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New Year's Fireworks

Tours In Iceland In December

Come join the locals in their Yuletide festivities and soak up the winter beauty of Iceland in December. The Reykjavík-based travel experts at Nordic Visitor will tailor your December tour to include all the sights and activities that you want to experience at this magical time of year.

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TRAVEL TO ICELAND IN DECEMBER

Thinking about visiting Iceland in December? Then you’ve come to the right place!

With colourful festive lights everywhere and the locals getting into the holiday spirit, December is a great time to visit Iceland. What’s more, as it’s the middle of winter and night skies are dark, you could go on a northern lights tour.

Our Iceland experts can customise your itinerary to you. Explore Iceland on a small group tour or drive around the Ring Road on a self-drive adventure. You might want to enjoy a privately guided trip or choose a multi-day tour.

Plus, when you book a trip to Iceland with Nordic Visitor, you get hand-picked accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline. 

Get in touch with us and we'll happily plan your perfect Iceland adventure. You can reach us via our toll-free numbers, contact form or LiveChat.

— WHY US?

Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Value for your money
  • Professional service from local experts
  • 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

Celebrate Christmas & New Year's in Iceland

Fireworks, feasts and fun! Join the locals during the festive season with one of these special Christmas and New Year's tours in Iceland.

Iceland
Best seller
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
December

A New Year's to Remember

Northern Lights, Super Jeeps and NYE Party

352438ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
December

A New Year's to Remember

352438ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
December

New Year's in Iceland

Golden Circle, Northern Lights & NYE Party

317898ISK

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
December

New Year's in Iceland

317898ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
6 days / 5 nights
December

New Year's & Northern Lights

Best of South Iceland & New Year's Eve Party

375833ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
December

New Year's & Northern Lights

375833ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
December

Christmas in Iceland

Reykjavik, Waterfalls, Northern Lights

252778ISK

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
December

Christmas in Iceland

252778ISK

ISK

Close map view

Explore at your own pace with a car

Drive the Ring Road with peace of mind. We recommend these Iceland self-drive tours, designed specially for winter.

Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South Iceland at Leisure - Winter

164695ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

South Iceland at Leisure - Winter

164695ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland Classic - Winter

176135ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland Classic - Winter

176135ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
11 days / 10 nights
December

Christmas & New Year's in Iceland

Northern Lights & New Years Eve Fun

466370ISK

Eur

View map
11 days / 10 nights
December

Christmas & New Year's in Iceland

466370ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
6 days / 5 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights

142965ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr

Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights

142965ISK

ISK

Close map view

Travel with your own local guide

Experience Iceland’s winter beauty and unique culture on your terms with one of these privately guided tours.

Iceland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Nov - Apr

Highland Adventure Classic Winter - Private

Highland Base & The Glacier Lagoon

1294593ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Nov - Apr

Highland Adventure Classic Winter - Private

1294593ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Privately Guided
6 days / 5 nights
Nov - Apr

Highland Adventure Express Winter - Private

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

967886ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
Nov - Apr

Highland Adventure Express Winter - Private

967886ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

Northern Lights Circle Tour - Private

1057834ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

Northern Lights Circle Tour - Private

1057834ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Best seller
Privately Guided
5 days / 4 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

Winter Highlights - Private

558296ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Oct - Apr

Winter Highlights - Private

558296ISK

ISK

Close map view

Enjoy a city break with day tours

Spend your nights in Reykjavik and your days visiting major attractions. Check out these multi-day tours.

Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
6 days / 5 nights
December

New Year's & Northern Lights

Best of South Iceland & New Year's Eve Party

375833ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
December

New Year's & Northern Lights

375833ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Best seller
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
December

A New Year's to Remember

Northern Lights, Super Jeeps and NYE Party

352438ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
December

A New Year's to Remember

352438ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
6 days / 5 nights
December

Christmas & Northern Lights

Best of South Iceland

279173ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
December

Christmas & Northern Lights

279173ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
December

Christmas in Iceland

Reykjavik, Waterfalls, Northern Lights

252778ISK

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
December

Christmas in Iceland

252778ISK

ISK

Close map view

Local travel agency

As a travel agency with offices in Reykjavík, Edinburgh and Stockholm, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Northern Europe. Choose from a variety of carefully curated tours that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights.

