Reykjavik Christmas Market 2026 at Ingólfstorg in Kvosin

What to Expect

As the first Sunday of Advent arrives, the Christmas tree lighting at Austurvellir opens the festivities in Reykjavik. Adorned with decorations from the charity for the disabled, the tree signifies the cultural heritage and unity of the city and the longstanding friendship of Reykjavik and the city of Oslo.

Following this event, you’ll find the city alive with markets. The main Christmas market in Reykjavik is Jólakvosin in the Kvosin district, the city’s historic centre. The Kvosin market coincides with ice skating at Ingólfstorg Square, a popular winter activity for both locals and visitors.

Further afield, the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður has live entertainment and Christmas houses selling Icelandic crafts, artwork, and seasonal treats.

Market Specialties

Laufabrauð: A staple at Icelandic festive tables, laufabrauð is a crispy flatbread decorated with intricate patterns. It’s deep-fried and often enjoyed with butter.

Rjómaís: Icelandic soft-serve ice cream mixed with various toppings is a year-round favourite. Even in the colder months, you’ll find locals and visitors indulging in a cone. It might sound counterintuitive, but no visit to an Icelandic market would be complete without trying rjómaís.

Hot Chocolate: This might not be unique to Iceland, but the chill of the Arctic air makes hot chocolate particularly comforting. Some stalls even offer a splash of Icelandic schnapps to give it an extra kick.

Pylsa: The Icelandic hot dog is a popular quick eat, made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef. Served with a range of condiments like fried onions, raw onions, ketchup, mustard, and remoulade, it’s a must-try snack.

Kleinur: These Icelandic doughnuts are twisted into a specific shape before being deep-fried and sugar-coated. They make for a sweet, satisfying snack as you browse the market.

Glögg: This is the Icelandic version of mulled wine, typically made with red wine, spices, and sometimes raisins and almonds. It’s a popular way to stay warm while exploring the market.

Smoked Lamb: Known locally as hangikjöt, this is smoked meat that is usually served as part of a main meal but can sometimes be found in sandwich form at the market. Its distinct smoky flavour makes it a unique culinary experience.

Bolludagur Cream Buns: These are sweet, fluffy buns filled with cream and jam, then topped with chocolate glaze. Traditionally eaten on Bolludagur, or ‘Bun Day,’ they are sometimes available during the Christmas season as well.

Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider is another international favourite. Some stalls offer a local twist by adding Icelandic herbs or berries.

Rúgbrauð: This is a traditional Icelandic rye bread that is dense and dark, often served with butter or hangikjöt. You can find it pre-sliced at the market, and it serves as a hearty snack or accompaniment to a meal.

Kókosbollur: These coconut-covered chocolate balls offer a sweet reprieve from the market’s otherwise meat and fish-heavy options. They’re easy to eat on the go and are quite popular among children.

Skólabollur: Another sweet treat is cream-filled choux pastry puffs, often topped with chocolate and sprinkled with coconut flakes. They’re a popular dessert in Iceland and can be found at various food stalls.

Icelandic Christmas Ale: This festive brew, known locally as Jólaöl, is a mix of a non-alcoholic malt beverage called Maltextrakt and an orange fizzy drink called Appelsín. While not traditionally a street food, it’s often available at stalls for a refreshing change.

Gifts and Shopping

Icelandic Wool Products: Known for their quality and durability, Icelandic wool products like sweaters, hats, and mittens are a common find. Made from the fleece of Icelandic sheep, which have a unique dual-layered coat, these items provide excellent insulation against the cold.

Einstök Beer: This Icelandic craft beer has gained a following for its unique flavours and high-quality ingredients, making it an excellent gift for beer enthusiasts. Vendors usually sell them in aesthetically pleasing gift packs, perfect for holiday gifting.

Birch Syrup and Liquor: Sourced from Iceland’s native birch forests, these products are popular for their unique, woody taste. They offer a taste of Iceland’s flora, whether in syrup form for culinary use or as liquor for a warm drink.

Volcanic Stone Sculptures: Local artists often work with Iceland’s abundant volcanic rocks to create sculptures. Ranging from small, portable items to larger pieces, these sculptures capture the island’s geological marvels in tangible form.

Icelandic Chocolate: Produced locally, Icelandic chocolates often feature novel flavours, such as sea salt from the Westfjords or berries from the Icelandic wilderness. They’re a sweet way to bring a piece of Iceland back home.

Books on Icelandic Folklore and Sagas: Iceland has a rich literary tradition that dates back to the sagas. Books on Icelandic folklore, myths, and sagas make for a thoughtful gift that allows people to learn about the nation’s history and imagination.

Skincare Products: Due to the harsh climate, Iceland produces a range of skincare products made from natural, local ingredients such as seaweed, geothermal mud, and mineral-rich water. These items are designed to nourish and protect the skin.

Mug with the Northern Lights Design: A popular item, these mugs usually feature an intricate depiction of the Northern Lights. Not only functional but also decorative, they remind you of Iceland’s natural beauty every time you have a drink.

Lava Salt: Harvested and processed in Iceland, this unique seasoning adds both flavour and a visual element to dishes. Often sold in stylish jars, it’s a practical and attractive gift option.

Icelandic Recipe Book: A recipe book can be a perfect gift for those who’ve fallen in love with Icelandic cuisine. These often feature traditional dishes as well as modern interpretations, allowing one to recreate Icelandic meals at home.

Reusable Shopping Bags with Icelandic Designs: As an eco-friendly choice, these bags often feature designs inspired by Icelandic landscapes or culture. They’re practical, easy to carry, and make for a nice, casual gift.

Icelandic Candy: Licorice is particularly loved in Iceland, often found combined with chocolate in various sweet treats. An assortment of these treats, or a packet of the popular ‘Omnom’ chocolate made in Reykjavik, would be an ideal gift for those with a sweet tooth.

Viking-inspired Items: Given Iceland’s rich history, you can often find Viking-inspired crafts. These can make interesting and unique gifts, whether it’s a horn drinking vessel, a replica Viking sword, or jewellery featuring traditional symbols like the Vegvísir.

Decorations: From traditional Icelandic Yule Lads figurines to handcrafted tree ornaments, these festive items can bring a touch of Icelandic Christmas to any home.

Responsible Travel Tips

Renewable Energy: While staying in Reykjavik, opt for accommodations that use the country’s renewable energy resources. The city is powered largely by geothermal and hydroelectric energy, which are sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.

Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of portion sizes when ordering food, particularly at the Christmas markets where tempting food stalls are abundant. To cut down on waste, try sharing dishes with your travel companions.

Ethical Consumption: Choose to purchase items made by local artisans at the Christmas markets in Iceland to support the local economy and reduce the environmental impact of shipping goods from overseas.

Sustainable Diets: Make a point to sample local food products, as importing goods can lead to a larger carbon footprint. Reykjavik is known for its fresh seafood and locally sourced lamb, both of which are sustainable choices.

Sustainable Transport: Reykjavik is a compact city, and many of its key attractions are within walking distance of each other. Opt to walk or bike when possible or make use of the city’s efficient public transport system.

Support Eco-Friendly Businesses: When dining or shopping, look for businesses that are committed to sustainability. Some restaurants in Reykjavik, for instance, pride themselves on using locally sourced, organic ingredients. Similarly, consider shopping at stores that sell products made from sustainable materials.

Participate in Clean-Up Activities: If you’re spending a bit more time in Reykjavik, you might wish to join local initiatives aimed at keeping the city clean and green. Some organisations arrange regular clean-up events, contributing to a healthier environment.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.