What is open on Christmas Day in Reykjavík?

Very little. Supermarkets are closed on December 25. Some 10-11 and Krambúðin convenience stores and petrol stations stay open. Most restaurants are closed, so book a hotel restaurant or stay somewhere with a kitchen.

What time do shops close on December 24 in Iceland?

Supermarkets close early in the afternoon on December 24, and the country shuts down at 18:00 when Christmas begins. Exact 2026 store hours are published by each chain in late November.

Are there Christmas markets in Iceland?

Yes, but they are small and mostly weekend only. Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village and the Heiðmörk forest market open on weekends. Ingólfstorg in downtown Reykjavík has a small daily setup with an ice rink.

Christmas in Iceland 2026: What Is Open, Markets & Dec 24 Hours

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Christmas in Iceland

Prepare now. Most of the country closes for two days.

Draft checked 9 Oct 2026. Exact 2026 hours are confirmed as organisers publish them.

Do this before you arrive

• Book a place with a kitchen, or a restaurant table for Dec 24 and 25.
• Buy groceries by December 23.
• Book lagoons and tours early. Holiday week sells out.
• Landing Dec 24 or 25? Book your airport transfer in advance.

December 24: the shutdown

Icelanders celebrate on Christmas Eve. Everything closes in stages.

• Morning: last chance for groceries.
• Early afternoon: supermarkets and Vínbúðin close.
• Mid afternoon: Strætó buses stop.
• 18:00: Christmas begins. Streets go quiet.

To confirm: exact 2026 closing times for each supermarket chain and the last Strætó departures (late November).

December 25 and 26: what is open

• Supermarkets: closed Dec 25. Some open short hours Dec 26.
• Backup food: some 10-11, Krambúðin and petrol stations stay open. Expect high prices.
• Restaurants: most closed. Hotel restaurants need a booking.
• Tours: very limited. Check with your operator directly.
• Pools: city pools close Dec 24 afternoon and Dec 25.
• Driving: road clearing runs on holiday shifts. Check road.is first.

To confirm: restaurants open to non guests, pool hours on Dec 26, lagoon holiday hours, holiday pharmacy hours (early to mid December).

Listings drift. Google the place, find the phone number, and call to confirm.

If something goes wrong

• Emergency: call 112, open every day.
• Landspítali emergency room, Fossvogur, Reykjavík: open 24/7.

Christmas markets

They are small, and most are weekend only. Do not plan a weekday around one.

Jólaþorpið, Hafnarfjörður. Wooden huts at Thorsplan. Weekends, late November to December 23. Strætó bus 1 from downtown Reykjavík.
Ingólfstorg, downtown Reykjavík. Small daily setup in December with an outdoor ice rink.
Heiðmörk forest market. By Elliðavatn, outside the city. Weekends in December. Car or taxi needed.

To confirm: 2026 opening dates and hours from each organiser (mid November).

Churches and traditions

• Christmas Eve services at Hallgrímskirkja and Dómkirkjan. Free, arrive early, dress for the cold queue.
• The 13 Yule Lads visit the National Museum in the days before Christmas.
• Harpa runs Christmas concerts in December. Tickets on harpa.is and tix.is.

To confirm: 2026 service times, Yule Lads schedule, Harpa programme.

You might also need

Shops

Supermarkets and late night backups.

Winter itinerary check

Test your December plan.

Can I drive today?

Current road and weather verdict.