Like many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas in Iceland is a time for hearty dishes and warming drinks like cocoa.

However, rather than homing in on one main festive staple, such as turkey, many Icelanders enjoy smoked lamb, pork, ptarmigan or goose.

You’ll also come across fermented skate fish (“skata”) while exploring the Christmas food markets. It is commonly eaten on 23 December to celebrate the mass of Saint Þorlákur.

Similar to fermented shark, fermented skate is surely an acquired taste, or one for the adventurous foodie. In fact, you are more likely to smell this seasonal delicacy before you see it.

Other festive favourites that you might find more appealing include wafer-thin leaf bread (“laufabrauð”) and sweet ginger biscuits (“piparkökur”).

Check out this blog for 5 unmissable foodie experiences in Iceland.

Absolutely! Iceland is a magical place to be at Christmas. Indeed, of all the Nordic nations, Icelanders are perhaps the most enthusiastic in their love of this time of year. So why not join the locals as they go all-in on their Christmas celebrations?

Revel in Reykjavík’s cosy festive atmosphere, then gear up for the biggest party of the year on New Year’s Eve.

Spend afternoons strolling around the lively Christmas markets sipping hot chocolate. Later, head for one of the city’s many bars to sample their selection of Christmas beers. Icelanders love their beer, but there’s a special appreciation for the local craft breweries' festive flavours.

Why not extend your trip and also stay for New Year? Find out 6 reasons why Iceland is a great place to be on New Year’s Eve.

Icelanders celebrate Christmas and enjoy their main festive meal on Christmas Eve, so you’ll have Christmas Day free to explore. While some restaurants, cafés and attractions close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, others do remain open.

So whether you are staying in Reykjavík or going on a peaceful countryside retreat, you’ll find that there is plenty to do in Iceland on Christmas Day. You could:

• • Relax and soak up the festive atmosphere in Reykjavík.
• • Go for a winter hike in beautiful Þingvellir National Park.
• • Unwind in a hot tub or head to the famous Blue Lagoon.
• • Opt for a thrilling ice caving excursion in the Katla glacier.
• • Marvel at the volcanic black sand beach of Reynisfjara.
• • Chase the northern lights on a countryside excursion.
   

Discover more top things to do in Iceland in winter on our experts' blog.

All Iceland Christmas tours begin before 24 December.

If opting for a Christmas trip, you can choose between 3-4 possible start dates. Your dedicated travel consultant will move your itinerary around to ensure that any included excursions work around the festive celebrations.

Tours combining Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations have just one departure date before Christmas Eve. However, you can speak to your local travel expert about adding extra nights before or after the tour itinerary if you wish.

The easiest way for you to see which departure dates are possible for your tour is to check the availability calendar online.

Most of our self-drive and multi-day Iceland Christmas packages can be customised to suit your preferences.*

Why not extend your stay with additional nights or treat yourself to a hotel upgrade? You could also add extras – like a northern lights boat trip, a horse riding excursion or glacier walk – to your Iceland tour.

You can get in touch with us to ask about customising an itinerary, or make adjustments yourself while booking online.

*Please note that some festive activities and celebrations are linked to specific dates that can’t be changed, such as the dinner on Christmas Eve.

Before booking your tour, we advise checking that there are flights available for your preferred travel dates. However, it’s best to hold off on booking flights until after you have received the confirmation for your tour.

After booking your trip online, you will hear from your dedicated travel consultant within 2 working days. They will soon let you know when you can reserve your flights.

Once your tour is finalised, you can go ahead and book flights, safe in the knowledge that your dream trip is waiting for you.

Iceland’s maritime climate means that although it does get cold in winter, the temperature doesn’t fall far below freezing. Average temperatures in December and January are around 0° Celsius (32° Fahrenheit).

That said, the conditions can change quickly. So when you head outside it’s best to wrap up warm and be prepared for all conditions. Check out this basic packing list for what to bring with you on a winter trip to Iceland:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm insulated jacket
• Wool or fleece jumper
• Thermal underwear
• Walking boots/shoes with good grip
• Ice grips that can attach onto your shoes
• Warm gloves, neck-warmer and beanie
• Warm socks
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear

You might also like to bring a smart outfit or two so you can join the festivities in style. And don’t forget to bring your Christmas presents to exchange and open on the day.

Read this helpful travel guide for more tips and advice on what to pack for Iceland.