You can also make customisations to your itinerary by adding extra nights, optional activities, or upgrades to your tour. Or ask your personal travel consultant for advice and they will tailor your itinerary. This way you get a bespoke travel experience that is perfectly suited to you. 

Your dedicated travel consultant will arrange all the local details for you. You get accommodation, activities, transport, and other services included in your package. If you need to rework your itinerary, we’ll handle it for you, so you can relax and look forward to your getaway.

Getting to Iceland

All of Nordic Visitor’s tours of Iceland begin in Reykjavík, the capital. Keflavik International Airport is the gateway for international air travel in Iceland and is served by dozens of airlines. Furthermore, the airport serves as a hub for Icelandair’s transatlantic flights.

The following airlines fly to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) year-round: Icelandair, SAS, KLM, Norwegian, British Airways, EasyJet, Wizz Air and Finnair. Other airlines offer seasonal flights to KEF, including Delta, United Airlines, Air Canada and Lufthansa.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in Reykjavík if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Different ways you can experience Iceland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Iceland below.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Brenda, South Africa

Norway in a Nutshell® Classic - Winter, January 2020

Wonderful experience!

It's intimidating visiting a foreign country where you don't speak the language. Our fears were put to rest the moment we started our tour, the whole experience was just wonderful. Everything was wonderful, our tour was carefully planned and made the maximum use of our time.

Mark, United States

Active Iceland - Winter, February 2020

Pleasurabale experience

Overall very happy with the tour. Very easy process and very easy to work with Alex and the rest of the tour guides. Overall experience was very pleasurable.

Suzanne, United States

South & West Iceland Classic - Winter, January 2020

Loved everything about Nordic Visitor!

Everything was top notch! The tours were great and I loved that they were never overbooked, or crowded. Only one comment....we LOVED hotel Magma! Loved everything about Nordic Visitor! Everything was done perfectly. Never once was there an error with any of the reservations! Check-ins were seamless - never once was there a question or fumbling for papers. Each destination was ready for us and exactly what we requested! 

Raewyn, New Zealand

South Iceland at Leisure - Winter, March 2020

Great experience! Brilliant travel plans!

We could not have been happier with this experience. The information and travel plans were brilliant. We had a great time and felt so welcome in your country. We would love to come back in the summer and see it in that season. It was a real pleasure travelling around in the thick of the whiteness across the country. The safe travel.is site was invaluable for travel conditions.

Karen

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter, March 2020

Fantastic from start to finish

Would highly recommend Nordic Visitor to anyone wishing to visit Iceland. The itinerary, and information provided before the start of our tour was excellent and took care of all our concerns. Despite travelling in some of the worst weather conditions Iceland could throw at us we were only a phone call away from Nordic Visitor and the in car WiFi was a real bonus. All our concerns-snowed in, in the south, at Saeluhus I Landbroti with breakfast 4 km away and again snowbound at Gauksmýri in the north and unable to travel on- were dealt with rapidly and became part of the adventure rather than a worry.  Thank you Nordic Visitor for a memorable visit to your stunning country. Thank you for keeping us updated with the Coronavirus news and how it may have impacted on our travels. A big thank you to all the accommodation owners who went out of their way to make sure we were kept as safe as possible given the exceptional circumstances.  

Keith, Iceland

South Iceland at Leisure, October 2019

ALL guides were absolutely excellent, humorous and informative

Attention by Hanna was excellent. We enjoyed all the accommodation , restaurants and general sites to visit. The Geysir visit was surprisingly the least spectacular and a bit over-hyped. The Lava Tunnel was excellent and an unexpected wonder. In general ALL guides were absolutely excellent, humorous and informative; notably those for the Glacier Lake, Lava Tunnel, ATV bikes, Helicopter,

 

Michelea, United States

Northern Lights Adventure in the Westfjords, February 2020

Flawless experience

Nordic Visitor made our entire experience flawless. From the planning and booking to the holiday itself. I cannot speak highly enough of our experience

Jamie, United States

A New Year's to Remember, December 2017

It was a stress - free vacation for us!

Silja was quick with her email replies and was very professional during the whole process. She was also very helpful. Nordic Visitor made things easy and transition very smoothly. It was stress - free vacation for us!

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Icelandic adventure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ICELAND IN DECEMBER

Depending on what you want to see and where you want to go, December might be the perfect month for your Iceland holiday. Read on to find out more with these answers to commonly asked questions about visiting Iceland in December.

