What key sites can I visit in Iceland during December?

Winter tours in Iceland focus on the country's most notable cold-weather attractions. The Golden Circle route takes visitors to Thingvellir National Park Geysir's steaming vents and Gullfoss waterfall. Along the South Coast you'll find the cascading Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach offer views of floating icebergs. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Each place was more beautiful than the last - the natural beauty is outstanding. The ice caves in Vatnajökull Jökulsárlón lagoon and waterfalls were absolutely magical in winter conditions." Accommodations typically include stays at properties like Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik and Hotel Höfn near the glacier lagoon.

What are the weather conditions like in Iceland during December?

Reykjavik sees temperatures between -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F) in December while North Iceland near Akureyri experiences colder conditions. Snow is common particularly around Mývatn and Húsafell. Strong winds can occur throughout the country. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The weather was challenging but worth it - we experienced everything from heavy snow at Gullfoss waterfall to clear skies perfect for Northern Lights viewing from Hotel Eyjafjallajökull."

What are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland during December?

Dark December skies create ideal viewing conditions around Lake Mývatn the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the South Coast near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Hotels like Eyjafjallajökull and Fosshotel Nupar provide viewing spots away from city light pollution. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We saw spectacular Northern Lights two nights in a row from our hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur - the dark December skies made them even more vivid."

What winter activities are available at the Golden Circle in December?

The Golden Circle's winter offerings include snowmobile rides on Langjökull glacier visits to the active Strokkur geyser and walks around the partially frozen Gullfoss waterfall. Guests at Fosshotel Baron can reach these sites easily. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Seeing Gullfoss partially frozen in December was absolutely magical and the snowmobile tour added an extra adventure element."

What type of accommodation is available during December tours?

December tours feature 3-star hotels equipped with private bathrooms and heating systems across Iceland. Popular options include Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavík Hotel Höfn near Vatnajökull and Fosshotel Nupar in the south. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The hotels were well-heated and strategically located for northern lights viewing with the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offering particularly stunning views of the auroras."

What special Christmas activities happen in Iceland during December?

December brings distinctive holiday traditions to Iceland. Visitors can meet the Yule Lads in Dimmuborgir browse Christmas markets in Reykjavik and see holiday light displays throughout the city. Local restaurants and hotels serve traditional Christmas buffets known as jólahlaðborð. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The Christmas atmosphere in Reykjavik was magical with festive lights making the short December days much brighter."

Iceland Tours in December 2026

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10 best Iceland trips in December 2026

