Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour: Yule Lads, Hot Cocoa & Holiday Lights
Walk Reykjavik’s holiday-lit streets with a local guide and hear the mischievous stories of the 13 Yule Lads, Grýla, and the Christmas Cat. This accessible two-hour tour mixes folklore, seasonal treats, and downtown sights from Ingólfstorg to Hallgrímskirkja.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
Icelandic winter is windy and damp — wool base layers, an insulated jacket, and a waterproof shell keep you comfortable for the full walk.
Bring a charged phone and small torch
Evening light is low; spare power helps for photos and navigation back to your hotel.
Try the hot cocoa and pastry
The tour includes a hot drink and pastry — a warm local treat that complements the stories and keeps kids happy.
Arrive early for the meeting point
Meet outside Hlöllabátar facing Ingólfstorg to avoid confusion — guides usually wear a light blue jacket labeled Your Friend in Reykjavik.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A tiny year-round Christmas shop with handcrafted Icelandic ornaments just off the square
- •A small independent music store downtown where local Christmas songs and vinyl are often on display
Wildlife
- •Common urban seabirds (gulls, fulmars)
- •Occasional harbor seals visible near the Old Harbor
Conservation Note
Respect local businesses and public spaces: avoid littering, stick to pedestrian routes, and support small vendors to keep downtown tourism sustainable.
Reykjavik’s modern Christmas customs blend Christian holiday observance with older Norse folklore; the Yule Lads and Grýla originate in rural 19th-century tales that explain seasonal behaviors and gift-giving.
What to Bring
Insulated waterproof jacketEssential
Stops wind and moisture during cold evening walks.
Waterproof, grippy shoesEssential
Provides traction on wet cobbles and pedestrian areas.
Warm hat and glovesEssential
Small items that greatly improve comfort during chilly periods.
Compact daypack
Holds extra layers, water, and camera without being cumbersome.
Common Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes — the tour is family-friendly, with folklore stories designed to entertain various ages and a pastry and hot chocolate included.
Where is the meeting point?
The group meets outside Hlöllabátar facing Ingólfstorg Square (near CenterHotel Plaza); guides typically wear a light blue Your Friend in Reykjavik jacket.
Is the route wheelchair-accessible?
Yes — the itinerary notes wheelchair accessibility with mostly flat pedestrian streets, though some areas have cobbles; contact the operator for specific mobility needs.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour runs in normal winter weather; the operator’s cancellation policy allows full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 hours
Location
Reykjavik, Capital Region
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; involves standing and walking on flat, sometimes cobbled pedestrian streets for up to 2 hours.
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