How is Iceland in December?

Twinkling Christmas lights and dancing northern lights are just two of the things that make a trip to Iceland in December so special. Whether you want an activity-filled break in Reykjavík or a cosy winter getaway in the countryside, visiting Iceland in December is sure to make lasting memories.

What are the best things to do in Iceland in December?

There are so many exciting things to do in Iceland in December. This is a particularly special month to visit because it’s the festive season, with fun-filled parties, bonfires and fireworks displays aplenty.

What’s more, even with short daylight hours and winter weather conditions in December, you can still visit many of Iceland’s top natural attractions. Some of the unmissable highlights are waterfalls draped in ice, glaciers, hot springs and geothermal sites.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Iceland in December:

  • Enjoy a guided festive walk in Reykjavík
  • Attend an exclusive New Year’s Eve Party
  • Go on ice cave tours
  • Snowmobile over glaciers
  • Hunt for the northern lights
  • Soak in hot tubs and swimming pools
  • Venture along the Snæfellsnes peninsula
  • See geothermal wonders and volcanoes
  • Go horse riding or on a whale watching tour
  • Walk along unusual black sand beaches

Cultural events in December
Soaking up Icelandic culture is an enchanting experience at Christmastime. The whole month of December is an exciting time to be in the country, with plenty of colourful lights and festive food. You can have an unforgettable Christmas in Iceland.

New Year’s Eve is also a big celebration in Iceland. At midnight everyone steps outside, with champagne and sparklers, to watch the extraordinary fireworks displays. Many people stay up and party until the early hours of the morning!

We have a variety of Christmas packages and New Year tours to choose from. You could join a guided festive walk through downtown Reykjavík, admiring the twinkling lights while learning about Yuletide traditions. Or attend an exciting New Year’s Eve party, enjoying a three-course meal and songs around the bonfire.

Good to know: If you’re unsure about what you want to do in Iceland, don’t worry. Our Iceland experts are based in Reykjavík and know the country inside out. They’ll help you see Iceland your way, tailoring your itinerary by adding all the best excursions and experiences to suit you.



What are the best places to visit in Iceland in December?

The best places to visit in Iceland in December include waterfalls, hot springs, ice caves, glaciers and more. If you’re coming to hunt for the northern lights, head to remote locations where there is less light pollution. There are evening tours that can take you there from the capital, Reykjavík.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Iceland in December:


To keep occupied whilst in the capital, you may want to explore some of these fun indoor attractions too:

  • Learn about volcanoes at the Lava Centre
  • Try a flight simulation experience with FlyOver Iceland
  • Experience earthquakes and visit the planetarium at Perlan

Where you go in Iceland depends on how much time you have to spend. If you are only staying for a few days, your best bet is to explore Reykjavík and the surroundings.

Want to spend a week or longer in Iceland in December? Then you’ll have time to journey around the country in a full circle to reach its many beautiful corners. As well as the southern and western regions, you can explore the east and north of Iceland too.



What is the weather like in Iceland in December?

December is the middle of winter in Iceland. On average there are highs of 4°C (39°F) and lows of -1°C (30°F). There may be rainy days during your Iceland holiday in December, with an average of 40mm of rainfall. It can also get quite windy.

The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so prepare for the cold, wind and rain if you’re planning a trip for December!

What is the temperature in December in Iceland?

In Reykjavík and Akureyri, the average temperature in December is 1°C (34°F). Generally Iceland experiences highs of 4°C (39°F) and lows of -1°C (30°F).

Does it snow in Iceland in December?

It is not unusual to get snow in Iceland in December, especially at higher altitudes. In Reykjavík, snowfall rarely stays on the ground longer than a few days, but if there’s a cold snap the capital might be blanketed with snow.



What are the driving conditions in Iceland in December?

As it’s winter in Iceland in December, the roads can be icy. That said, you can still enjoy a self-drive tour. You will need to rent a sturdy 4x4 vehicle to drive in Iceland in December.

If you’re thinking about renting a car in Iceland, it’s important to come prepared for winter driving. Make yourself aware of road safety precautions before you travel. For example you must drive slowly in cold weather to avoid unseen ice, and turn your headlights on, day and night.

