Reykjavik: Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks

Christmas flavors hit different in Reykjavik. This 3-hour holiday tour strings together festive tastings and winter drinks while you walk through the city’s Christmas lights and decorations. I love how it teaches you what you’re eating (and why it shows up at Christmas), but I’ll be honest: the price feels a bit high if you’re only looking for a quick snack.

My other big draw is the variety. You’ll sample everything from smoked lamb to leaf bread (laufabrauð), plus savory bites like reindeer paté and gravlax, then warm up with drinks such as Jólaöl and Jólaglögg. When guide Palli runs the show, the energy stays lively and you actually remember what you tried and how the guide tied it to Icelandic Christmas tradition.

Key points before you go

• 3 hours of walking + tasting: enough time to try multiple dishes without turning it into an all-day event
• Clear holiday lineup: smoked lamb, laufabrauð, glazed Hamborgarhrygg, reindeer paté, gravlax, and pickled herring
• Warm-up drinks on the menu: Jólaöl, malt & appelsín, and Jólaglögg mulled wine
• Christmas lights included: you’ll get a guided look at decorations while you go
• Little Christmas Store stop: you’ll pick up a locally inspired gift after browsing seasonal finds

Reykjavik at Christmas: why this 3-hour food walk works

This tour is built for people who want the holiday feeling, not just a list of foods. You’re outside in Reykjavik, but the pacing is designed so you keep moving, then stop often enough to eat and drink comfortably.

What I like best is that the tour turns food into a story. Each tasting comes with explanations about cultural significance, so the dishes connect to the season instead of feeling random or purely touristy.

The biggest practical thing to plan for is winter comfort. You’ll be on your feet in cold weather, so warm layers and comfortable shoes matter more than usual.

Finding the meeting point outside Hlöllabátar and Ingólfstorg

You start outside Hlöllabátar the Sandwich Shop, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right, and there are benches, tables, and a covered ceiling—nice if Reykjavik weather turns quickly.

Your guide is easy to spot: they usually wear a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back. That sounds small, but in a busy city square it helps you avoid the awkward waiting game.

If you’re coming from a hotel on the outskirts, give yourself extra buffer time. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to reach the square on your own.

The tasting lineup: smoked lamb, laufabrauð, and the rest of the Christmas classics

The food section is where the tour earns its keep. You get a lineup that reads like a Christmas sampler platter in Iceland, and you’ll understand the order because the guide keeps the story flowing.

You’ll start with smoked lamb, described as having robust flavors. That first bite matters: it sets the tone for the rest of the holiday spread.

Next comes laufabrauð, the leaf bread. You’ll get a sense of what makes it special right away—these are intricately patterned and fried until crispy. It’s the kind of Christmas food that’s more than taste; the look and texture are part of the point.

From there, you move through the savory variety:

• Glazed Hamborgarhrygg: a sweet-savory holiday-style option
• Reindeer paté: treated as an iconic Christmas choice
• Gravlax: tangy, cured salmon
• Pickled herring: tangy and distinctly Icelandic

Even if you’ve tried some of these before, the tour approach is useful. Instead of eating one dish on your own and guessing what you’re tasting, you get quick context and comparisons from stop to stop.

A note on dietary fit (so you’re not stuck guessing)

The tour is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, and the tasting lineup includes meat-based items. If your needs are more about allergies or specific restrictions, the operator says they can tailor the experience—just tell them when you book.

That’s the key: if you’re restricting your diet for lifestyle or religious reasons, confirm compatibility early. Don’t wait until the day of.

Walk-and-story: Christmas lights, decorations, and guided explanations

This isn’t a food crawl where you only chew and rush. You also get a guided look at the city’s Christmas lights and decorations as you move through town.

The practical value is that it makes the walking feel purposeful. In winter, the streets can blur together fast; the guide keeps the route meaningful so you’re not just braving the cold.

Just as important, you’re learning while you taste. The guide explains the history and cultural significance of each dish and drink, so you start understanding Icelandic Christmas traditions as something lived—not just something served.

I found this approach especially helpful with items that can seem unusual at first glance, like cured and pickled foods. When you understand what a dish represents, it’s easier to appreciate it even if it’s not what you’d order at home.

