Christmas folklore turns Reykjavik into a living story. This 2-hour Christmas walking tour strings together Icelandic myths and traditions with real seasonal sights in downtown Reykjavik, from the 13 Santas to the Christmas Cat. It’s family-friendly, story-led, and built for short winter attention spans.

I love the way the guide turns folk characters into something you can picture while you’re actually walking—especially the roles of the Santas and their darker cousins like Grýla. I also like the practical payoff beyond stories: you’ll see an ice rink and holiday markets, then pop into a book shop to browse Icelandic Christmas books while the season is in full swing.

One consideration: the tour is paced for comfort, so if you’re hoping for more stops and less food-drink time, you might feel some of the warmth-and-sipping moment takes longer than you’d like. Bundle up anyway, because you’ll be outside a lot in December.

Key things that make this Reykjavik Christmas walk worth your time

• Folklore that matches what you see: the 13 Santas, Grýla, and the Christmas Cat are explained right as you pass the city’s holiday highlights
• A smart winter route: short duration with a downtown flow from squares and markets toward Hallgrímskirkja
• Iconic seasonal sights on a tight schedule: ice skating rink, holiday decorations, and the Oslo Christmas Tree
• A book shop stop that feels genuinely Icelandic: you get to see how deeply reading shows up during Christmas time
• Small perks that add value: discounts at select Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants
• Real guide energy: guides can include Robyn, who’s praised for sharing a clear Iceland overview

Meet at Hlöllabátar and get your bearings fast (or at least warm)

You start in downtown Reykjavik at Austurstræti 1, outside the sandwich shop Hlöllabátar. The meetup spot is by the Ingólfstorg square, facing the square and two tall stone seat-pillars (each over two meters high). Center Hotel Plaza sits to your right, which helps when the December light is low.

The area right in front of Hlöllabátar has benches and tables under a covered ceiling—use that shelter if you arrive early or your hands need a break from the cold. Guides are easy to spot: they typically wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back.

For this kind of winter walk, your biggest “prep” is footwear and layers. Comfortable walking shoes matter more than fashion, because you’re moving over sidewalks and steps in cold weather.

Ingólfur Square: ice skating, lights, and Christmas market energy

The tour’s first big outdoor payoff is Ingólfur Square. This is where you’ll spot the ice skating rink plus holiday decorations and Christmas market stalls. It’s a great starter stop because it sets the tone: Reykjavik’s Christmas isn’t just indoors. It’s public, visual, and built into the daily street scene.

What I like about this opening move is that it gives you an easy mental map. Before you go deeper into the center, you see how the city celebrates: lights and activities right next to pedestrian traffic. The guide then connects that seasonal mood to Icelandic Christmas storytelling, so the folklore doesn’t feel like random lecture points.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also a good place to reset expectations. Skating, stalls, and decorations keep everyone interested while the guide sets up the bigger myth theme for the rest of the walk.

Austurvollur and the Oslo Christmas Tree: a holiday symbol with local context

Next you head toward Austurvollur, where you’ll see the famous Oslo Christmas Tree. This is the moment when the tour shifts from market atmosphere to a more “stand and look” landmark stop.

The value here is timing. Mid-route, with your senses already warmed up by the earlier lights and stalls, you’re ready to absorb a symbol that’s part of the wider Nordic holiday picture. The guide’s stories help you connect the tree and seasonal decorations to Iceland’s own folklore traditions, rather than treating them as just a pretty photo backdrop.

In a place where daylight is limited in December, these pauses matter. You get a chance to slow down, look around, and take in the city’s festive center without turning the whole experience into a hurried sprint.

Spot the Yulelads and Christmas characters hiding in plain sight

As you walk, you’ll try to find the unique Icelandic Yulelads (the Santa-like figures of Icelandic folklore) hiding around the city center. Even if you’re not an “adventure game” person, this twist helps because it keeps you scanning the street with purpose, not just shuffling from stop to stop.

This is also where the tour’s folklore focus clicks. You’ll hear about the 13 Santas and their mother, plus the darker side of Iceland’s Christmas stories—like Grýla, the troll associated with eating naughty children, and the ferocious Christmas Cat. The guide uses these characters to explain a cultural pattern: Icelandic Christmas isn’t only about sweetness. It’s also about rules, consequences, and imagination.

For adults, it’s a fun reminder that myths are often the “old user manual” for a culture. For families, it’s interactive in a way that doesn’t require gadgets.

A short book shop stop: why Icelandic Christmas feels literary

One of the most refreshing parts of this tour is the quick visit to a book store. You get to browse unique Icelandic Christmas books and see the love Icelanders have for reading—especially around the holidays.

