Guide to Reykjavik Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are one of the biggest highlights of the holiday season. This time of year, the Christmas spirit beckons mankind to gather around bonfires and bask in the festivities while sipping mulled wine. Markets are a key part of this experience, yet, in Iceland, they didn’t used to be a part of the Christmas traditions. In recent years though, they’ve popped up all throughout the country, with some of the best being in the capital. If you’re visiting Iceland over the holidays, make sure to check out Reykjavík’s best Christmas markets.

NOTE: Iceland’s Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. In 2024, that’s the 1st of December. You can enjoy live music, Christmas buffets, and of course, the markets from this day onwards.

Hafnarfjörður: The Big Christmas Market 

Hafnarfjörður, the home of the elves, goes big when it comes to Christmas. This suburban town adjoining Reykjavík is famous for its 20-year-old Christmas market - the longest one running in the region. Savour some Icelandic Christmas cookies and sip a hot drink as you make your way through huts decked with local handicrafts and festive decor. There’ll be live music and entertainment, and horse-drawn carriages should you wish to ride one!

If you’re in town for the festivities and don’t mind the additional cost, it might be worth checking out the brand-new ice rink near the library. It’s open from 4 pm on weekdays and noon on weekends. The cost is 1500 ISK per person.

 OPENING TIMES

• Fridays 5 PM - 8 PM

• Saturday and Sunday 1 PM - 6 PM

• December 23rd (last day) 1 PM - 9 PM

Arbaer’s Open Air Museum: A Traditional Christmas Market

The Open Air Museum in Arbaer is a great way to experience how Christmas was celebrated in Iceland in ancient times all the way up to a few decades back. While Arbaer is incredible all year round, its special Christmas program is not one to miss. From candle making to cutting patterns in Laufabrauð (traditional Icelandic bread), making Christmas decorations, and savouring must-try Icelandic delicacies such as Hangikjöt (smoked lamb), there’s an endless array of activities to get you in the festive spirit of the season.

 OPENING TIMES

• Museum

  • September to May 1 PM to 5 PM

  • June to August 10 AM to 5 PM

• Christmas program - first 3 Sundays in December

Hjartartorg: Christmas Market in the Heart of Reykjavík 

One of Reykjavík’s main streets, Laugavegur, is home to the Hjartartorg Square Christmas market. Not only is it highly accessible, but Hjartartorg also hosts a variety of stalls with scrumptious food, small goods, and all manner of Christmassy items on sale. There are events taking place in the main square all throughout December so there’s never a dull moment. 

 OPENING TIMES

• Weekends in December - 1 PM to 6 PM

• December 21st - 23rd: 4 PM  - 8 PM

Ice Skate Through Ingolfstorg Square’s Classic Christmas Market 

Get your picture-perfect Christmas market at Reykjavík’s Ingolfstorg Square. With Christmas lights twinkling above Alpine wooden huts around an ice rink, this Christmas market is simply delightful. Little ones under six can skate on the rink for free, but if you don’t want to pay the additional fee, simply walking around with Christmas music playing and the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air is a magical experience. 

 OPENING TIMES

• 1st to 23rd December: 12 PM - 10 PM

• 26th December: 12 PM - 8 PM

• 31st December: 12 PM - 4 PM

Discover Heidmork Forest’s Natural Christmas Market 

The Heidmork Nature Reserve surrounding Reykjavík hosts its own Christmas market each year. One of the highlights is the book reading from Icelandic authors given the annual Jólabókaflóð (book flood) this time of year. Little ones get their own entertainment corner while adults enjoy the festive music over mulled wine. And you can buy a sustainable Christmas tree from the Reykjavík Forest Service.

 OPENING TIMES

• Weekends: 12 PM - 5 PM

Reykjavík City Hall: Christmas Wonderland Indoors

Reykjavík’s City Hall isn’t simply the home of the mayor’s offices. It also hosts exhibitions, festivals, and live entertainment for residents. Come Christmas, the Tjarnarsalur Hall (Lake Room) gets decked with ornaments creating an indoor Christmas forest with a view of the frozen Tjörnin Lake. Each year, different local artists are invited to perform at City Hall so no two Christmases are alike!

 OPENING TIMES

• Monday to Saturday: 8 AM - 6 PM

• Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM

Laugadalur: Christmas Market in the Valley of Lights 

As nights get longer in the winter months, Reykjavík’s Laugardalur Park is lit up with Christmas Lights marking the start of Advent. The valley’s Christmasland opens on the weekends where you can ride the colourful carousel. If you’re keen to discover what Iceland’s flora looks like in the winter, the Botanical Gardens are nearby, or you can grab a hot drink at Café Flóra instead.

 OPENING TIMES

• All days: 10 AM - 5 PM 

Christmas is a magical time in Iceland, with the festive stalls playing a key role in this enchantment. Reykjavík dons its festive costume dazzling visitors and residents with its incredible Christmas markets. If you’re visiting during the holidays, why not stay in one of Reykjavík’s sophisticated hotels and ring in the New Year in Icelandic style?