The Christmas season in Iceland is rich with culinary traditions, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture: the ‘Icelandic Christmas Buffet’ is not just about delicacies like hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and laufabrauð (leaf bread), but also about sharing these traditional dishes in a festive atmosphere. Nowadays, vegan Christmas buffets are also common, as in Plantan Kaffihús, a vegan cafe in the city, or ‘mixed’, like at Hotel Borg.
The Yule Lads are a unique and quirky part of Icelandic Christmas folklore: a fun, family-friendly activity is the search for their projections on downtown buildings, that turns the city into a playful and magical scavenger hunt – prizes are also given away on Reykjavík city’s website (Visitreykjavik.is) for those who participate. A picturesque way to enjoy the Icelandic winter is ice skating in the heart of Reykjavík, at Ingólfstorg Square, surrounded by the city’s festive lights and lively atmosphere, with the Icelandic santas, or Yule Lads, hanging out on the ice and playing with the kids.
Places like the ‘Kirsuberjatréð shop‘, the ‘Rammagerðin store‘ and the ‘Hand Knitting Association of Iceland‘ sell authentic Icelandic goods and craftsmanship, from traditional sweaters to handcrafted items. The area of Laugardalur in Reykjavík transforms their botanic garden and surrounding park into a lovely Christmas Village with a Merry Go Round, the Christmas cat, gingerbread cookie decorating, and family puzzles at the restaurant. (Open times: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Fridays to Sundays until Christmas). Christmas at the ‘Árbær Open Air Museum‘ showcases how Icelanders celebrated Christmas before modern times: one can see how traditional leaf bread (laufabrauð) is made, dancing and singing around the Christmas tree, wool being spun, and even taste traditional Icelandic hangiköt (smoked lamb). Amazing all year round, this museum is extra special during the Christmas season.
Read more on All Things Iceland, Visiticeland.com, Visitreykjavik.is
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