Reykjavík Christmas Markets and Where to Find ThemReykjavíkChristmasMarkets andWheretoFindThem

Holidays in Reykjavík come with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of holiday cheer. A highlight is visiting a Reykjavík Christmas market, where little wooden stalls offer local handicrafts, seasonal gifts, and tasty holiday treats. And the best part? There’s more than one place to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Travelers can explore a downtown Christmas market, visit a wooded setting, or head to a Christmas village in a neighboring town. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts or simply enjoying the seasonal atmosphere, discover the best Christmas markets in Reykjavík and beyond.

When Do Christmas Markets Open in Reykjavík?

Reykjavík Christmas markets typically operate during the Advent season. Some open as early as mid-November, while others start in late November or early December. Many wrap up by December 23 (Þorláksmessa), and they are generally closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Unlike large European markets that run daily, smaller Christmas markets in Reykjavík often operate only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.

Opening dates and hours vary by location, so always check the latest event schedule before heading out. Strong winds, winter weather, and other event-specific circumstances may also affect operating hours.

Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets Near Reykjavík

Choosing the right Reykjavík Christmas market depends on the experience you’re after. You can browse festive stalls in the historic city center, enjoy a woodland market, or explore a lively Christmas village. Of course, if you have the time, there’s no reason not to visit all three.

Downtown Markets: Holiday Shopping in Central Reykjavík

Best for: Travelers seeking a downtown Reykjavík Christmas market without arranging transportation.

Located in the heart of the capital, Ingólfstorg is one of Reykjavík’s main gathering places during the holiday season. The square usually hosts the Jólakvosin Christmas market, with stalls selling local handicrafts, seasonal gifts, and festive treats. A seasonal ice skating rink sits at the center of the square, with skates and helmets for rent.

Just a short walk away is Austurvöllur, another historic square that usually also hosts a Christmas market. This square also hosts the iconic Oslo Tree, a longstanding symbol of friendship between Reykjavík and Oslo, Norway. Together, these downtown locations offer plenty of Christmas cheer. You can also pair your market browsing with a stroll down Laugavegur Street for boutique holiday shopping.

Heiðmörk Christmas Market: A Festive Woodland Escape

Best for: Local crafts, artisan gifts, and a nature-based Icelandic holiday tradition.

Held at Elliðavatnsbær in Heiðmörk, this Reykjavík Christmas market offers a cozy woodland retreat outside downtown. Organized by the Reykjavík Forestry Association, it features stalls selling handmade crafts, local art, knitwear, and other unique gifts. Outside, visitors can enjoy warm drinks and gather around a campfire.

Visiting the market is a beloved Advent tradition for many local families. Before or after browsing the stalls, you can also explore nearby walking trails and enjoy Heiðmörk’s winter scenery, weather permitting.

Just make sure not to confuse the market at Elliðavatnsbær with the separate Christmas tree-cutting activities at Hólmsheiði. Because of its location, reaching the market is easiest by car or taxi. It’s certainly a different kind of Christmas shopping experience from the bustling streets of downtown Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village: A Market Worth the Short Trip

Best for: A full-blown Christmas market experience, local gifts, and live entertainment

Known locally as Jólaþorpið, the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður is one of the most famous holiday markets in the capital region. Located in a neighboring municipality, roughly a 20–25-minute drive south of downtown Reykjavík, it’s an easy destination for an afternoon outing.

During the holiday season, the Thorsplan square fills with beautifully decorated Christmas houses selling all sorts of festive goodies. Here, you can shop for charming Icelandic gifts, specialty food items, festive decorations, and handmade accessories. Christmas music and occasional appearances by Iceland’s beloved Yule Lads also add to the cheerful atmosphere.

For travelers staying in Reykjavík without a car, public buses connect central Reykjavík to the Fjörður bus stop in downtown Hafnarfjörður. From there, visitors are just a short walk from the Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village.

Other Holiday Experiences in Reykjavík

Curious about how Icelanders celebrated Christmas in the past? Head to Árbær Open Air Museum (Árbæjarsafn), where traditional holiday customs come to life during its special Advent program. While not a typical Reykjavík Christmas market, the event offers a glimpse into Icelandic holiday traditions. Visitors can meet the Yule Lads, attend a church service, join in traditional Christmas singing, and watch demonstrations of leaf bread (laufabrauð) decoration.

Keep in mind that Árbær’s Advent program usually runs on just two days in December. Check the latest event dates before planning your visit so you don’t miss out.

Tips for Visiting Reykjavík Christmas Markets

To make the most of your festive market outings, keep these quick tips in mind:

• Plan around weekend schedules: Many Reykjavík Christmas markets operate primarily on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during Advent. Always confirm opening hours before visiting.

• Bring your payment card: Contactless payments are widely accepted in Iceland, although it’s worth checking individual vendors’ payment options.

• Visit during winter twilight: The sun sets early in December, making late afternoon a lovely time to browse illuminated stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

• Check transportation details: If taking public transit to markets outside downtown, check the latest bus routes and weekend schedules before setting off.

• Dress for winter weather: You’ll spend plenty of time outdoors, so wear warm layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket, comfortable winter boots, and gloves.

What Can You Buy at Reykjavík Christmas Markets?

A Reykjavík Christmas market is a fantastic place to pick up authentic, locally crafted gifts and seasonal delicacies. Depending on the vendors at each location, you can expect to find:

• Handmade Icelandic knitwear: Wool hats, mittens, socks, and traditional lopapeysa sweaters.

• Local artisan design: Handcrafted jewelry, wooden ornaments, ceramics, and artwork.

• Seasonal treats: Christmas cookies, traditional leaf bread (laufabrauð), chocolates, and other festive sweets.

• Local food gifts: Specialty jams, preserves, and other Icelandic delicacies to take home.

Where to Stay in Reykjavík for Christmas Market Shopping

Staying in downtown Reykjavík makes Christmas market hopping a whole lot easier. Located by the Old Harbor, Exeter Hotel puts you within walking distance of the festive squares around Austurvöllur and Ingólfstorg. It’s convenient for exploring the city on foot, with plenty of things to do near Reykjavík’s Old Harbor to enjoy along the way.

After browsing winter stalls in the chilly winter air, you can warm up at the hotel. With Deig, Le Kock, and Tail at the hotel, you can grab freshly baked treats, enjoy a hearty meal, or unwind with a drink. Just check their holiday opening hours in advance. After, the comfortable rooms and suites at Exeter make for a great place to rest.