Iceland's Most Magical Christmas Markets

Iceland is becoming a popular travel destination during Christmas time and with good reason. During the winter season, there is an excellent chance to see the Northern Lights, experience the breathtaking landscape in a blanket of snow, and take part in some cozy, cultural traditions in addition to shopping at some of the country’s best Christmas markets.

Yule Town at Ingólfstorg Square

Ingólfstorg Square in downtown Reykjavik is transformed into Yule Town each December. Yule Town offers a wide selection of local, hand-crafted gifts, decorations, artisanal food, and an ice-skating rink in the middle of the square. Yule Town is usually open December 2nd-23rd.

Ingólfur Square, Reykjavik, Iceland

Jólakrás Street Food Christmas Market

The Jólakrás Street Food Market is held the weekend before Christmas in Fogetagarðurinn, a central square in Reykjavik. There, a large statue of the 18th-century sheriff and so-called Father of Reykjavík, Skúli Magnusson, can be found. The Christmas-themed version of the Krás Street Food Market held each summer, Jólakrás features Reykjavík’s best chefs collaborating to create Christmas-themed street food.

Víkurgarður, Reykjavik, Iceland

The Children’s Christmas Workshop

Located in Reykjavik City Hall from early December to early January, the Children’s Christmas Workshop allows families to sit down together in a community atmosphere and create their own Christmas decorations to take home while enjoying the festive surroundings.

Reykjavik City Hall, Tjarnargata, Reykjavík, Iceland

Hafnafjörður Christmas Village

The whole downtown area of Hafnarfjörður becomes one large Christmas Village around Christmastime. The local children are in charge of decorations while the local schools provide entertainment like singing and theater. There are also various street vendors selling handmade crafts as well as street food and drinks. The Christmas Village opens late November and is open on weekends until Christmas.

Hafnarfjörður Tourist Information Office, Strandgata 6, Hafnarfjordur, Iceland

The Heiðmörk Christmas Market

The annual Crafts & Design Christmas Market and the Christmas tree sale in Heiðmörk Woods, located on the outskirts of Reykjavík, is open on weekends about a month before Christmas. There is plenty to see at this market that mainly sells hand-crafted items. Each day when the market is open, small bonfires are lit and people read Christmas stories to children. The Icelandic Santa Clauses, or Yule Lads, often make appearances, too.

Heiðmörk, Reykjavík, Iceland