Guide to Reykjavík in December: Things To Do, Winter Vibes & Weather

Planning to visit Reykjavík in December? Snowy streets glow under Christmas lights, nights fill with music and fireworks, and you might even catch the northern lights. The season is short on daylight but rich in atmosphere, with traditions and winter experiences that make the city unforgettable.

Here’s what you can expect and what to do during this festive winter month in Reykjavík!

What’s Reykjavik Like in December?

Reykjavík during December carries a quiet but unmistakable festive atmosphere. The city is adorned with Christmas lights, and holiday markets bring locals together despite the long winter nights. Snow often blankets the streets, softening the city’s colorful houses and creating a calm, wintry backdrop.

With only a few hours of daylight, much of the season unfolds after dark — but that’s when Reykjavík feels liveliest. Music drifts from churches and concert halls, families gather for Yule traditions, and bonfires and fireworks mark the season’s milestones. On clear nights, the northern lights sometimes light up the sky, adding another layer of wonder to the city.

Weather in Reykjavík in December

December in Reykjavík is cold, dark, and wonderfully wintry. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare:

● Temperature: Typically between -1°C and 4°C (30-39°F).

● Daylight: Around 4-5 hours of daylight, with late sunrises and early sunsets.

● Snow and Rain: Snowfall is common, often mixed with rain. Streets can be icy.

● Wind: Strong gusts are frequent, making it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

The short days and changing conditions are part of what makes December so atmospheric. But it also means you’ll want to pack smart. Thermal base layers, a warm sweater, waterproof outerwear, sturdy boots, and winter accessories like hats and gloves are essential.

For the latest forecasts and safety alerts, visit the Icelandic Met Office website.

6 Best Things To Do in Reykjavík in December

In December, Reykjavík blends festive traditions with winter adventures. From holiday lights to snowy escapes, here are the top experiences to enjoy this time of year.

1. Soak Up Reykjavík’s Christmas Spirit

If you visit Reykjavík in December, you step straight into a winter wonderland. The Icelandic Christmas season spans 26 days, beginning on 11 December and continuing through 6 January. That means nearly your whole trip can feel like the holidays!

You’ll find the towering Oslo Christmas tree lighting up Austurvöllur Square. Streets are sparkling with festive decorations, and the giant illuminated Christmas Cat (Jólakötturinn) is watching over Lækjartorg Square. The 13 Yule Lads (Iceland’s Santa Claus) also make their mischief, arriving one by one in the days before Christmas.

Don’t miss the Christmas markets, the festive Árbær Open Air Museum, and Jólahlaðborð buffets piled with Icelandic holiday food. And if you love books, you’ll enjoy the Jólabókaflóð. It’s the “Christmas Book Flood,” when bookstores stock up on new titles in the months before the holidays.

2. Watch the Imagine Peace Tower on the Winter Solstice

The lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower marks the darkest days of the year in Reykjavík. Located on Viðey Island, this powerful beam of light was created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon. It’s relit every year from October 9th (John Lennon’s birthday) until December 8th (the anniversary of his death)...and again from Winter Solstice (December 21st) and into the morning of the New Year (January 1st) as well as the first week of spring (March 20th -27th) the dates of John & Yoko’s wedding and honeymoon.

On clear nights, the column of light can shoot more than 3.2 km (2 mi) into the sky. And it’s visible across Faxaflói Bay and from many spots in the capital. For the best experience, you can take the short ferry ride to Viðey to join the lighting ceremony. Who knows? You might even see Ono at the event.

3. Chase the Northern Lights from Vantage Spots

December is one of the best times of the year to see the northern lights in Iceland. With nearly 20 hours of darkness, chances are good if the skies are clear and solar activity is strong. Before heading out, check the official aurora forecast to know your chances for the night.

You don’t have to travel far from the city to spot them. Grótta Lighthouse, just a short drive from downtown, is a popular viewing spot. Meanwhile, Klambratún Park offers a darker corner within the city itself.

Center Hotels even provides a “northern lights wake-up call” upon request. So, you won’t miss a show if it happens while you’re asleep. You can stay at Center Hotels Arnarhvoll if you want access to a scenic rooftop bar near the harbor.

4. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Fireworks

New Year’s Eve in Reykjavík is the city’s most exciting night of the year. Thousands gather across the capital to watch the skies erupt in color, as locals light their fireworks in every neighborhood.

For the best views, head to one of the city’s high points. Hallgrímskirkja Church gives you a front-row seat in the heart of town. Perlan’s hilltop also offers sweeping views across the capital. In truth, though, you can enjoy the spectacle from almost anywhere in the city.

Earlier in the evening, the annual 10K run sees costumed participants racing through the streets, starting and finishing at Harpa. After midnight, Reykjavík’s nightlife keeps the party going in bars and clubs well into the morning.

5. Warm Up in Public Geothermal Pools

One of the best ways to experience Reykjavík in winter is to visit one of its 18 public geothermal pools. They’re heated by natural energy and offer the same soothing warmth you’d expect from an Icelandic hot spring. That’s expected even when the air outside is below freezing.

For a local favorite, try Laugardalslaug, the city’s largest pool, or Vesturbæjarlaug, a cozy neighborhood spot. You can also visit Sundhöllin, Reykjavík’s oldest pool with a classic indoor hall and outdoor hot tubs.

6. Take Magical Winter Day Trips from Reykjavík

Reykjavík is an ideal base for exploring Iceland’s winter landscapes, with many unforgettable day trips only a few hours away.

You can step into glittering ice caves, hike across frozen ice, or race across snowy plains on a snowmobile. Lava caving is another option, where tunnels carved by past eruptions take on an otherworldly feel. In winter, they’re often decorated with natural ice sculptures.

The Golden Circle or South Coast routes also showcase waterfalls wrapped in ice and black sands dusted with snow.

Please note that winter weather can be unpredictable, and tours may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.

Experience the Festive Charm of Reykjavík during December

Reykjavík in December shows how a city can turn winter’s darkness into something bright. The streets glow with lights, while the season’s long nights set the stage for northern lights, concerts, and lively gatherings. Beyond the city, you can explore frozen waterfalls, hike on glaciers, or be amazed by ice sculptures inside lava caves.

If you’re looking for a winter trip that feels festive and unforgettable, visiting Reykjavík during December is worth it.

FAQs About Visiting Reykjavík During December

Is there a Christmas market in Reykjavík?

Yes, Reykjavík hosts Christmas markets in December. The main one at Ingólfstorg Square is particularly popular for its lights, stalls, and ice skating rink.

Will I see the northern lights in Iceland in December?

Yes, December is one of the best months for viewing the northern lights in Reykjavík, thanks to its long nights.

Is there sunlight in Reykjavík in December?

Yes, but only about 4-5 hours a day, with late sunrises and early sunsets.

Does it snow in Reykjavík during December?

Yes, it often does, though snow is mixed with rain. Expect icy streets and a wintry atmosphere.

Is Iceland expensive at Christmas?

Yes. Flights and hotels are often more expensive in December, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, so booking early is advisable.