Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Iceland
Imagine celebrating holidays surrounded by Iceland's wild landscapes. Christmas and New Year adventures mean hunting the Northern Lights, exploring ice caves, soaking in geothermal pools, while experiencing that Arctic winter atmosphere. Ringing in the New Year under aurora skies hits completely different than back home does.
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Our guide , Augustus, was great!
5 Days Christmas & Northern Lights AdventureOverall the tour was good, our guide and driver were excellent. Due to weather missed out on quite a bit, especially Diamond Beach which was at the top of my list. The accommodation in Reykjavik was mediocre, however Hotel Stracta was comfortable.
Christmas Land Of The Northern Lights - 5 daysGreat 6-day trip around Iceland! Our guide/driver was so good! I would highly recommend this tour! AAA+++
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
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10 best Christmas & New Year Iceland tour packages
Compiled by
NadineIceland travel expert at TourRadar
- 5 Days Christmas & Northern Lights Adventure
- Christmas Land Of The Northern Lights - 5 days
- 6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
- 5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
- 10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
- Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls - 6-Day Self-Drive
- 8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
- Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle
- Iceland Discovery
- 8 Day - Iceland Northern Lights Tour
5 Days Christmas & Northern Lights Adventure
“It was fantastic. The activities were quite varied. Accessible to everyone.”
Caroline, traveled in December
Immerse yourself in Icelandic Christmas traditions at Hvolsvöllur and Hella villages, featuring festive light tours and a 4-course dinner at Árhús Restaurant. The Reykjanes Peninsula's landmarks lead to a relaxing Blue Lagoon visit before celebrations at Stracta Hotel.
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Reykjanesviti, Gunnuhver, Blue Lagoon, Hella, Seljaland, Eyjafjallajokull, Skogafoss, Solheimajokull, ReynisfjaraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator GJ Travel From $2,056
5% Off- US$1,954
Christmas Land Of The Northern Lights - 5 days
“One of the best tours I have had in Europe. Highly recommended.”
Yvonne, traveled in December
A traditional Icelandic Christmas awaits in Hella with a festive 4-course dinner and sparkling wine. Medieval Christmas light traditions illuminate local villages, while the Reykjanes peninsula offers holiday charm at its iconic landmarks.
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Reykjanesfólkvangur Reserve, Blue Lagoon, Hvolsvollur, Hella, Eyjafjallajokull, Skogar, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, VikSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator On The Go Tours From $2,955
30% Off- US$2,069
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
“Iceland is gorgeous and we had a wonderful time.”
Gai, traveled in October
Winter solstice brings Northern Lights above Lake Mývatn. Frozen cascades at Dettifoss waterfall, Katla ice cave exploration, and cozy stays in Höfn create perfect winter memories. December tours rated 4.5/5.
Duration 6 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljaland, Skogar, Reynisfjara, Vik, Myrdalsjokull, FjadrargljufurSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator BusTravel Iceland From $1,974
10% Off- US$1,776
5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
“Balanced itinerary, beautiful scenes, lovely group, comfortable stays, great food.”
Andrew, traveled in March
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Arnarstapi, Djupalonssandur, Kirkjufell Mountain, Reykholt, Thingvellir National Park, Dover, Gullfoss, Skogafoss, ReynisfjaraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Arctic Adventures From
10% Off- US$1,618
10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
Winter holidays shine across Iceland's Golden Circle, featuring Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir. Crystal Blue Ice Cave and Sólheimajökull glacier provide adventure, while Northern Lights dance overhead. Cozy hotels from Reykjavík to Akureyri offer comfortable stays with breakfast included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljaland, Skogafoss, Solheimajokull, Reynisfjara, VikSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Marina Travel From $4,679
10% Off- US$4,211
A magical drive through Iceland's winter wonderland awaits. Northern Lights dance over Kirkjubæjarklaustur, while Vatnajökull's ice caves beckon. New Year's festivities in Reykjavík complement visits to snow-covered Gullfoss waterfall and the steaming Geysir area.
Duration 6 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Fludir, Selfoss, Seljaland, Skogafoss, ReynisfjaraSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Snaeland Travel From
10% Off- US$1,035
8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
“We were able to circle Iceland and was fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights 2x. Highlights of the tour were Ice Caving, whale watching and Northern Lights.”
Monica, traveled in October
Winter enchantment stretches from Thingvellir National Park to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Strokkur geyser eruptions, Breidamerkurjokull ice caves, and Northern Lights viewing complement seasonal charm at Godafoss waterfall.
Duration 8 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljaland, Skogar, Vik, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon, HofSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Troll Expeditions From
10% Off- US$2,688
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Iceland
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in Iceland winter tours?
Winter tours in Iceland combine holiday traditions with natural wonders during the festive season. Visitors can join Northern Lights excursions followed by traditional Christmas buffets or take part in local New Year's Eve bonfire tours. The classic Golden Circle route including Gullfoss and Geysir takes on a different character with winter lighting displays. Hotels like Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon provide specially curated holiday programs. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The whole experience was magical - from the Christmas decorations in Reykjavik to watching fireworks over the glacier lagoon on New Year's Eve."
What are the daylight hours during Christmas & New Year in Iceland?
Iceland's winter days are brief with sunlight lasting from about 11 AM to 3:30 PM giving visitors roughly 4-5 hours of daylight. These short days create ideal conditions for Northern Lights viewing particularly around Vatnajökull National Park and along the Golden Circle route. The extended darkness allows more opportunities for aurora spotting as noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The limited daylight hours made every moment count and the long dark evenings were perfect for Northern Lights viewing at Hotel Skaftafell."
What accommodation options are available for Christmas & New Year tours?
The range of lodging spans from upscale options like Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon to comfortable city stays at Hotel Klettur in Reykjavik. Most properties offer holiday packages that include festive meals and aurora viewing alerts. Hotel Dyrholaey near Vik stands out for its Northern Lights viewing location. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The hotels were all wonderfully decorated for Christmas and the New Year's Eve celebration at Fosshotel was unforgettable."
What special Christmas & New Year celebrations can I experience in Iceland?
The holiday season brings distinct Icelandic traditions to life. Reykjavik's New Year's Eve fireworks display fills the sky while traditional Jólahlaðborð (Christmas buffets) showcase local cuisine. Visitors can meet the 13 Yule Lads and explore Akureyri's Christmas markets. Places like Icelandair Hotel Marina prepare special holiday menus. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The New Year's celebration in Reykjavik was unlike anything I've ever experienced."
What are the must-see winter attractions during Christmas & New Year in Iceland?
Key winter destinations transform during the holiday season. The Golden Circle route showcases snow-covered Thingvellir Geysir and Gullfoss. Vatnajökull's ice caves open for exploration while the Diamond Beach near Jökulsárlón offers dramatic winter scenes. The Blue Lagoon provides a warm contrast to the winter landscape. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Seeing Gullfoss waterfall partially frozen during Christmas time was absolutely spectacular."
How cold does it get during Christmas & New Year in Iceland?
Coastal regions like Reykjavik typically see temperatures between -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F). Interior locations particularly around Vatnajökull National Park can drop below -10°C (14°F). Winter activities such as glacier walks at Sólheimajökull require proper cold-weather gear. A TourRadar traveler reports: "Despite the cold the winter scenery and Christmas atmosphere made it all worthwhile."