During your trip check weather and road conditions regularly. For your peace of mind, our team is on hand 24/7 should you need to contact us at any point. And if there is an unexpected event or severe weather, we’ll get in touch and modify your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed.

When you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, your car rental comes with collision damage waiver, a GPS, unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, and a hand-marked map of your route. You also get two named drivers on the insurance policy so you can share the driving with a travel companion.



What to pack for a trip to Iceland in December?

Iceland is famous for its ever-changing weather, so we advise that you be as prepared as possible. As December falls in the middle of winter, we recommend bringing warm layers to be ready for the cooler temperatures. That way you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country regardless of the weather.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in December:

  • An insulated or warm down jacket (it’s best if it is also waterproof)
  • Fleece jumpers
  • Lightweight wool underlayers
  • Waterproof or winter trousers
  • Gloves
  • Scarves
  • Warm hat
  • Thermal underwear and socks

As well as these essentials, be sure to bring good sturdy walking or hiking boots depending on what activities you may want to enjoy. Also, if you’re keen to experience the famous Blue Lagoon, remember to pack your swimwear and sandals.

What to wear in Iceland in December?

Icelanders have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

In December you can expect colder weather, northerly winds and even snow. For that reason, you should dress with warm layers to be ready for anything. That way you can enjoy the beautiful sights without worrying about the temperatures and conditions.

Make sure to be dressed with an insulated winter jacket and warm under layers, as well as good sturdy boots.

It’s good to know that some outdoor excursions will provide the necessary winter clothing, such as warm overalls. But if you’d like to go snowmobiling, hiking or ice caving, make sure you’ve brought the clothing essentials with you, such as snow boots.

What are the daylight hours in Iceland in December?

December is the darkest month of the year in Iceland, as this is when the winter solstice occurs. You can expect between 3 and 5 hours of daylight in Iceland in December.

In mid-December the sun rises as late as 11:20 AM and sets at 3:30 PM in Reykjavík. In Akureyri the sunrise takes place at 11:40 AM and the sunset at 2:40 PM.

Can I see the northern lights in Iceland in December?

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Iceland in December. In order to spot the colours of the aurora borealis, you need the right solar activity, a clear, dark sky with few or no clouds, and low light pollution.

In winter the nights are longer and darker than in summer. December has more hours of darkness than any other month so you have a good chance of seeing them light up the night sky.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the northern lights, we unfortunately cannot promise you will see them on our tours. But the aurora is a natural marvel that continues to inspire awe and delight, and is definitely worth putting on your travel bucket list.



How to tour Iceland in December?

There are various ways to travel on your Iceland tour in December. Depending on your personal tastes and requirements, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.

Road trips in December
For a self-guided journey through Iceland, you could opt for a road trip adventure. There are many self-drive tour routes to choose from in December. For shorter stays we recommend driving the Golden Circle in South Iceland or exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the West.

If you have a week or more to spend in Iceland, drive around the Ring Road for a full loop of the country. This way you can visit virtually all the stunning corners of Iceland in one trip!



Multi-day tours in December
Another way to see Iceland on an independent tour is to base yourself in one or two locations, such as Reykjavík and Akureyri. You can then explore Iceland’s highlights on day trips.

A multi-day tour of Iceland is a great way to combine solo travel with guided excursions. You can fill your itinerary with as many tour-led activities as you wish!



Privately guided tours in December
On the other hand, you might prefer to be accompanied by a local expert throughout your Iceland experience. If so we recommend opting for a privately guided tour to have your own personal guide show you the best attractions. This is one of the most exclusive ways to see Iceland.



Small group tours in December
Or you could discover Iceland with like-minded visitors as part of a small group tour. You’ll get to meet people from around the world and learn from the expertise of a local guide, who will show you the most beautiful and fascinating parts of Iceland.

On a small group tour of Iceland in December, you could visit the popular south coast or travel around the Ring Road for an in-depth tour.



Good to know: Whichever of these travel styles you choose, you’ll get all the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.

Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.



Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
 

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

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Our services

Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-drive vacation, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant, tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators, which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book with confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our flexible booking terms  .
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • Enjoy personal service from Iceland-based travel experts.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • As a local agency, we work closely with trusted suppliers.
  • We’re a fully licensed and insured company in Iceland.

Contact us

Whether you have queries about our tours or want to add activities to existing bookings, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team for any of your travel questions.

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+354 578 20 80

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