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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Caroline • traveled in December, 2025
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 Adventure - T
Tracey • traveled in December, 2024
Overall 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 days - S
Sherry • traveled in April, 2026
I had a fantastic experience on the 6-day Iceland Ring Road tour with BusTravel Iceland. The itinerary was very well planned, covering all the highlights including the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking every day, and the optional activities like the ice cave and Vök Baths made the trip even more memorable. The transportation was comfortable, hotels were good, and everything ran smoothly. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the journey enjoyable with interesting stories about Iceland. Overall, a great way to see the entire country in a short time.
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
Our traveler's Moments
- 5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
- 3-Day Small Group Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour
- 3 Day Winter Package with Golden Circle, South Coast & Aurora
- 5-Day Iceland Complete Package feat. Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes & Reykjanes Volcanic Peninsula
- 3 Day - Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón & Ice Cave
- 3 Day Best of Iceland Package
- 8 Days Northern Lights Exploration
- Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle
- 8 Day - Ultimate Iceland Highlight Hitter
- 6 Day - Around Iceland Adventure
- 8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
- 7 Day - Complete Iceland
- 6 Day - Iceland Ring Road with Blue Lagoon Admission - Small-Group Tour
- 4 Days in Iceland - Golden Circle, Glacier Lagon & Snæfellsnes Peninisula Small Group Tour
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
- Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls - 6-Day Self-Drive
- Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle
- Classic Iceland Highlights - 8 days
- 10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
- 8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
- Iceland Escape
- 8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour
5 Days Christmas & Northern Lights Adventure
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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$2,085
Christmas Land Of The Northern Lights - 5 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, Blue Lagoon, Hella, Eyjafjallajokull, Seljaland, Reynisfjara, Skogafoss, Gullfoss Age Range Ages 8+ Operator On The Go Tours From $2,660
20% Off- US$2,128You save $532
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw so much including the popular Golden Circle but also had a chance to explore the less visited, quieter other side of the country.”
Richard, 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, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, Vik, Reynisdrangar Cliffs, MyrdalsjokullSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator BusTravel Iceland From
20% Off- US$2,001
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
20% Off- US$1,050
Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle
70 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent in all respects. Cannot recommend it highly enough.”
David, traveled in January
Winter festivities shine in Reykjavik with Christmas celebrations and cozy nights at Alftrod guesthouse. Snow blankets Thingvellir National Park, while frozen waterfalls dazzle at Gullfoss. Traditional holiday meals complement Northern Lights searches.
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Dover, Gullfoss, Solheimajokull, Skogafoss, Seljaland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
20% Off- US$1,999
Winter activities abound in Iceland, from Northern Lights viewing to snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier. Festively lit towns like Akureyri charm visitors, while Gullfoss waterfall showcases its winter beauty.
Duration 8 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur, Geysir, Gullfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, Reynisdrangar Cliffs, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, SkaftafellSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator On The Go Tours From $4,570
20% Off- US$3,656You save $914
10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
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 Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir, Skogafoss, Solheimajokull, Reynisfjara, Vik, JokulsarlonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Marina Travel From $4,752
5% Off- US$4,515You save $238
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."