Reykjavik: Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks

Trying to find a way to truly feel the spirit of Christmas in Reykjavik? This Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks promises a festive, culinary exploration of Iceland’s capital that’s perfect for those who love food, culture, and holiday lights. While I haven’t gone on this exact tour myself, it consistently garners high praise for its authentic tastes and cozy atmosphere.

What really stands out are three elements: the chance to sample traditional Icelandic Christmas dishes, the festive drinks that warm even the coldest days, and the charming walk through Reykjavik’s illuminated streets. Plus, it offers a glimpse into local customs with a visit to a lovely Christmas store. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan your arrival at the meeting point.

This experience suits travelers who want to combine culinary discovery with a sense of Icelandic holiday cheer, especially those eager to learn about Christmas traditions in a relaxed, guided setting. If you’re a foodie, a culture lover, or someone simply looking to embrace Reykjavik’s holiday magic, this tour could be just the ticket.

Good To Know

• Authentic Icelandic Christmas dishes: Smoked lamb, laufabrauð, reindeer pâté, gravlax, and pickled herring.
• Festive drinks: Traditional Christmas ale (Jólaöl), non-alcoholic malt and appelsín, and mulled wine (Jólaglögg).
• Cultural insights: Learn about the history and significance of each dish and drink from your guide.
• Charming streets and decorations: A guided walk through Reykjavik’s beautifully lit holiday streets.
• Visit to a Christmas store: Shop for artisanal crafts and seasonal decorations, plus receive a locally inspired gift.
• Flexible booking and accessibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours, wheelchair accessible, and options to tailor dietary needs.

This 3-hour Christmas Food Tour offered by Your Friend In Reykjavik is a delightful way to combine culinary discovery with holiday sightseeing. It’s a well-rounded experience that promises more than just tastings—it’s a culture into Iceland’s Christmas traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

For $146 per person, travelers receive a guided tour with a local expert who shares insights about each dish and drink, plus visits to a Christmas-themed shop, a locally inspired gift, and tastings of both food and beverages. While this isn’t a budget experience, the inclusion of carefully selected traditional foods and drinks makes it a worthwhile investment for those interested in authentic Icelandic holiday flavors.

The tour is designed to be accessible and flexible, with options to accommodate dietary restrictions—just mention your needs when booking. It’s also worth noting that hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll want to meet at the designated central location—front of the Center Hotels Plaza—five minutes early.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins with a meeting point in front of the Center Hotels Plaza, a central Reykjavik location easily accessible from many accommodations. Once gathered, your guide will lead you through the city streets dressed up for Christmas, creating a festive backdrop for your culinary journey.

First Stop: Traditional Christmas dishes. You’ll start with smoked lamb, a staple in Icelandic holiday tables. Known for its robust, succulent flavors, it’s a hearty way to kick off the experience. This is complemented by laufabrauð, a delicately patterned leaf bread that’s fried to crispy perfection and acts as both a treat and a symbol of Icelandic Christmas baking.

Next: A selection of cold and cured dishes. Expect to sample gravlax (cured salmon), pickled herring, and reindeer pâté—each offering a unique taste of Iceland’s diverse culinary palette. One reviewer mentioned the “robust flavors of the smoked lamb and the detailed patterns on the laufabrauð,” emphasizing how these dishes really evoke the holiday spirit.

Drinks: Warming up the holiday vibe. Your guide will introduce you to Jólaöl, a traditional Christmas ale that’s slightly sweet with subtle spices. You’ll also get to try malt & appelsín, a non-alcoholic beverage blending malt and orange flavors, perfect for younger travelers or those avoiding alcohol. The highlight for many is the Jólaglögg, a spiced mulled wine that’s aromatic and warming—ideal for chilly Reykjavik evenings.

Exploring Reykjavik’s Christmas Lights and Decorations

A highlight of the tour is the strolling component—your guide will take you through the city’s most decorated streets, pointing out the best lights, displays, and seasonal traditions. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it perfect for getting into the holiday mood.

The Christmas Store and Gift

A visit to a charming Christmas store allows you to browse artisanal crafts, decorations, and seasonal treasures. Many reviewers note that the store has a warm, festive ambiance, with some even mentioning purchasing special ornaments or handcrafted gifts. As a thoughtful touch, each guest receives a locally inspired gift—something to keep as a memento of your festive adventure.

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Authenticity and Cultural Insights

Throughout the tour, guides share stories behind each dish and drink, revealing how Icelanders celebrate Christmas and what these foods symbolize. For example, the roasted reindeer pâté and pickled herring have historical roots that connect to Iceland’s fishing and hunting traditions. The drinks, especially Jólaglögg, are long-standing holiday staples that help explain how Icelanders stay warm and cheerful during the cold season.

Review Highlights from Past Guests

Many visitors appreciated the relaxed pace and the informative commentary, noting that their guide, whose name is often mentioned as friendly and knowledgeable, made the experience engaging. “It felt like a cozy dinner with friends,” one reviewer commented, highlighting the intimate and friendly atmosphere.

A common theme was the quality and authenticity of the food: the smoked lamb was praised as “succulent and flavorful,” while Laufabrauð was often described as “delicately patterned and crispy.” The drinks were also a hit, especially the Jólaglögg, which added a festive warmth.

Practical Details

The three-hour tour is a manageable length, allowing plenty of time to enjoy each tasting without feeling overwhelmed. The meeting point at the Center Hotels Plaza is central and easy to find, which is helpful given Reykjavik’s compact size. The tour is wheelchair accessible and accommodates various dietary needs—just notify the operator in advance.

Weather and Clothing Tips

Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, dressing warmly and wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential. Reykjavik in winter can be cold and damp, so layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable as you stroll through the city.

This Christmas food tour appeals most to travelers looking for an authentic taste of Iceland during the holidays. Foodies will love trying traditional dishes and learning about their cultural significance, while those interested in festive decorations and local customs will enjoy the walk through Reykjavik’s illuminated streets. It’s a fantastic choice for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to combine culinary delights with holiday cheer.

However, it might not suit vegans or vegetarians, as the tour focuses heavily on meat and fish dishes, and the tour does not include hotel pickup.

For just over $140, this tour offers a unique, intimate glimpse into Icelandic Christmas traditions through its flavors and sights. It’s a well-rounded experience—informative, flavorful, and festive—that offers real value for those wanting to dive deeper into Reykjavik’s holiday spirit. Whether you’re a food lover wanting authentic tastes or a traveler eager for Christmas ambiance, this tour provides a warm, memorable way to celebrate the season.

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour begins at the designated meeting point in front of the Center Hotels Plaza. Make sure to arrive five minutes early.

What should I wear? Dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour takes place outdoors in winter weather.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated? Yes, the operator is happy to tailor the experience to specific dietary needs if informed when booking.

How long is the tour? The activity lasts approximately 3 hours, covering tastings, sightseeing, and shopping.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Christmas food tour in Reykjavik offers a flavorful, cozy way to celebrate the season while discovering Icelandic customs. Perfect for anyone wanting a festive, authentic experience wrapped in holiday lights and traditional tastes.

You can check if your dates are available here: