What to do in Reykjavik during your Icelandic Christmas break

1. Walk along Reykjavik's streets

Reykjavik is a wonderful little city and very easy to walk around. The city is small so you can actually cover quite some ground in a few hours. You can visit the statue of Leif Erikson in front of the Hallgrimskirkja church. A walk along the old harbor is nice, especially if you feel like having some fresh seafood. Do not forget to take a picture of the colourful houses. Reykjavik is famous for its colourful houses, which make for great backdrops for photos! On the way you will pass by the concert hall Harpa. Do not forget to climb up the old Perlan (or Pearl), from which you will get a nice view over the city. Make sure to check out the shopping area downtown. Laugavegur, the shopping district, is the busiest street. At Christmas, you will find shops decorated with beautiful Christmas decorations!

2. Take a thermal bath:

Thermal baths are a must when in Iceland. In the Reykjavik area you have a few options.

Laugardalslaug - This is an outdoor thermal bath in the middle of Reykjavik. The water is warm, about 29-35°C. The view above the roofs of the old town is absolutely stunning. Unfortunately there are many locals taking a bath there, so it can get quite crowded. There is a café where you can grab a hot drink. The entrance fee is around ISK 600 for adults.

Blue Lagoon - If you have more time and money, you might want to visit the Blue Lagoon, located about 45 km away from the city. It is a geothermal hot spring resort where the water color is bright turquoise. Check the website for current prices and opening hours, as they vary throughout the year. Be aware: the Blue Lagoon is not really the most typically Icelandic experience. It is a man-made pool built in a lava field, and the water is clear-blue colored! It is a more touristy and commercialized experience, but it is still a nice place to visit if you enjoy warm spa treatments. Pro tip: Most accommodations and tour operators in Reykjavik offer combo packages that include transport to the Blue Lagoon.

3. Shop the Christmas markets:

Reykjavik hosts several Christmas markets during the holiday season. These markets can be a fun way to explore local products and items. Craft and gift ideas are in abundance. Many of the markets only operate for a few weeks in December, so check the dates in advance if you decide to visit them.

4. Visit the National Museum:

Iceland's National Museum is located in Reykjavik, and in December it hosts a special exhibition related to the Icelandic Christmas tradition. In Iceland Christmas is celebrated a bit differently than in other countries. The museum could be a great opportunity for you to learn more about Icelandic culture. The entrance fee is around ISK 1,500 for adults.

5. Enjoy the local Christmas food tradition:

If you are spending Christmas in Reykjavik, try some of the local Christmas food, such as smoked lamb or the traditional cookies laufabraud. There are many restaurants throughout the city that serve Icelandic Christmas food. A good place to find Christmas food is at the Christmas market.

6. Visit local museums and galleries:

National Museum - Exhibitions related to Iceland heritage, history and culture
Perlan - A modern building from which you get a great 360 view over Reykjavik

7. Watch a movie in an Icelandic cinema:

A simple thing to do, but if you are tired or want to relax, why not? Reykjavik has a few cinemas that show movies in English

So if you are planning a Christmas trip to Iceland and wondering about what to do in Reykjavik during a Christmas vacation, then the above mentioned activities are definitely worth checking out. Most of the things mentioned are free of charge or very low cost. In summary, a Christmas vacation in Reykjavik is perfect for lovers of city culture, art, museums, shopping, natural warm baths and adventure.