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Road Trip & Self-Drive
10 Days Self-drive | In-Depth Iceland Ring Road Tour (Winter)
5.0 (4 reviews)
"Every question I had beforehand and during the trip was quickly responded to. Highlights were zodiac tour of lagoon, glacier hike and puffins."
Ann, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykholt, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi,Kirkjufell Mountain,Hvitserkur,Akureyri,Godafoss,Myvatn,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Bakkagerdi,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Reynisfjara,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Solheimajokull,Hella,Hvolsvollur,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Reykjavik,Blue Lagoon+24 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
10% off
From $3,195
US$2,876per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
Premium Iceland in Winter
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Fludir,Reynisfjara,Reynisdrangar Cliffs,Vik,Vatnajokull National Park,Jokulsarlon,Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon,Solheimajokull,Skogafoss,Borgarfjörður,Hraunfossar,Snæfellsnes,Grundarfjordur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi,Búðir+18 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
20% off
From $4,545
US$3,636per person
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Price based on Shared Room
6 Dec, 2026
1 space left
15 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
4 Days in Reykjavík Winter Package
5.0 (1 review)
"We fell in love with the stunning beauty all around us there. I might add, now I know what everyone's talking about with their soup comments...YES THE SOUP WAS DELICIOUS!!!"
Maralee, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Kerid Volcano, Gullfoss, Geysir,Thingvellir National Park,Hvolsvollur,Vik,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Seljaland,Borgarnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi,Reykjanesviti+11 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
20% off
From
US$420per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
Iceland Winter Getaway - 5 days
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss,Skogafoss,Vik+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% off
From $2,605
US$2,214per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
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Northern Lights
Iceland Winter Express - 4 days
1.0 (1 review)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Borgarfjörður, Reykholt, Hraunfossar,Djupalonssandur,Skogafoss,Eyjafjallajokull,Myrdalsjokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Hof,Jokulsarlon,Vatnajokull National Park,Skaftafell+10 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% off
From $2,115
US$1,692per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
10 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
6 Days Self-drive | Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Iceland Tour (Winter)
4.8 (5 reviews)
"All the tours and hotels were all nicely arranged and everything ran on time, which was awesome."
Trisha, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Hella,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Solheimajokull,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Vik+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
20% off
From
US$1,619per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
7 Days Self-drive | Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik (Winter)
4.8 (6 reviews)
"Iceland's beauty speaks for itself. THAT KIND OF SERVICE IS EVERYTHING."
Chelsea, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi,Hellnar,Kirkjufell Mountain,Reykholt,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Hella,Hvolsvollur,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Solheimajokull,Myrdalsjokull,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Reykjavik+18 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
20% off
From
US$2,096per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
3.0 (1 review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir,Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Solheimajokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Egilsstadir,Dettifoss,Myvatn,Mount Namaskard,Dimmuborgir,Godafoss,Akureyri,Borgarfjörður,Snæfellsnes,Djupalonssandur,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Kirkjufell Mountain,Reykholt,Hraunfossar,Keflavik+23 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
10% off
From $4,515
US$4,063per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
6 Days Private tour Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Iceland Tour (Winter)
5.0 (1 review)
"My itinerary was very well organized. I will definitely use tourradar again."
Samantha, traveled in October
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Hella,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Reynisfjara,Solheimajokull,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Reykjavik+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
10% off
From
US$7,622per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
5 Days Private tour Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Coast Tour (Winter)
5.0 (3 reviews)
"Iceland is a magnificent country and everything we saw was magical. The city is adorable, and the food was delicious."
Michele, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Hella,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Reynisfjara,Solheimajokull,Vik,Reykjavik+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
10% off
From
US$6,221per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
8 Days Self-drive | Around Iceland Ring Road Tour (Winter)
4.8 (6 reviews)
"Iceland was beautiful. The wild flowers, waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches were amazing."
Cheryl, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykholt, Hraunfossar, Borgarnes, Hvitserkur,Akureyri,Godafoss,Myvatn,Hverarönd,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Borgarfjörður,Djupivogur,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Reynisfjara,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Hella,Hvolsvollur,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Reykjavik,Blue Lagoon+23 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
10% off
From
US$2,316per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.4 (22 reviews)
"Everyday brought new surprises! I was wishing I could go home after 6 days and was surprised when Days 7 and 8 brought a whole new bunch of excitement!"
Ruth, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogar,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Djupivogur,Egilsstadir,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Mount Namaskard,Godafoss,Akureyri,Borgarnes,Snæfellsnes,Djupalonssandur,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Kirkjufell Mountain,Stykkisholmur,Borgarfjörður,Reykholt,Hraunfossar+22 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
10% off
From
US$2,688per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
6 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.0 (5 reviews)
"The experience was awesome! So many things to see, so many different experiences."
Walter, traveled in January
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Vatnajokull National Park,Djupivogur,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Mount Namaskard,Godafoss,Akureyri+13 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
10% off
From
US$2,284per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Winter Iceland: Adrenaline and Spa
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Solheimajokull, Jokulsarlon, Blue Lagoon,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Laugarvatn,Secret Lagoon+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
10% off
From
US$1,241per person
+$3,279 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
7 Day - Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour
4.6 (106 reviews)
"I loved the service you provided. I am very happy with the tour."
Patricia, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogar,Reynisfjara,Vik,Myrdalsjokull,Jokulsarlon,Fjadrargljufur,Hofn,Djupivogur,Egilsstadir,Bakkagerdi,Dettifoss,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Skutustadagigar,Godafoss,Akureyri,Blonduos,Hvitserkur,Laugarbakki,Hraunfossar,Reykholt,Snæfellsnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi,Borgarnes+28 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
10% off
From
US$2,140per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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