Reykjavik: Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks

Thinking about celebrating Christmas in Reykjavik? This guided Christmas Food Tour offers a taste of Iceland’s holiday traditions through authentic dishes, warming drinks, and scenic strolls through the city’s festive lights. Aimed at those who love exploring local cuisine and holiday ambiance, this experience promises a three-hour journey into Reykjavik’s culinary and cultural Christmas traditions.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour? First, the variety of traditional Icelandic Christmas dishes and drinks, which are not often found in typical restaurants. Second, the guided walk through the city’s holiday lights and decorations, which adds that extra yuletide charm. The only potential downside? It’s a fairly structured three-hour experience, so those looking for a leisurely or more flexible pace might find it a bit tight. Still, for anyone eager to combine good food with local holiday sights, this tour hits the spot.

This experience suits foodies, culture enthusiasts, and travelers who want a deeper understanding of Icelandic Christmas traditions. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find it engaging, especially if they enjoy tasting and learning in a lively, friendly group setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Icelandic Christmas dishes like smoked lamb and laufabrauð (leaf bread)
• Festive drinks including Jólaöl (Christmas ale) and Jólaglögg (mulled wine)
• Scenic walk through Reykjavik’s holiday-lit streets and decorations
• Visit to a charming Christmas store, with a locally inspired gift included
• Educational insights about the history and cultural importance of each dish
• Duration and accessibility: a 3-hour, wheelchair-accessible experience with flexible booking options

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour

What the Tour Includes and How It Works

Starting in front of the Center Hotels Plaza on Aðalstræti, the tour kicks off with a group meet-up about five minutes early. Your guide will lead you through the city’s twinkling Christmas lights and decorated streets, providing context and stories behind Reykjavik’s festive atmosphere. The walk is gentle and suitable for most mobility levels, with the tour being wheelchair accessible.

Over the next three hours, you’ll enjoy multiple tasting stops. Each dish and drink is carefully selected to showcase Icelandic Christmas traditions — from savory to sweet, alcoholic to non-alcoholic. The guide is attentive to dietary needs — just communicate your restrictions beforehand.

The Tasting Experience: Food and Drinks

Traditional dishes form the heart of this tour. You’ll sample succulent smoked lamb, known for its strong, inviting flavors, paired with laufabrauð, a delicately patterned leaf bread that’s fried until crispy and buttery. These offer insight into Iceland’s hearty holiday fare, which tends to favor rustic, wholesome ingredients.

Alongside the savory, expect to try glazed Hamborgarhrygg, a sweet and savory roasted pork, and reindeer paté, offering a taste of Iceland’s more exotic meats. Gravlax (cured salmon) and pickled herring provide a tangy contrast, highlighting the variety of Icelandic seafood preservation methods.

Drinks are an essential part of the experience. You’ll sip Jólaöl, a traditional Christmas ale — think malty, mildly spicy, and perfect for chilly evenings. Non-alcoholic options include malt & appelsín, a delightful citrus-malt blend, and Jólaglögg, a steaming, spiced mulled wine that warms you from the inside out.

A Visit to the Little Christmas Store

The tour culminates with a visit to a cozy Christmas store. Here, you can browse festive decorations, artisanal crafts, and seasonal treasures — a perfect place to pick up a souvenir or a gift. As part of the experience, each guest receives a locally inspired gift, making this a memorable keepsake of your holiday journey.

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Learning the Cultural Significance

Throughout the tour, your guide shares stories about the history and cultural meaning behind each dish and drink. For example, you might learn that laufabrauð’s intricate patterns have roots in Icelandic folk art, or that Jólaglögg’s spices are part of centuries-old holiday customs. These anecdotes deepen your appreciation for Icelandic traditions and make the tasting more meaningful.

Practical Considerations

At $146 per person, the tour is a reasonable investment for a quality, guided cultural experience. While it doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, the meeting point is central and easy to find. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes — layers recommended.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with wheelchair accessibility and options to accommodate dietary restrictions. The group size tends to be moderate, fostering a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

Value for Money

When you consider the variety of dishes, drinks, the guided commentary, and the visit to the Christmas store with a gift, the cost offers good value. It’s not just about the food; it’s a full culture into Reykjavik’s holiday vibe. Plus, the opportunity to learn about Icelandic Christmas traditions adds depth often missing from more superficial tours.

What Past Participants Say

Reviewers mention delicious food and friendly guides, emphasizing how the experience feels authentic and festive. One wrote, “It’s a wonderful way to see the city and taste traditional Icelandic Christmas dishes — highly recommended.” Others appreciate the scenic walk and the festive atmosphere that makes the city feel magical in December.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you enjoy food, culture, and holiday magic, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided, informative experience that combines culinary delights with sightseeing. Families with older children, couples wanting a romantic holiday activity, or solo travelers seeking local insights will find it rewarding.

This tour is best for those comfortable walking in cold weather and willing to try new foods. It’s not recommended for vegans or vegetarians, but dietary restrictions can often be accommodated — just ask when booking.

Final Thoughts

The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour offers a delicious way to experience the city’s holiday traditions. It provides a genuine taste of Icelandic Christmas fare, paired with stories and a scenic walk through festively decorated streets. For travelers eager to connect with local culture beyond museums and sightseeing, this tour delivers warmth, flavor, and a hearty dose of holiday cheer.

The small-group format, the variety of dishes, and the local gift make it a memorable activity that balances fun, learning, and authentic festive spirit. While it’s a fair price for a well-rounded cultural treat, it’s especially valuable for those who appreciate good food and storytelling in a cheerful, holiday setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour begins in front of the entrance to Center Hotels Plaza at Aðalstræti 4-6, Reykjavík.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, from start to finish, including tastings, sightseeing, and the visit to the Christmas store.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for most mobility levels.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended to secure your spot, especially during the busy Christmas season. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour operator is happy to accommodate specific dietary needs if informed when booking.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be outdoors in winter weather.

Can I join if I’m vegetarian or vegan?
The tour is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians, but it’s best to check with the provider for any specific needs.

This guided Christmas Food Tour in Reykjavik offers an authentic, tasty, and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. If you’re eager to embrace Iceland’s culinary traditions and enjoy the city’s Christmas sparkle, this experience could be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here: