Weather & daylight
What to expect when you land in December.
Daylight
~4–5 hours (darkest month; winter solstice around Dec 21)
Temperature
-2 to 3°C (28–37°F)
Wind & storms
Biting wind chill; sub-zero with wind
Precipitation
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain common; storms frequent
The honest picture
Why December works
- Unique Christmas traditions — 13 Yule Lads, Grýla, and Iceland's distinctive holiday folklore
- New Year's Eve — Reykjavik's midnight fireworks display is world-class
- Ice caves in prime condition — coldest temperatures keep Vatnajökull ice vivid blue
- Maximum northern lights — up to 20 hours of darkness gives the aurora every chance
- Winter wonderland scenery — snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls
- Early December affordability — the first two weeks offer winter-low prices with festive atmosphere
What to know before you go
- Extreme darkness — only 4–5 hours of daylight severely limits sightseeing
- Holiday price spike — Christmas and New Year period sees significantly higher costs
- Holiday closures — most of Iceland shuts down December 24–26 and January 1
- Challenging driving — snow, ice, darkness, and storms make self-driving difficult
- Cold and harsh — sub-zero temperatures with wind chill require serious winter clothing
- Limited access — Highland roads closed, some rural areas difficult to reach in storms
What to do in December
The best activities for this time of year, from locals.
Icelandic Christmas & the 13 Yule Lads
Iceland's Christmas is unlike anywhere else. Instead of Santa, 13 Yule Lads arrive one per night from December 12 to 24, each with a mischievous personality. Christmas Eve at 6pm is the main celebration, with families exchanging gifts and eating traditional dishes like hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and laufabrauð (leaf bread). Reykjavik is beautifully decorated with lights throughout December.
New Year's Eve in Reykjavik
Reykjavik's New Year's Eve is one of the world's most spectacular. Residents light enormous bonfires (brennur) across the city, and at midnight, the sky fills with fireworks launched from across the city simultaneously — far more than any organized display. Icelanders buy and set off fireworks themselves, creating a surreal, city-wide display that lasts for hours. Crowd near Hallgrímskirkja for the best views.
Ice Caves in Prime Condition
December and January are the peak months for natural ice caves inside Vatnajökull glacier. The sustained cold temperatures keep the ice rock-solid and the blue color at its most vivid. Guided tours depart from Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell, lasting 3–4 hours including super jeep transport (19,000–25,000 ISK / 130–170 EUR). Book well in advance for the holiday period.
Northern Lights in the Long Dark
With up to 20 hours of darkness around the winter solstice, December offers the maximum possible window for aurora viewing. The long dark winter nights combined with strong solar activity (the 11-year solar cycle peak is around 2024–2025) make December exceptional for aurora. Stay in a rural guesthouse on the south coast or Snaefellsnes for the best viewing away from Reykjavik.
Hot Springs Against the Cold
The contrast between bitter December cold and steaming geothermal water is at its most extreme and most magical. Blue Lagoon at dusk with snow falling around the milky blue water. Sky Lagoon facing the winter Atlantic. Municipal pools where locals gather after work in the darkness. All offer the deeply Icelandic experience of warmth in the cold.
Reykjavik Christmas Markets & Culture
Reykjavik's Christmas market at Ingólfstorg square runs through December with craft stalls, mulled wine, and Icelandic Christmas foods. The Harpa concert hall hosts Christmas concerts throughout the month. The Settlement Exhibition's Viking artifacts take on a new atmosphere in winter. The Yule Lad parade and events for children make Reykjavik particularly lively in December.
Events & festivals
What's happening across Iceland in December.
13 Yule Lads Season
December 12–January 6
The complete Yule Lad tradition runs December 12–25, with one arriving each night. The last — Kertasníkir (Candle-Stealer) — arrives December 24. All 13 begin departing December 25, one per night, until January 6. Look for Yule Lad decorations, public events, and children's shows throughout Reykjavik in December.
Aðfangadagur (Christmas Eve)
December 24
Christmas Eve (December 24) is Iceland's main Christmas celebration. At 6pm sharp, families exchange gifts. The traditional dinner includes hangikjöt (smoked lamb), ptarmigan, and laufabrauð (patterned leaf bread that families make together). Most shops and restaurants close by early afternoon.
New Year's Eve Bonfires & Fireworks
December 31
One of the world's most spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations. Community bonfires (brennur) are lit across Reykjavik before midnight, then at midnight the entire city launches fireworks simultaneously from rooftops, gardens, and streets. The effect — thousands of private fireworks in every direction — is extraordinary and lasts for hours.
Practical tips
Key things to know before you travel in December.
Book the holiday period (Dec 22 – Jan 3) many months ahead — prices spike and availability drops
Stock up on groceries before December 24 — virtually everything closes Christmas Eve afternoon
For New Year's Eve, Hallgrímskirkja church hill gives panoramic views of city-wide fireworks
Early December (1–20) offers the best balance of festive atmosphere and affordable prices
4WD with winter tires and studded tires is essential — December driving conditions are serious
Check road.is every morning — December storms can close roads without warning
Ice cave tours over Christmas and New Year book up fast — reserve as soon as possible
The Winter Solstice (around Dec 21) has just 4 hours of light — the darkest day of the year