Reykjavík during Christmas and New Year is a wonderful time of glowing candles, festive music and delicious meals. It is also a time set aside for families to enjoy traditions together. This means that most businesses are closed for a few days during the holidays.
There is however, still plenty on offer for visitors to enjoy during the holiday season. Certain attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon, stay open over the holidays, popular tours such as the Golden Circle are on every day, and several thermal pools, museums and other attractions have extensive opening hours too. Several restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New year’s Day, with Icelandic Christmas or special festive menus often featured.
A midnight church service at a Lutheran church or the Catholic Cathedral can be a wonderful experience. Visitors often enjoy the beautiful music at these services, and some churches (such as Hallgrimskirkja) have part of the service in English. If attending midnight mass, it is advisable to arrive early.
Here you find information on opening hours during the holiday season in Reykjavík.
