Christmas Market in Reykjavik

About

The Christmas Market at Reykjavik's Old Harbour transforms the waterfront into a magical Nordic winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, traditional Icelandic crafts, and the scent of cinnamon-spiced treats filling the crisp air. Kids will be enchanted by the festive atmosphere where they can meet Icelandic Christmas characters, enjoy holiday activities, and experience authentic Nordic Christmas traditions. This charming market offers international families a unique opportunity to experience Icelandic Yuletide culture in a cozy, family-friendly setting with stunning harbor views.

What to Expect

Families will find wooden stalls decorated with festive lights selling traditional Icelandic woolens, handmade crafts, and Christmas decorations alongside food vendors offering seasonal treats. The market features live music performances, children's workshops for making ornaments or crafts, and often appearances by the Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) – Iceland's mischievous Christmas characters who replace Santa in local folklore. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate with a distinctly Icelandic flavor, less crowded than major European markets, and the stunning backdrop of fishing boats and mountains creates a picture-perfect setting. Expect cold weather and early darkness during December, but heated areas and warm lighting make the experience magical for children.

Highlights for Kids

• Meeting the Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) – Iceland's 13 mischievous Christmas trolls who each have unique personalities and tricks
• Tasting traditional Icelandic Christmas treats like laufabrauð (leaf bread), piparkökur (gingerbread), and hot cocoa
• Hands-on craft workshops where kids can make traditional Icelandic Christmas decorations to take home
• The stunning setting with colorful buildings, fishing boats, and mountain views creating a fairytale backdrop
• Live performances of Icelandic Christmas songs and caroling in both Icelandic and English

Pro Tips for Families

1. Learn about the 13 Yule Lads before visiting – each arrives on a different day from December 12-24, and kids love spotting which one might appear at the market
2. Dress in serious winter layers including thermal underwear, as Icelandic coastal winds can be biting; the market is outdoors and you'll want to stay comfortable while browsing
3. Visit during early December weekdays for a less crowded experience, allowing kids to fully enjoy craft activities without rushing
4. Bring Icelandic króna in cash as some smaller vendors may not accept cards, and exchange rates at the market are usually poor

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons (3-5pm) offer the best experience with fewer crowds and the magical twilight atmosphere as lights come on, though full darkness arrives by 4pm in December. Weekend mornings (11am-1pm) are busier but offer more energy and often special activities for children. Early December visits mean milder weather and less tourist congestion compared to the weeks immediately before Christmas, though mid-December offers the most authentic festive atmosphere when locals are actively shopping.

Food & Drinks

The market offers traditional Icelandic Christmas foods including warming lamb soup, hot dogs (pylsur – an Icelandic staple kids usually love), roasted nuts, and sweet treats like kleinur (twisted donuts) and chocolate-covered treats. Hot chocolate, mulled wine (for adults), and warm apple juice are available to combat the cold. Most foods are served in easy-to-eat portions suitable for children, and vendors are accustomed to English-speaking visitors. Budget approximately 1,500-2,500 ISK ($10-18 USD) per person for snacks and drinks.

Parking & Access

The Old Harbour area has several paid parking lots within 5-minute walk of the market, costing around 200-300 ISK per hour. Public buses (routes 14 and 16) stop near the harbor from downtown Reykjavik. The market area is mostly accessible with strollers, though cobblestone sections can be bumpy – consider bringing a baby carrier as backup. Taxis and rideshares are readily available in Reykjavik, though more expensive than other options. Many visitors combine the market with a walk around the Old Harbour area where several museums and restaurants are located.