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 - G
Gai • traveled in November, 2025
Great small group tour. HBO was an excellent, safe driver in trying conditions. He was also a knowledgable and patient guide. Iceland is gorgeous and we had a wonderful time
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
PHPetrina
8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
8 Days Northern Lights ExplorationAmyBDBarbara
5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
CVCorinna
7 Day - Complete Iceland
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group TourEman
6 Day - Around Iceland AdventurePam
5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon TourFingel
MMMilton
8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour
NBNataliya
7 Days ICELAND | REYKJAVIK, GOLDEN CIRCLE & SOUTH COAST (Group Tour)
3 Day - Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón & Ice CaveTerri
8 Days Around Iceland with roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)Anthony
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
- 6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
- 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
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$2,072
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 $3,010
25% Off- US$2,258You save $753
Duration 5 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Reykjanesviti, Blue Lagoon Age Range Ages 12+ Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,029
10% Off- US$1,826You save $203
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“You see the Highlights! So many interesting points in a short time. This way is more relaxing for me :)”
Ruth, traveled in July
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, Hvolsvollur, Seljaland, Skogar, Reynisfjara, Vik, KirkjubaejarklausturSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator BusTravel Iceland From $1,993
18% Off- US$1,634You save $359
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
18% Off- US$4,696
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
18% Off- US$952
Iceland Discovery
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotel location was great, the staff were great. The tours were great and easy instructions to follow.”
KIM, 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
10% Off- US$1,601You save $178
Iceland Escape
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wow iceland !!!! Amazing adventure.”
Mary, traveled in November
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
10% Off- US$881You save $98
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
10% Off- US$1,611
5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
154 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour, recommend highly.”
Barbara, 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
10% Off- US$1,396
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."