Reykjavik: Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks

This Reykjavik Christmas food tour is interesting because you pair Icelandic holiday eating with a walk past Christmas lights and decorations in the city center. In just 3 hours, you get a guided circuit that turns winter wandering into a plan, not aimless stumbling.

I especially like the food and drink variety, from smoked lamb to mulled wine, so you taste multiple Christmas staples instead of repeating one “theme.” I also like that the guide keeps things contextual, with story and meaning behind dishes and drinks, not just a stop-and-snack routine.

One thing to weigh is the price at about $173 per person. Also, this tour is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, so if that matters to your group, you’ll need another plan.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Christmas lights walk with a guide, so you understand what you’re seeing as you go
• Smoked lamb plus laufabrauð, two true Icelandic Christmas hits in one evening
• A classic mix of cured and preserved foods, including gravlax and pickled herring
• Three holiday drink options, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices
• Little Christmas Store stop with a locally inspired gift, so you leave with something to remember
• Warm, entertaining hosting from the Your Friend in Reykjavik team, including guides like Palli

Meeting Ingólfstorg Square at Hlöllabátar Sandwich Shop

Your tour starts outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop, right in front of Ingólfstorg Square with the two tall stone pillars nearby. You’ll see CenterHotel Plaza to your right, and there are benches, tables, and a covered ceiling, which helps if weather turns. The meeting spot is also easy to find on Google Maps using the provided link in your booking details.

Your guide usually wears a light blue jacket with the Your Friend in Reykjavik name on the back. That matters more than you’d think in Reykjavik winter, because daylight fades fast and streets can look similar block to block.

Plan to arrive a few minutes early and take a quick look around. This first minute sets the tone for the whole 3-hour experience, because you’ll spend the next stretch walking and tasting in cold air.

Smoked Lamb and Laufabrauð: Iceland’s Christmas Comfort Foods

The heart of the tour is the tasting lineup, and it starts with smoked lamb. This dish is popular in Iceland because the flavor is bold and direct, and smoke pairs well with the heavy, cozy mood of December. Even if you think you do not like “smoky,” this is worth trying because it is served as part of the Christmas mix, not as a stand-alone experiment.

Next up, you’ll likely get laufabrauð, the leaf bread that looks like a lace doily and eats like crispy, buttery crackers. It is patterned, fried, and made for the season, so you can see the work that goes into something that is actually very snackable once it hits the plate.

What I like about these two items is how they balance each other. Smoked lamb gives you depth and savory weight, while laufabrauð brings texture, crunch, and sweetness in a small, manageable portion.

For you, this is a smart way to “read” Icelandic Christmas food in one go. You start with something hearty, then you shift to something lighter that still feels festive.

Hamborgarhrygg, Reindeer Paté, Gravlax, and Pickled Herring

After the first savory beat, the tour keeps rolling through a very real Icelandic Christmas range. You’ll sample special glazed Hamborgarhrygg, which is a Christmas-style ham preparation that leans into sweet-salty flavor. If you like traditional roasts at holiday meals, this slot should land for you.

Then comes the iconic reindeer paté. This is one of those “only here” flavors that makes a food tour feel like more than a generic tasting menu. It also helps that it is paired into the Christmas story, so you understand why reindeer belongs in the season.

You’ll also taste gravlax, the cured salmon that Icelanders treat as a staple. Gravlax is about seasoning and cure, not heat, so it feels smooth and controlled compared to many hot dishes you might expect on a winter night.

Finally, you’ll likely try pickled herring, another Christmas classic. This one can be polarizing, but it is also a key Icelandic tradition, and the guide’s explanations help you approach it with the right expectations. If you are sensitive to strong vinegar or brine flavors, tell your guide early so they can guide your pacing.

I like that the tour includes both “cooked or glazed” food and “cured or preserved” food. That gives you a fuller sense of how Iceland builds winter tables when cold weather shapes ingredients and methods.

Christmas Drinks: Jólaöl, Malt & Apelsín, and Jólaglögg

Food is only half the story here, and the drinks are thoughtfully chosen. You’ll have a chance to sip Jólaöl, an Icelandic Christmas ale. It is the kind of drink that complements the smoked and glazed flavors, so it does not feel like a random added extra.

There is also malt & appelsín, a well-known non-alcoholic Christmas beverage. I appreciate having this option because not everyone wants alcohol on a walking tour. It also gives you a sweet, spiced, soda-like counterpoint to the savory tastings.

If you want warm comfort, you’ll also get Jólaglögg, Icelandic mulled wine. This is the “winter in a cup” drink, with aroma that fits the season. In cold weather, it can make the whole tour feel more like a holiday ritual than a quick checklist.

One practical thought: take small sips at first. You have a 3-hour walking plan with multiple tastings, so you want enough energy to enjoy each stop, not just power through.

The Little Christmas Store Stop and Your Locally Inspired Gift

About midway through the experience, you’ll step into the Little Christmas Store. This is not just a random retail stop. It is a chance to browse festive decorations and seasonal crafts in a setting that matches the holiday mood you’ve been tasting and hearing about.

The tour also includes a locally inspired gift you receive during or after the store visit. That matters for value, because it turns your tasting time into a tangible memory, something you can bring home without hunting for souvenirs later.

If you have limited time in Reykjavik, I like this structure. You get one planned shopping moment, instead of trying to decide where to go in the cold while stores are busy and lines form.

For you, this stop is also useful if you want ideas for what to look for later. Even if you do not buy much, you’ll see what locals consider festive, not just mass-produced holiday items.

Weather, Walking Pace, and What to Wear in Reykjavik Winter

This tour runs in all weather conditions, so your job is simple: dress for cold and wind. You’re told to bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and I’d treat that as non-negotiable. Reykjavik winter streets can be slippery and uneven, so your feet should be prepared.

The good news is the pacing makes sense for a short evening. It is a 3-hour experience, which is long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough that you are not stuck for half a day.

You also get a little built-in comfort at the meeting point, since the waiting area has benches, tables, and a covered ceiling. That helps you gather yourself before the walk starts.

Also note: smoking is not allowed. If you are sensitive to strong smells, this keeps the tour more pleasant overall.

Price and Value: Is $173 per Person Fair for This Tour?

At $173 per person, you should expect a guided experience with real inclusions, not just a casual stroll. Here, the value case is straightforward: you get a local guide, food tasting, drinks, a visit to the Little Christmas Store, and a locally inspired gift.

The portion that often justifies tours like this is the combination. Icelandic holiday food is delicious, but tracking it down, arranging it, and learning the context on your own costs time, and time in Reykjavik winter is the expensive part.

Still, I agree there is a legitimate consideration with the price. One guest felt it was a bit high, and if your budget is tight, you could end up paying for convenience more than for necessity.

My practical take: this tour is best if you want a guided introduction to several foods and drinks in one organized evening. If you already plan to eat the same items on your own, then the value drops. If you want the structure, stories, and tastings packaged together, the pricing makes more sense.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Should Rethink It

This is a strong fit if you want an efficient Reykjavik Christmas overview: lights walk, multiple tastings, multiple drinks, and a store stop, all with an English-speaking guide. It is also wheelchair accessible, and there is a private group option if you want a smaller setting.

I’d especially recommend it to people who are curious about Icelandic holiday foods and want the “why” behind them. You’ll get discussion about the history and cultural significance of each dish and drink, so it is not just eating, it is understanding.

Here is the caution: it is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Even though the operator says they are happy to accommodate specific dietary needs, the stated suitability means you should check carefully if your diet excludes animal products.

If you have allergies, you should inform the team ahead of time. The tour notes that you can share dietary restrictions and allergies when booking, which is the right move so the tastings match your needs as much as possible.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour?

Book it if you want a guided, festive evening that makes Reykjavik winter feel organized and meaningful. You’ll get smoked lamb, laufabrauð, a lineup that includes Hamborgarhrygg, reindeer paté, gravlax, and pickled herring, plus Jólaöl, malt & appelsín, and Jólaglögg. You’ll also walk through the Christmas lights and end with a Little Christmas Store visit and a locally inspired gift.

Skip it if your group is strictly vegan or vegetarian, or if you dislike trying preserved and cured foods. Also consider skipping if you are a tight-budget traveler who prefers to buy ingredients and build your own tasting plan.

One last comfort check: this experience sounds best when you dress warmly, show up ready to walk, and go with an open mind about Icelandic flavors. If you do that, you’ll leave with both new tastes and a clearer sense of what Christmas food means here.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right, and there are benches and tables under a covered ceiling.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are the local guide, food tastings, drinks, a visit to the Little Christmas Store, and a locally inspired gift.

What foods and drinks are part of the tastings?

The tour includes tastings such as smoked lamb, laufabrauð (leaf bread), glazed Hamborgarhrygg, reindeer paté, gravlax, and pickled herring. Drinks include Jólaöl, malt & appelsín, and Jólaglögg mulled wine.

Is the tour suitable for vegans or vegetarians?

No, it is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing, since you are outdoors during a winter walking route.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is the cancellation policy and can I pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, so you pay nothing today.