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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It would have been great without the rain, but that's not the organizers' fault! 🥲 Otherwise, it was fantastic. The guide was incredibly attentive, very knowledgeable, proud of his country, and generous with his knowledge of Iceland. The atmosphere within the group was pleasant, thanks to the guide's kindness, and the activities were quite varied. Accessible to everyone (in terms of physical fitness).
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 daysWe thought the itinerary could have been a little more detailed. All though all the accommodations were good we found that they could have been closer to town centre.
Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls - 6-Day Self-Drive
Our traveler's Moments
- 5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
- 3-Day Small Group Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour
- 8 Day - Iceland Northern Lights Tour
- Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls - 6-Day Self-Drive
- 3 Day Best of Iceland Package
- Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle
- 6 Day - Around Iceland Adventure - Standard Package
- 8 Day - Ultimate Iceland Highlight Hitter
- 5 Days Christmas & Northern Lights Adventure
- 8 Days Northern Lights Exploration
- 8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour - Adventure Package
- Iceland Overnight Adventure - 2 days
- 7 Day - Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour
- 6 Day - Iceland Ring Road with Blue Lagoon Admission - Small-Group Tour
- 3 Day Winter Package with Golden Circle, South Coast & Aurora
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
- Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls - 6-Day Self-Drive
- 10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
- Iceland Escape
- 5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
- 8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour - Adventure Package
- 3 Day Best of Iceland Package
- South Iceland Highlights - 5-Day Self-Drive
- 6 Day - Iceland Ring Road with Blue Lagoon Admission - Small-Group Tour
5 Days Christmas & Northern Lights Adventure
“The overall experience was absolutely great! I totally recommend this tour!”
Eriketti, 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
- US$1,985
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 $2,870
30% off- US$2,009
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
30% off- US$999
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 $4,516
10% off- US$4,065
Northern Lights illuminate Iceland's holiday season near Gullfoss waterfall. The welcoming Klettur Hotel in Reykjavik serves as base for exploring festive Laugavegur Street and Geysir's geothermal wonders. Accommodations rated 4.5/5.
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park, Keflavik Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Wingbuddy From
10% off- US$1,149
5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
“It was a great adventure! We always felt safe.”
Alessandro, traveled in April
New Year's trips run December 26-30, staying at Hotel Hellissandur and Hótel Geirland for that festive country hotel feel. You'll catch winter solstice views at UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, check out the Crystal Ice Cave inside Vatnajökull glacier, and watch Strokkur geyser erupt every 5-8 minutes.
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$1,603
8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour - Adventure Package
“We visited waterfalls, went on a whale watch, glacier climb, horse farm and several hikes. We saw many spectacular vistas!”
John, traveled in August
Winter magic fills Iceland during Christmas. Northern Lights shimmer above Mývatn Nature Baths, while ice caves beckon at Vatnajökull. Festively decorated Siglufjörður village welcomes visitors, who stay warm in provided winter gear.
Duration 8 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljaland, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Myrdalsjokull, EyjafjallajokullSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Arctic Adventures From
10% off- US$2,863
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."