Things to Do in Iceland in December

The month of December seems to cast a spell over Iceland, turning the Land of Fire and Ice into the epitome of a winter wonderland. So it’s no wonder this transformation attracts thousands of visitors wanting to explore icy volcanoes, cozy towns, and unique holiday flavors.

These top ten December activities can help make the most of your travels and help you experience the Icelandic winter in a whole new way.

10 Things to Do in Iceland in December

Iceland in December offers a little something for everyone, from sipping hot chocolate in a yuletide market to exploring frozen waterfalls in lava-etched caves.

The question is: what do you want to do?

Here are 10 options you might want to add to your itinerary.

1. See the Northern Lights

Visitors can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from mid-August to late April. December in particular offers extremely dark skies, with roughly five hours of daylight and 17-19 hours of darkness.

There are plenty of public parks in Reykjavík that allow for “lightspotting,” including the larger Elliðaárdalur, which is best reached by rental car. However, you could also book a Northern Lights tour. Just keep in mind this isn’t free; you’ll pay around $50 to $100 USD per person.

2. Tour the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a 300-km (190-mile) loop containing some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. There’s no better way to experience the beauty of winter — you’ll see December’s icy influence across Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the geothermal landscape of Haukadalur.

Getting cold just thinking about it? The good news is, there are plenty of thermal spas to help you warm up. You could stop by the Reykjadalur Hot Springs for a dip, or the more rural Hrunalaug hot spring for a quieter experience.

For a more curated experience, try the Laugarvatn Fontana. Guests highly recommend their Geothermal Bread Baking tour if you’re interested in the science (and snacks) behind their geothermal bakery.

3. Hike a Glacier

If there was ever a time to explore Iceland’s glaciers, it’s in December. You can start with beginner-friendly tours like Sólheimajökull and Vatnajökull to experience the country’s frozen wilderness up close. Or, you could opt for a more advanced experience, such as Falljökull. You’ll be equipped with crampons, helmets, and ice axes before setting out across dazzling blue ice formations.

For those craving a faster pace, you can also add a snowmobile ride to your glacier tour. Most snowmobile rides depart from the South Coast or Skaftafell, with prices starting around $120 to $200 USD per person (depending on duration and add-on costs).

4. Taste the Seasonal Flavors

We’ve talked quite a bit about experiencing Iceland’s December on foot. Now, let’s talk about exploring it through your taste buds.

There are plenty of Icelandic restaurants open during Christmas and New Year's, allowing you to experience Yuletide flavors both traditional and modern.

Some of the most popular restaurants serving food during the December holidays include:

Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar, which is best known for its special holiday buffet
Litli Barinn, offering seasonally inspired cocktails and wines
Mýrin Brasserie, providing a French flair on modern classics
Grand Brasserie, which offers a Skata feast (fermented fish) on December 23
Snaps Bistro, where you can find plenty of vegan options

5. Explore an Ice Cave

Glacier hiking lets you walk across Iceland’s frozen wonders, but ice caving allows you to step inside them. These crystal-blue caverns form naturally each winter as meltwater carves tunnels through the ice. Eventually, this creates otherworldly chambers that glow in shades of turquoise and white.

The most famous spots for ice caving are Vatnajökull Glacier and Langjökull Glacier, which also offer man-made tunnels for year-round exploration. But if you want a twist on the experience, try lava caving instead. You’ll have the rare opportunity to descend into ancient volcanic tunnels like Raufarhólshellir, where you’ll see vivid rock formations sculpted by once-flowing magma.

6. Watch for Whales

Contrary to popular belief, whale watching in Iceland isn’t just a summer activity. The weather is indeed colder, and the daylight hours are shorter, but it’s still possible to find minke whales, humpbacks, and white-beaked dolphins swimming the coastal waters.

The best place to spot Icelandic whales in winter is Akureyri in the north, or Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, where daily tours run (weather permitting). Tours typically last two to three hours each and cost around $80 to $120 USD per person. Just make sure to bundle up — a ship’s deck can be cold this time of year.

7. Celebrate Jól Like a Local

For many, the month of December signals the beginning of the holiday season, and the same is true of Iceland. Christmas (or Jól) celebrations begin in late November with festive markets, twinkling lights, and eventually, the arrival of the 13 Yule Lads.

You could start by heading to Ingólfstorg Square in Reykjavík to experience the city’s main Christmas market, complete with skating rinks, hot chocolate stands, and handmade Icelandic crafts. Or, you could visit Hafnarfjörður, a nearby town famous for its charming holiday atmosphere and elf legends.

But whatever you do, don’t miss December 23: this marks the feast of Þorláksmessa, when locals gather for a festive meal of Skata. Still need convincing? Find out why you should spend Christmas in Reykjavík.

8. Watch New Year’s Fireworks

On New Year’s Eve, end your December in Iceland with a bang — quite literally! Reykjavík’s skyline lights up in every direction as locals set off fireworks in a dazzling, 360-degree display.

There’s no such thing as an “official” show, so the only goal is spotting as many fireworks as possible. You might head to Hallgrímskirkja Church or Perlan Hill for panoramic views, or join the locals at Ægissíða along the coast to watch the fireworks’ reflections shimmer on the water.

9. Suit Up for Snorkling

You might not think of December as snorkeling weather, but at the Silfra Fissure, it’s more than possible. There are plenty of guided tours offering drysuits, thermal layers, and other necessary gear, so you’ll stay surprisingly comfortable despite the icy water.

You should know the Silfra Fissure sits between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, so you’re technically swimming between two continents. But keep in mind you’ll still want a cup of cocoa after: the water hovers between 35° and 39° Fahrenheit year-round.

10. Visit the Reykjavík Christmas Village

Ingólfstorg Square is home to Iceland’s most famous Christmas village, complete with seasonal market, artisan stalls, and a giant Christmas tree that sets the holiday mood. It’s an extra cozy way to soak up Icelandic holiday traditions with just a short drive through the city.

Here are a few highlights to look forward to during your visit:

Try local treats like gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate, and roasted almonds
Browse handmade crafts and Icelandic gifts
Enjoy festive rides, Santa appearances, and live music

Creating an Itinerary for Your December Iceland Visit

There are dozens of December activities to enjoy while in Iceland. Now, all that’s left is to design the perfect itinerary. Whether you want to brave the great outdoors or indulge in festive experiences, take the time to explore at your own pace and create a travel plan that suits everyone on your list.

But no matter what you choose, you’ll need to plan for logistics. This means booking your accommodations and tours, as well as a rental car, to ensure a stress-free experience.

Book your hire car well in advance to lock in your spot and see Iceland your way.