Iceland · Festival

The Icelandic Christmas Advent Driving Tour

5 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Reykjavík. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the Christmas Market in Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
  • 02 Explore the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður
  • 03 Enjoy festive sights in downtown Reykjavík
  • 04 Hear Icelandic holiday folklore about the Yule Lads, Grýla, and the Christmas Cat
  • 05 Browse artisan stalls, handmade gifts, and seasonal treats
  • 06 Warm up with hot cocoa and pastries from a local Christmas market
  • 07 Receive a special gift from the Christmas store in Reykjavík
  • 08 Pickup and drop-off provided in Reykjavík

Experience Iceland’s festive season on a 5-hour Advent driving tour through some of the capital area’s most atmospheric Christmas settings. Travel from Reykjavík to Heiðmörk Nature Reserve and Hafnarfjörður, then return to downtown Reykjavík as you explore seasonal markets, holiday displays, and local traditions with your guide.

Along the way, discover the playful folklore of the Yule Lads, Grýla, and the Christmas Cat while browsing artisan stalls, handmade gifts, and Icelandic treats. With hot cocoa, pastries, and a special gift included, this tour offers a warm and memorable way to enjoy Icelandic Christmas culture.

We’ll start at the Christmas Market in Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, where you can browse artisan stalls, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the serene winter landscape.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Reykjavik, Hafnarfjörður
Languages English, French, German, Icelandic, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Pickup in the great Reykjavik area in an comfortable vehicle

We pick up in the great Reykjavik area in a comfortable vehicle to start our Christmas journey

The Christmas Market at Heiðmörk

We’ll start at the Christmas Market in Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, where you can browse artisan stalls, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the serene winter landscape. But keep your eyes open—rumor has it that Iceland’s Yule Lads, the playful Icelandic “Santas,” may be wandering around, ready to share their unique holiday spirit… or even cause a bit of mischief!

Our next stop is the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður

Next, we head to the Christmas Village, Jólaþorpið, in Hafnarfjörður. Here, festive wooden stalls, handmade gifts, and Icelandic treats create a warm holiday atmosphere. But don’t be too comfortable—you might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Grýla, the troll mother of the Yule Lads, who’s known for her fearsome reputation!

The Festive Spirit of Downtown Reykjavik

Finally, we journey to Downtown Reykjavik, where you can skate on the Christmas Ice Rink, explore the Little Christmas Store, and delight in holiday displays. Along the way, you’ll spot the ferocious Christmas Cat, known for prowling around during the season and looking for anyone without new clothes for the holiday! But don’t worry, we’ve got a cozy hot drink to keep you warm as you hear more about these Icelandic holiday tales from your guide.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Reykjavík. 2 cities · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Hot cocoa & pastries from the local Christmas market 
  • A special gift from the Christmas store in Reykjavik
  • 5-hour guided tour of various Christmas related locations in and around Reykjavik 

What's Not Included

  • TIP OR GRATUITY

Know before you go

  • Please dress in multiple layers according to the weather - Iceland in the wintertime can be very cold!
  • Hats, gloves & scarfs are highly recommended.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Reykjavík.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Reykjavík.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Reykjavík..

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