The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour

Christmas in Reykjavik is pretty, but the food is what makes it memorable. This 3-hour walk turns the city’s twinkling streets into a tasting circuit, with holiday plates, warm drinks, and story time in the cold.

I like that it is truly all-inclusive. You get a full set of samples, including smoked lamb, crispy laufabrauð (leaf bread), and classic Icelandic sides, plus Christmas drinks to match the season. I also love that the guides bring the holiday culture to life with Christmas stories that can range from funny to downright spooky, like the way Palli described himself as a real Viking storyteller.

One thing to consider: the experience depends on the date and seasonal operations. A past booking on Christmas Day mentioned missing items like leaf bread and mulled wine compared to the standard description, so if you are booking for a specific day, I’d set your expectations as flexible.

Key highlights worth circling

• Little Christmas Store on Laugavegur plus a locally inspired take-home gift
• Smoked lamb and crispy laufabrauð as part of the core Christmas lineup
• A full set of Icelandic holiday samples, not just tiny bites
• Jólaöl, malt and appelsín, and Jólaglögg (with a hot cocoa substitution option)
• English live guide who adds stories and context as you walk

From Hlöllabátar to the lighted streets: how this tour feels in December

Reykjavik in December has that mix of short daylight and bright street glow. This tour leans into it. You are outside, moving at a comfortable pace, and stopping often enough that you never feel stuck in the cold for too long.

The structure is simple and practical: a short walk between tasting spots, then a concentrated window of food and drink each time. With only 3 hours total, it works well if you still want energy for aurora hunting, a brewery visit, or just a long dinner afterward.

Dress for Iceland winter reality, not optimism. You will be outside for walking segments, so plan on warm layers and weather-appropriate clothing.

Meeting point at Hlöllabátar Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square

You start outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop. Look for the location facing Ingólfstorg Square, with the two tall stone pillars nearby. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right.

When you arrive, wait at the benches or tables with the covered ceiling. Your guide typically wears a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik printed on the back. Plan to be there early, because the tour asks you to show up 5 minutes before the walking tour starts, and they specify to stand in front of Center Hotels Plaza, not inside.

This might sound picky, but it actually saves time. In a city where weather can shift fast, you want the group to form quickly and get moving.

The pacing: short walks, frequent tastings, and time to listen

The tour keeps you moving in a “bite-sized” rhythm. Expect several short walking stretches that total around an hour of active time, broken up by multiple food stops. The tasting blocks include windows of roughly half an hour, plus one shorter food tasting segment.

Here is the practical idea behind that timing. You are sampling enough variety that it feels like a mini holiday meal, but the group never stops long enough for the cold to take over your mood. It also gives you time to hear the stories connected to each dish and drink, since the guide can talk while you are walking between stops.

One reviewer described a small group feel, around 10 people. That matters because smaller groups generally make the stories feel more personal and the guide’s attention easier to get when you have questions.

What you eat: Iceland’s Christmas staples, step by step

The tour’s food selection is built around Iceland’s holiday favorites, with a strong smoked-meets-sweet contrast. You will taste multiple items rather than one signature dish, so you leave with a real sense of what Christmas flavors look like in Iceland.

Smoked lamb and the salty-silky contrast you’ll remember

Smoked lamb is one of the headliners. This is not mild deli meat. It has a robust, savory punch that stands up well to cold-weather appetite. If you like meats that taste like they were cared for, you will probably like this.

Laufabrauð: crispy leaf bread, buttery, and oddly addictive

Laufabrauð (leaf bread) is Iceland’s classic Christmas snack. It is patterned, fried, and served crispy, usually with that buttery feel. The tour description calls out that you will sample it, and it is the kind of food you can only understand after you’ve had a few bites.

A caution based on a Christmas Day experience: one booking mentioned leaf bread was not included on that specific date. So if you are traveling exactly on Christmas Day, keep your expectations flexible.

Glazed Hamborgarhrygg and the sweet-savory holiday vibe

You will also get samples of special glazed Hamborgarhrygg. This is pork-based holiday fare, and the glaze brings in a sweet-and-salty balance that pairs well with smoked flavors and pickled notes.

Reindeer paté and gravlax: classic Iceland, served in small portions

Reindeer paté and gravlax show up in the spread. They bring two different kinds of texture and flavor:

• Reindeer paté adds a rich, gamey depth that feels very Iceland.
• Gravlax gives you that cured, lightly spiced salmon taste, usually clean and bright rather than heavy.

This mix is why the tour works for most palates. You get multiple directions in flavor without needing to commit to one big dish.

Pickled herring: tangy, unmistakable, and worth trying at least once

Pickled herring is a polarizing classic. Here, it is presented as part of the Christmas tradition, not as a dare. You’ll get a sample, so you can judge it without the commitment of ordering it on your own later.

If you have never tried pickled herring, I recommend tasting a small amount and pairing it with something neutral, like bread, if it is offered at the stop.

