Experience the magic of Iceland’s midnight sun of top of Langjökull Glacier
Is Iceland a good place to visit at Christmas?
Is Iceland a Good Place to Visit at Christmas?
Christmas in Iceland is magical - take it from from us, we live here! With our stunning landscapes, festive traditions, and a touch of folklore, Iceland offers a once in a lifetime holiday experience!
Here's why.
A Festive Wonderland
Iceland’s cities and towns come alive with Christmas lights that are kindred as early as November. Reykjavík’s streets are adorned with twinkling decorations, and its Christmas markets, like those in Ingólfstorg Square, overflow with handmade crafts, festive treats, and warm drinks. The entire country embraces the season, with traditions that are as charming as they are distinctive.
Pro Tip: We highly recommend "Jólaþorpið" in Hafnarfjörður and Hellisgerði for the Children. They have a wonderful Christmas schedule every weekend in December. You can look them up on Facebook during December.
Unique Icelandic Traditions
Forget Santa Claus—here in Iceland, we have 13 Yule Lads! These mischievous yet endearing characters visit children in the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, leaving gifts in their shoes (or a potato if they’ve been naughty). Each Yule Lad has a quirky personality, from Spoon-Licker to Door-Slammer, and their antics are a beloved part of Icelandic folklore.
One of the most intriguing traditions is the Christmas Eve custom of gifting books. Most icelanders give and receive books on December 24th, spending the night reading by candlelight while sipping hot cocoa. It’s a literary delight and a heartwarming way to celebrate the holiday.
Pro tip: If you are travelling with children, make sure to book an evening at "Jólaskógurinn í Guðmundarlundi". Go searching in the darkness for our yule lads and who knows? Maybe you will find some of them and even their mother, Grýla, too! Tickets can be found on tix.is from November onwards.
Natural Beauty and Seasonal Wonders
Iceland’s winter scenery is breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains, icy waterfalls, and frozen fjords make for postcard-perfect views. Add in the chance to see the Northern Lights, and you’ve got a holiday backdrop that’s straight out of a dream.
Visitors can also explore Iceland’s famous hot springs, like the Blue Lagoon (or the Sky Lagoon, if you want to stay in Reykjavik City), which are particularly inviting during the chilly Christmas season. There’s nothing quite like soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by a wintry landscape!
Pro tip. Book a trip on Langjökull Glacier onboard our monster trucks and see the breathtaking landscape for yourself!
Christmas Cuisine
Christmas in Iceland is a feast for the senses. Traditional dishes include hangikjöt (smoked lamb), laufabrauð (crispy, patterned flatbread), and ptarmigan, a game bird often served during the holidays. Desserts like Sarah Bernhardt cookies and kleina (a type of twisted doughnut) round out the festive menu.
Practical Tips for Visiting Iceland at Christmas
- Dress Warmly: Temperatures hover around freezing, so pack thermal layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy boots.
- Plan Ahead: December is a busy time for tourism in Iceland. Book accommodations and tours early to secure your spot.
- Prepare for Darkness: With only 4-5 hours of daylight, plan activities carefully to make the most of the light.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! Whether you’re looking to celebrate in the glow of Reykjavík’s Christmas lights or in the serenity of the countryside, Iceland is an unforgettable holiday destination.
So pack your warmest coat, bring your festive spirit, and get ready for a Christmas like no other! 🎄❄️
Experience the magic of Iceland’s midnight sun of top of Langjökull Glacier
Imagine standing on top of Langjökull Glacier late in the evening while the midnight sun paints the sky in soft gold, pink, and blue tones that never fully fade into darkness. Snow stretches endlessly around you, the air feels impossibly fresh and beneath you sits one of the biggest glacier trucks in the world, ready to take you deep into Iceland’s Highlands.
This isn’t just another sightseeing stop. This is the kind of Icelandic adventure people remember for the rest of their lives.
The Most Magical Night of the Icelandic Summer
On June 21st, Iceland celebrates the longest day of the year. The sun stays above the horizon for over 21 hours, and even during “nighttime,” the sky never truly gets dark. Instead, Iceland glows in soft twilight through the entire night, creating one of the most magical natural spectacles you can experience in the country.
And honestly? There are few better places to witness it than on top of Langjökull Glacier.
Why Sleipnir Tours Is Different?
Sleipnir Tours has become one of Iceland’s most iconic glacier experiences for a reason.
The family-run company built the famous red Sleipnir Monster Trucks specifically for Icelandic glacier conditions, creating an experience that combines adventure, comfort, storytelling and incredible scenery all in one.
The trucks themselves are part of the adventure. Massive tires glide smoothly across snow and ice while huge panoramic windows give guests unbeatable views throughout the journey. Despite their enormous size, the ride feels surprisingly comfortable. Making the glacier accessible for families, couples, solo travelers and anyone wanting adventure without difficult hiking.
The Journey Begins at Gullfoss
The tour starts at Gullfoss waterfall before heading deeper into Iceland’s rugged Highlands.
As the trucks begin climbing higher, the scenery changes quickly. Roads become rougher, snowfields start appearing, and before long, the giant Sleipnir tires roll directly onto the ice cap of Europe’s second-largest glacier. And that’s when the real adventure begins.
Driving across Langjökull under the midnight sun feels almost surreal. The glacier reflects the evening light in every direction while the Highlands stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
Stories, Legends & Glacier Life
One of the things guests love most about Sleipnir Tours is the atmosphere created by the guides. This isn’t just about reaching a viewpoint and taking photos.
Throughout the journey, local guides share stories about Icelandic glaciers, hidden places in the Highlands, life near Langjökull and even Nordic mythology connected to the landscapes surrounding you.It turns the glacier from “beautiful scenery” into something alive with history, stories, and Icelandic culture.
Hot Chocolate on a Glacier at Midnight
One of the highlights of the tour is stopping in the middle of the glacier for Sleipnir’s famous glacier pop-up café.Guests can warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea while enjoying traditional Icelandic kleinur surrounded by snow-covered landscapes and endless evening light.
And somehow, hot chocolate tastes even better when you’re standing on top of a glacier close to midnight.
A Bucket List Iceland Experience
Some experiences in Iceland stay with you forever. Seeing waterfalls powerful enough to shake the ground. Driving through the Highlands. Watching the midnight sun glow across a glacier at midnight.
Sleipnir Tours brings all of those moments together into one unforgettable evening adventure on Langjökull.
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