Iceland Christmas & New Year

Iceland during the winter months presents an adventurous and fascinating place to explore, often with the possibility of witnessing a display of the northern lights, together with a snowy landscape, steaming geysers, bubbling hotpots and waterfalls frozen in time. Many of our self-drive tours operate at this time of year; we offer various itineraries with departures from October to April using a 4WD vehicle for comfort and safety, and a variety of cosy accommodation choices.

If a festive or New Year break in typical Icelandic style appeals to you, then send us an email or call us to discuss your travel plans and receive the latest special offers and availability according to your preferred travel dates.

Here are some Icelandic adventures for December to whet your appetite: 

NEW YEAR IN REYKJAVIK & AURORA NIGHTS
Stay over New Year in Reykjavik (three nights), enjoying a spectacular firework display and optional Gala Dinner at the first class Grand Hotel Reykjavik, before taking to the road and exploring the incredible lavascapes, glacial scenery and waterfalls of South West Iceland. Stay two nights at the luxurious Hotel Ranga, world-famous for being one of the best places to stay for optimum chances of northern lights viewing. Finally, return to the Reykjanes Peninsula for an overnight stay close to the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon (a bathe here is a must-do on any Iceland holiday!).  Read more

FESTIVE REYKJAVIK
Enjoy a short break in Iceland's capital, choosing from a wide range of hotels, best combined with daily excursions from Reykjavik; explore the Golden Circle of Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, or hunt down the northern lights on an evening Superjeep trip.  Read more

WINTER WONDERLAND IN NORTH ICELAND
Enjoy a truly special Christmas or winter staying at the superbly appointed Lava House which sleeps up to 12 – ideal for a group of friends or a large family gathering. Exclusively available to Discover the World clients, this lovely house is set in the rural north, not far from Lake Myvatn. Kids of all ages can pay a visit to nearby Dimmuborgir, a surreal collection of lava pillars, caves and stacks and meet the cheeky 'Yuletide Lads' which are sure to entertain! With the lake frozen, this becomes the setting for wintertime activities and excitement - with snowmobiling, superjeep excursions, crosscountry skiing, horse riding and horse-drawn sledging all part of the programme! A special 'winter garden' on the ice, popular with locals and visitors alike, offers go-karting, bowling, cricket, skating and even mini golf! And don’t forget with the views around the Lava House uninterrupted across the Adaldalur Valley, this provides an ideal location, if conditions are right, for viewing spectacular displays of the northern lights.  Read more 

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS AT HOTEL HRAUNSNEF, WEST ICELAND
Johann, Bryndis and their family at Hotel Hraunsnef prepare a traditional Icelandic Christmas for their guests. Celebrations start on 23 December with a traditional fish meal of ‘kaest skata’. Icelanders dress up and exchange gifts on 24 December, to the sound of church bells ringing in Christmas. The buffet feast includes turkey, ham, smoked trout and other mouthwatering fare, with a special game associated with desert! Evenings around the tree are filled with coffee, hot chocolate, and good conversation. On 25 December Johann, the farmer and hotel owner, offers an afternoon superjeep safari, with fantastic elevated views of the landscape and fascinating insights into the ‘hidden people’ who live in the rocks and cliffs of the mountains – great fun for all the family! Afterwards, warm up in one of the naturally-heated outdoor hot tubs, keeping watch for the aurora borealis overhead. With lava fields, craters, hot springs and waterfalls within easy reach of Hraunsnef, this is a great place to enjoy a traditional Icelandic Christmas.  Read more

WINTER ADVENTURE IN THE WEST FJORDS
The incredibly remote and beautiful West Fjords are the setting for this adventure holiday. Travel by superjeep or 4WD through lavascapes and skirt sweeping fjords to the friendly family-run Heydalur, where you will receive a very warm welcome. Try your hand at ice fishing, snowmobiling and horse riding or take a dip in a natural hotpot, and visit the charming town of Isafjordur. This is a fantastic combination of Icelandic hospitality, stunning scenery and thrills.  Read more

NOTE Christmas is a time for families in Iceland, therefore (as with the UK) limited shops, restaurants and facilities will be open for the three days from 24 December. Thank you.

Plus
FESTIVE TRIPS TO LAPLAND
We have Christmas and New Year trips in several locations across Swedish Lapland and Finnish Lapland including the world-famous ICEHOTEL and authentic log cabins. We also offer a unique opportunity to combine the ICEHOTEL with Iceland  on a fantastic 7 night trip.