s own twist on the holiday monster vibe, including the ferocious Christmas Cat. That contrast matters because it makes Icelandic Christmas feel more like a tradition with teeth, not just a polite season. If you enjoy stories you can repeat, this is the type of experience where the street becomes a stage.

Meeting Up by Hlöllabátar and Getting Your Bearings Fast

Meet outside Hlöllabátar sandwich shop at Austurstræti 1 in Reykjavik. Gather facing Ingólfstorg (the square), and look for the two tall stone seat-pillars, each over two meters high. The Center Hotel Plaza should be on your right as you face the square.

This setup is helpful in winter, because the area in front of the shop has benches, tables, and a covered ceiling overhead. Your guide typically wears a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back, and English-speaking local guides may include someone named Robyn among past leadership. It’s an easy way to confirm you’re in the right group.

Dress plan matters here. Even though you’re starting in a sheltered spot, you’ll be outside between stops, and Reykjavik December weather can turn a slow walk into a brisk one.

Ingólfur Square: Ice Rink, Market Stalls, and Seasonal Atmosphere

Your first big visual hit is Ingólfur Square, where you’ll see an ice skating rink plus holiday decorations. It’s one of those places where people naturally drift, because there’s motion and light and a holiday “hub” feeling even if you’re just standing still.

You’ll also check out Christmas market stalls. This is where the tour’s family-friendly focus shows up in a practical way: it’s easy to follow the guide while still having places to look around. If you like taking in winter scenes without committing to a long shopping spree, this stop hits the sweet spot.

You might also get the chance to sample food and drinks Iceland considers Christmassy while you’re walking. The idea is not to turn the tour into a food crawl, but to give you a taste of the season in the places where locals would naturally encounter it.

The Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvollur and the Hunt for Yulelads

Next, you head to Austurvollur to see the famous Oslo Christmas Tree. It’s a well-known landmark, but what makes it tour-worthy is that you’re not just getting a photo, you’re getting context through the Icelandic folklore thread running the whole walk.

This is also where the guide cues you to play spot-the-folklore. As you move through the city center, you’ll try to find unique Icelandic Yulelads (the Santa-like figures) hiding around the streets. The prompt turns a cold walk into an active one, and it gives kids a mission without making it feel like a chore.

Practical note: you’ll be hunting for details at pedestrian speed. If you’re the type who likes to plan photo angles, you might want to pause briefly before the group moves on, rather than trying to shoot while you’re still scanning for the hidden figures.

A Book Store Stop That’s Surprisingly Worth It

One of my favorite parts of this kind of walking tour is the moment it proves you don’t have to spend money to enjoy the holiday. Here, you get a short visit to a book store to see unique Icelandic Christmas books.

This matters more than it sounds, because it connects Christmas to Iceland’s reading culture. You’ll learn about the love Icelanders have for books, especially during the season, and it reframes the holiday from only consumer choices to story choices.

Keep your expectations realistic. The book store visit is described as a short stop, so it’s not meant to turn into an hour-long browsing session. Still, even 10 to 20 minutes can be enough to find one or two books you’d want to read later, and it can be a memorable souvenir that doesn’t weigh down your luggage like extra gift bags.

Laugavegur Shopping Street and the Little Christmas Store

After the book stop, the route takes you to Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. This is where the holiday becomes more tangible, with the guide pointing out select places tied to Christmas.

You’ll check out a little Christmas store along the way, and the tour also includes opportunities for discounts at select Christmas stores and stalls. The big value play here is timing: you get those discount chances while you’re already moving through the exact streets where seasonal shopping is happening.

If you’re not a shopper, you can still enjoy this segment. Treat it like a moving exhibit. Look at the items for the craft and the design, and only buy if something genuinely speaks to you. In December, small gifts and ornaments can look very tempting, but it’s easy to overspend when you’re cold and excited.

Skólavörðustígur and Hallgrímskirkja, Where the Tour Ends

The last stretch climbs Skólavörðustígur toward Hallgrímskirkja church, where the tour ends. This is a good arc to end on because you’re moving from street-level holiday sights into one of Reykjavik’s most iconic silhouettes.

Along the way, the guide may point out select stores with Christmas related things. Even if you don’t plan to shop, this is where the route feels complete: you see more holiday storefronts, then you land on a major landmark to wrap up.

The hill matters in winter. It’s not described as a long hike, but it is a walk, so comfortable shoes are key. If your feet get cold fast, plan to keep moving and avoid lingering too long at every window, or you’ll feel it at the end.

Price and Value for a $66, 2-Hour Christmas Walk

At $66 per person for a 2-hour tour, this is priced like a curated winter experience, not like a free stroll with a tip jar. The value comes from three parts that work together: a story guide, multiple Christmas focal points, and discounts that can offset spending.

Here’s how I’d judge the cost:

• You’re paying for guided folklore plus a guided route through key holiday stops, including market areas and a book store.
• You’re also paying for convenience, because you’re shown where the “set pieces” are in the city center, like the ice rink and Christmas tree.
• And you’re getting a practical financial lever through discounts at select shops and even restaurants.

If your goal is strictly photos or only one or two stops, you might feel the price less strongly. But if you want the holiday story and the most festive downtown sights in one tidy walk, it can feel like good winter value.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This tour is family-friendly and suited for families and individuals interested in Icelandic culture and traditions. If your travel style includes street stories, characters, and local folklore, you’ll likely get a lot out of the pacing and the prompts.

It’s also a smart choice if you only have limited time in Reykjavik in December. The route is compact enough to feel full, while the total duration stays at 2 hours.

You might choose a different option if you want long free time to browse shops at your own speed, because this tour keeps a guided flow. Also, if you’re not interested in folklore characters like Troll Grýla or the Christmas Cat, you may find parts of the walk more about atmosphere than action.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Cold-Weather Walk

This is an outdoor walk in December, so your biggest job is clothing and shoes.

• Wear warm layers and comfortable walking shoes. If your feet get wet or your socks get thin, the rest of the tour will feel harder.
• Expect to stand and look around for brief moments at squares and shop fronts. A hat and gloves make the experience much easier to enjoy.
• Smoking is not allowed, so plan your breaks accordingly.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is great if mobility is an issue. Still, ask yourself whether you’ll be comfortable outdoors for the full 2 hours.

One small planning mindset helps: decide ahead of time what you want to buy, if anything. The tour includes discounts, but it’s easy to get caught up in winter shopping while you’re moving.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour?

If you want Icelandic Christmas to feel like a living tradition, not just décor, I think this tour is a strong bet. The blend of folklore characters, real downtown holiday landmarks, a book store stop, and discount opportunities gives you a well-rounded experience for a reasonable amount of time.

Book it if:

• you enjoy stories and local traditions,
• you want to see multiple key holiday spots in one go,
• and you’d like a chance to use discounts while shopping.

Skip it if:

• you only care about photos and would rather go independently,
• or you need a slow, unstructured shopping wander with long store time.

If you’re traveling in December and want a guide to connect the season’s weird characters to real places in Reykjavik, this walking tour is one of the more fun ways to start your holiday.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas walking tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

When is this tour available?

It is only available in December.

Where do we meet the guide?

Meet outside Hlöllabátar sandwich shop at Austurstræti 1. Gather facing Ingólfstorg square, in front of the shop area with seating, and look for the two tall stone seat-pillars. Center Hotel Plaza is to your right.

What will we see at Ingólfur Square?

You’ll admire the ice skating rink, holiday decorations, and Christmas market stalls at Ingólfur Square.

What Christmas landmark is visited at Austurvollur?

You’ll take a look at the famous Oslo Christmas Tree at Austurvollur.

Is there a stop at a book store?

Yes. There’s a short visit to a book store to see unique Icelandic Christmas books and learn about Icelanders’ love of books during Christmas time.

Do you get discounts during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes discounts at select Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants.

What languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Is smoking allowed?

No, smoking is not allowed.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.