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.
Excellent
- Choose from 50+ Iceland tours
- 1,800+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- V
Victoria • traveled in December
Our guide , Augustus, was great!
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 - E
Eman • traveled in November, 2025
This was definitely a 5-star tour! Traveling through the east, west, south, and north felt like visiting four different countries in one trip. Our guide, Runar, was absolutely the best—so knowledgeable, kind, and attentive, always making sure we were safe and comfortable. His insights and stories took the experience to another level. We were so lucky to see the Aurora three nights in a row, along with whales, reindeer, seals, and the wonderful Icelandic horses. Every place we visited was incredible, and we had an awesome group to share it with. Highly recommend this tour—especially with Runar as your guide!
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
Our traveler's Moments
7 Day - Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour
joVDVictoria
5 Days Christmas & Northern Lights Adventure
BDBarbara
5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
8 Days Northern Lights ExplorationAmyCVCorinna
7 Day - Complete Iceland
6 Day - Around Iceland AdventurePam
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group TourEman
5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon TourFingel
NBNataliya
7 Days ICELAND | REYKJAVIK, GOLDEN CIRCLE & SOUTH COAST (Group Tour)
MMMilton
8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour
3 Day - Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón & Ice CaveTerri
8 Days Around Iceland with roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)Anthony
SCSiew
8 Day - Ultimate Iceland Highlight Hitter
LPLulu
8 Day - Iceland Northern Lights 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
- 5-Day Iceland New Year’s Festival & Winter Wonders
- 10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
- Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls - 6-Day Self-Drive
- Iceland Discovery
- Iceland Escape
- 5 day Self-drive tour | Golden Circle Self-Drive
- 5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
- 8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour
5 Days Christmas & Northern Lights Adventure
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The sights were incredible, the activities really helped understand the Icelandic lifestyle.”
Christian, 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$2,059
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 $2,990
25% Off- US$2,243You save $748
Duration 5 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Reykjanesviti, Blue Lagoon Age Range Ages 12+ Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,014
10% Off- US$1,812You save $201
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
10% Off- US$4,668
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$946
Iceland Discovery
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotel is located in center of city very convenient with delicious breakfast included.”
SNOW, traveled in April
Iceland's winter charm shines with Northern Lights near Reykjavik and festive city tours. The steaming Blue Lagoon and Strokkur geyser's eruptions complement Laugavegur's holiday atmosphere. December trips start at around $2,100.
Duration 7 days Destinations Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Skogafoss, Eyjafjallajokull, Reynisfjara, Vik, Solheimajokull, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Wingbuddy From $1,779
8% Off- US$1,637You save $142
Iceland Escape
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Enjoyed the trip and arrangements very much. Will use Wingbuddy again.”
LUCYNA, traveled in January
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 Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Wingbuddy From $979
8% Off- US$901You save $78
5 day Self-drive tour | Golden Circle Self-Drive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Iceland is very scenic and we had perfect sunny weather for April. our itinery allowed for lots of customization.”
Toni, traveled in March
This 5-day self-drive takes you through Iceland's winter landscapes during the holiday season. You'll walk between tectonic plates at UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and European plates meet. Strokkur geyser shoots water skyward every few minutes at Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall thunders with winter power nearby. Reynisfjara's black sand beaches stretch along the coast near Vik. Skogafoss towers above you, and at Seljalandsfoss you can walk behind the falling water. Soak in geothermal waters at Fontana Steam Baths in Laugarvatn or the Secret Lagoon in Fludir. After checking out Hekla Volcano and Thjorsardalur valley's colorful terrain, these warm pools offer a perfect way to unwind.
Duration 5 days Destinations Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Reykjanesfólkvangur Reserve, Reykjavik, Hveragerdi, Seljaland, Skogafoss, Eyjafjallajokull, Reynisfjara, VikSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Iceland Travel From
8% Off- US$1,601
5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
154 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Mercedes van was comfortable and the hotels we stayed in were as well. At dinner we would all sit together and share stories.”
Doug, traveled in September
This 5-day winter trip runs from late December through early March, when ice coats Skógafoss and the Crystal Ice Cave at Vatnajökull glacier glows electric blue. You'll walk through UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park and go behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall before heading to country hotels in remote areas like Skaftafell for New Year's Eve, where early darkness creates good conditions for aurora viewing. Stays at Hotel Hellissandur and Hotel Geirland come with breakfast. Snow blankets lava fields across the winter solstice landscapes, and icebergs frozen on Diamond Beach line the shore.
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
8% Off- US$1,390
8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour
128 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful ... tour...why is it advertised as an eight day tour???”
Diane, 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
8% Off- US$2,607
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."