Drinks that match the season: Jólaöl, malt and appelsín, and mulled wine warmth

Food alone is not the point here. The tour also builds a warm drink pathway through the evening.

You can expect samples of:

• Jólaöl, a traditional Icelandic Christmas ale
• malt and appelsín, a popular non-alcoholic Christmas beverage
• Jólaglögg, mulled wine

Jólaglögg is the cold-weather comfort drink. It brings warmth and spice notes that make sense after you’ve been outside walking and tasting salty foods.

There is also a practical option: the tour can substitute Jólaglögg for hot cocoa if you want a non-wine warm drink instead. If you do not drink alcohol, you are not stuck with just tea. You will have a non-alcoholic choice in the lineup through both malt and appelsín and the hot cocoa swap.

The Little Christmas Store on Laugavegur: decorations, crafts, and a take-home gift

One of the most fun stops is the visit to the Little Christmas Store in Laugavegur. This is the part where the tour shifts from edible to decorative.

You are guided through festive decorations, artisanal crafts, and seasonal treasures. The tour also includes a locally inspired gift at the end. That matters for practical souvenir planning. Instead of hunting for something late, you get one small, connected item that fits the theme.

If you enjoy handmade-style gifts more than mass-produced souvenirs, this stop is likely to feel worth your time.

Guide energy is the difference between eating and understanding

The guides are the secret ingredient. The food is Icelandic Christmas 101, but the stories turn it into something you actually remember.

Different guides have different vibes, and that comes across in the ratings. Palli was praised as a Viking character and a great storyteller. Paul was described as welcoming and even helping with group photos around the Christmas decor. Einar was praised for sharing plenty of information, and Pauly was called kind while explaining traditions.

You can also see that guides handle practical needs. One booking specifically said an allergy was handled after being given during booking. That is a big deal, because Christmas food tables can be tricky if you need to avoid certain ingredients.

Price and value: what $173 buys you (and what might affect the math)

At $173 per person for about 3 hours, you are paying for three things at once:

1. A local guide in English who keeps you moving and talking.
2. All-inclusive Christmas food and drink.
3. A themed stop at the Little Christmas Store, plus a gift.

Whether it feels like a great deal depends on what you compare it to. If you were going to do a multi-stop food plan yourself, buying drinks, and paying for guided storytelling, this package can feel reasonable. Reviews frequently mention that the food was plentiful and the experience kept people entertained.

Still, there is a caution. One Christmas Day booking complained about missing items described in the standard outline and noted that the Christmas market was closed. That suggests the exact menu and atmosphere can shift depending on the date and what stores are operating.

My practical advice: if you want maximum value, go with the mindset of trying Icelandic Christmas specialties, not chasing a checklist. If you get the full spread, it is a strong deal. If you are there on a holiday date with closures or reduced service, the experience might feel lighter.

Who should book this Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour

This tour is a good match if you want:

• A short, structured winter activity that focuses on food and drinks
• A guide who explains the meaning behind Christmas dishes
• An English-speaking experience with stops around central Reykjavik
• Help with holiday planning through an included gift and a store visit

It also helps if you have dietary restrictions, as long as you communicate them in advance. The tour indicates they try their best to accommodate needs and allergies when you provide details during booking.

If you already plan to eat a full dinner and do a tasting later the same night, I’d treat this as the main meal. You will likely feel more satisfied if you keep your other plans lighter.

Should you book the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour?

I think it is a solid booking if your goal is Icelandic Christmas flavor plus guided context, with enough variety that you do not need to plan a complicated food itinerary yourself. The best versions of this tour seem to come from energetic guides, like Palli’s Viking-style storytelling and the friendly help from Paul and Einar.

Book it if you want a warm, social 3-hour evening with smoked and sweet holiday classics and a stop at the Little Christmas Store. If you are visiting exactly on Christmas Day or another holiday date, plan for small variations in what is served and what stores are open.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

Is food and drink included in the price?

Yes. The tour is all-inclusive with an expert guide, Christmas food, and Christmas drink, and it is designed so you do not leave hungry.

What kinds of Icelandic dishes and snacks will I try?

You’ll sample Christmas specialties such as smoked lamb, laufabrauð (leaf bread), glazed Hamborgarhrygg, reindeer paté, gravlax, and pickled herring.

Can the tour accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?

Yes, they try their best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. You need to let them know before the tour when you book.

Are non-alcoholic drinks available?

Yes. The tour includes malt and appelsín, which is non-alcoholic. It also offers a substitution of Jólaglögg for hot cocoa if you want.

Do you visit the Little Christmas Store?

Yes. The tour includes a visit to the Little Christmas Store in Laugavegur, and you receive a locally inspired gift.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour guide provides English live guidance.

Is the booking flexible if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Should you book the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour?

If you like the idea of tasting multiple Icelandic Christmas specialties in a short walk, with a real local guide telling stories while you eat, this is worth your time. I’d book it especially if you want warm drinks, a holiday shop stop, and an easy plan for a December evening in central Reykjavik.