Drinks in Reykjavik winter: Jólaöl, malt & appelsín, and Jólaglögg mulled wine

Cold weather in Reykjavik can make you forget you’re there for food. That’s exactly why the drink portion works.

You’ll taste a set of classic Christmas drinks:

• Jólaöl, a traditional Icelandic Christmas ale
• Malt & appelsín, a beloved non-alcoholic Christmas beverage
• Jólaglögg, mulled wine served warm and aromatic

I like that you get an option that fits different preferences. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, malt & appelsín gives you a holiday flavor moment without needing to skip the drink part entirely.

The pacing also makes sense. You’re not just handed a cup and moved on; the tour keeps the tastings connected, so the drinks feel like they belong with the food rather than replacing it.

The Little Christmas Store stop and your locally inspired gift

Near the end, you’ll visit the Little Christmas Store, a charming shop with festive decorations and seasonal treasures. It’s also where you’ll receive a locally inspired gift.

This stop is valuable for a couple reasons. First, it gives you a break from the cold—shopping indoors feels good after a few hours outside. Second, it turns the food tour into something you can take home, not just photos and memory.

If you enjoy picking up small, meaningful souvenirs instead of generic magnets, this is the part you’ll appreciate most.

Price and timing: is $173 per person good value?

The tour costs $173 per person and runs about 3 hours. That pricing can feel steep at first—especially since there’s no hotel pickup—but you’re paying for a guided experience with multiple tastings and drinks plus the store visit and gift.

Here’s the value logic that makes it make sense:

• You get a guided tasting menu, not just one or two samples
• Drinks are included (including non-alcoholic options)
• You also get a Christmas lights component, so it’s part sightseeing and part food education
• The Little Christmas Store stop and locally inspired gift reduce the feeling of paying just for food

The main trade-off is that you’re moving for 3 hours. If you’re traveling with someone who hates cold walks or doesn’t enjoy tasting lots of different foods, you might feel pressure to keep up.

Also, because it’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, your best value depends on whether you’re comfortable with the meat-and-pickle side of Icelandic Christmas.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want:

• A Christmas-focused food experience in Reykjavik
• Multiple tastings you might not otherwise try in one sitting
• A guide who explains dishes and drinks instead of leaving you guessing
• A winter-friendly plan that includes time to warm up with drinks and indoor shopping

You might want to skip it if:

• You’re vegan or vegetarian (the tour isn’t set up for that)
• You only want a simple snack rather than a structured tasting menu
• You dislike walking in winter weather and don’t want to bundle up

If you’re comfortable with cured and pickled flavors, you’re in good shape. Many Icelandic holiday favorites have that tangy edge, and this tour leans into it.

Things to know so your experience stays smooth

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing. The tour runs in all weather conditions, so you’ll want layers that work even if it’s windy.

Smoking isn’t allowed, so plan around that if you smoke outside breaks on other tours.

English is the tour language, and the tour is wheelchair accessible. If you’re booking for mobility needs, it’s still smart to reach out with specifics about your situation, since you’ll be walking around town for the full 3 hours.

Private group options are available if you want a more tailored vibe.

Should you book this Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour?

If your goal is to experience Icelandic Christmas flavors in a way that’s guided, structured, and genuinely seasonal, I think this is a strong choice. The combination of smoked lamb, leaf bread (laufabrauð), reindeer paté, gravlax, pickled herring, and the Christmas drinks gives you a clear sense of the holiday table.

I’d book it if you love food that’s a little bold and you’re okay with meat and cured flavors. I’d hesitate if you’re vegan/vegetarian or you’re hoping for a light, low-effort stroll with only one or two bites.

If the price feels high, treat it as a pay-for-story and pay-for-tasting package: you’re buying multiple included tastings, drinks, guided Christmas light time, and a shop stop with a gift.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour?

The tour lasts about 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.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes tastings such as smoked lamb and laufabrauð, plus dishes like 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. The tour is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.

Can the tour accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

The operator says it can tailor the Christmas experience for specific dietary needs. Let them know your dietary restrictions or allergies when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring and wear in Reykjavik winter?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing, since the tour runs in all weather conditions.

Is cancellation or pay later available?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.