This isn’t an empty “we sell books” stop. It’s a cultural pause. During a walking tour, it’s easy for everything to blur into lights and treats. The book shop keeps the experience human and local, reminding you that Iceland’s Christmas tradition includes stories in print, not only stories in the air.

If you like bringing home something small but meaningful, this is where you might find a gift that feels tied to the place rather than generic souvenirs.

Laugavegur and the little Christmas store: shopping street, but with direction

After the book store, the route heads to Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. This is where you can check out the one-and-only little Christmas store that the tour highlights, plus selected Christmas-related things along the route.

Here’s the key benefit: you’re not wandering randomly. The guide points you toward what’s worth seeing and helps you connect it back to the Christmas theme you’ve been hearing all along. In a busy shopping street, that saves time and prevents you from losing the “why” behind what you’re looking at.

If you’re hoping to pick up a small ornament, seasonal snack, or a holiday-themed gift, this is one of the easier parts of the walk to turn into “real purchases” because the context is already built.

Skólavörðustígur up to Hallgrímskirkja: the walk ends with a payoff

The tour climbs Skólavörðustígur toward the majestic Hallgrímskirkja church, where it ends. This uphill stretch is very Reykjavik in December: crisp air, bright lights, and a winter city layout where viewpoints and church silhouettes show up fast.

It’s also a good ending choice because Hallgrímskirkja is easy to orient to. When a tour ends at a landmark, it makes it simpler to plan what you do next—either a nearby meal, a quick wander, or a return toward your hotel.

Even if the route ends there, you’ll likely keep scanning for the Christmas characters the guide mentioned. Once you start looking for them, the city becomes a game board.

Discounts and small tastings: where the $66 value really shows up

At a couple of Christmas stores, stalls, and even restaurants, the tour includes discounts. In a city where winter shopping and dining can add up quickly, these small price cuts matter more than they seem at first.

You might also encounter Christmasy food and drinks that Iceland considers seasonally fitting, with the chance to sample something along the walk. This isn’t framed as a full meal, so manage expectations: think “treats,” not “dinner.”

How this affects value: the tour costs $66 per person for about 2 hours, which is in line with guided experiences in Reykjavik. The value comes from stacking three things into one short outing—folklore storytelling, multiple holiday sights, and practical savings—so it doesn’t feel like you’re paying purely for narration.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a strong pick if you want a family-friendly Christmas introduction to Reykjavik that mixes myth and real seasonal city scenes. It also fits solo travelers who like guided structure, especially during winter when daylight and energy are limited.

You’ll probably enjoy it if you care about cultural context: the 13 Santas, Grýla, and the Christmas Cat are explained in a way that helps you understand why Icelandic Christmas stories feel the way they do.

Consider skipping or adjusting your expectations if you’re the type who wants a longer route with more stops, or if you’re not interested in warm drinks/food moments. The itinerary is built to stay moving, but the pacing includes comfort breaks.

Practical tips for a smoother December walk

Dress for cold, not for comfort in your mind. Wear warm layers and gloves if you have them. Bring comfortable shoes with grip. Reykjavik sidewalks can feel slick in winter conditions.

Plan to arrive a few minutes early at Hlöllabátar so you’re not standing in the cold while hunting for your guide. And since the tour is only available in December, it’s best to book when you can clearly lock in those dates.

If you’re sensitive to temperature, choose the warmest jacket you own. You’ll be outside while you connect city landmarks to stories, and your best experience will come from staying comfortable enough to pay attention.

Should you book the Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour with Icelandic Traditions?

If you’re looking for a short, high-impact introduction to Reykjavik’s Christmas culture, I think this is an easy yes. You get folklore characters you’ll remember (13 Santas, Grýla, the ferocious Christmas Cat), classic seasonal stops (ice rink, market stalls, Oslo Christmas Tree), and a locally flavored detour into Icelandic Christmas books. The included discounts are a bonus that can offset part of the ticket cost when you shop or eat nearby.

I’d only hesitate if you dislike winter walking, want a longer list of attractions, or you’re tightly optimizing for minimal food/drink time. Otherwise, it’s one of the more “worth it per hour” ways to understand what Christmas looks like in Iceland beyond decorations.

FAQ

Is this tour only available in a specific month?

Yes. This tour is only available in December.

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas walking tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

It costs $66 per person.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet outside Hlöllabátar sandwich shop at Austurstræti 1 in Reykjavík. Gather facing Ingólfstorg square near the two tall stone seat-pillars.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get a guided walking tour with stories and folklore, a visit to a Christmas market and a book store, and discounts at select Christmas stores and restaurants.

Are there restrictions?

Smoking is not allowed during the tour.