December is considered the most special time of the year in Iceland. As it is considered as one of the coldest months in Iceland. Generally, at this time you can experience the average high temperature of about 2 degree Celsius and the average low of about 1 degrees Celsius. Moreover, this time is also known as “white Christmas” because during this time you can experience snow everywhere. You can also experience snow, rain, wind and sun during some specific time in winters. In Iceland Self-Drive Tours are considered as the most adventurous and thrilling.
In the Mid-month of December, you will notice that children have started putting their shoes in their window hoping that the Yule Lads will bring them a treat.
Plus you will also see the streets have been decorated with Christmas lights and homeowners working hard for making their home bright and festive. People of Iceland aim to brighten up the winter darkness.
In December you will notice that the days have started getting shorter. Therefore, there’s an average of five hours of full daylight with slightly longer periods of dawn and dusk on each end. This is the reason why people in Iceland put up their Christmas lights early to brighten up these dark days.
Every year 21st December is considered as the shortest day of the year with just 4 hours of full daylight. If you are thinking that having shorter and darker days is a bad thing then you are completely wrong in this case. As these are very beneficial for you to experience the northern lights.
If you are planning to visit Iceland in December then you should keep warm clothes with yourself. It is always important to be prepared for any weather that Iceland can offer.
Consider this Packing List if you are Planning to Visit Iceland in Winters:
What are the things which you can experience during the winter season?
Going to a Christmas Market
During December you will find that the markets are fully loaded with different kinds of stuff. Here you will perfectly experience Christmas spirit. Heidmork Nature Reserve is known for hosting a unique Christmas market every year and here you will get familiar with all the local culture.
Plus this market also offers live music, local food, handicrafts and many cafes.
Enjoying a Concert
Iceland has many talented musicians and during winters they organize many live concerts for the people. And you will find several concerts all over town from all big productions to small local pub performances.
Moreover, Icelanders love to sing so you will find every other person singing in a choir and you will also find several concerts all over the country too.
Ice-skating
Ice-skating rink was opened on Ingolfstorg square in downtown Reykjavik. And this place is only open in December. It is located next to the Christmas market surrounded by Christmas lights and music on loudspeakers.
Shopping in Reykjavik
If you are thinking to buy something special for your loved ones then you should visit this place. Reykjavik the capital of Iceland is the home for many designers and you may find a lot of unique and memorable gifts for your friends and family. These shops are always open and you don’t have to wait for longer opening hours during December.
Visiting Cafes
Reykjavik is known to have many great cafes. You can very easily enjoy a cup of coffee in this chilly December afternoons. Moreover, you will find many small charming cafes that are owned by locals and here you can give a try to their traditional food here.
Enjoy Swimming
Swimming is considered as the best way to stay warm during winters. You just have to jump into natural hot springs or a swimming pool for getting cosy. The feeling of sliding in the warm water after being exhausted for the whole day is the best feeling that you can experience.
Visit Downtown Reykjavik at Thorlaksmessa
Every year on 23rd December Icelanders celebrate Thorlaksmessa which is also known as Saint Thorlak’s Day. Generally, Thorlakur was an Icelandic bishop who was canonized in 1984. And this day is marked as an important part of Icelandic Christmas tradition as this is also the last day of Christmas preparation in Iceland.
New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik
Never miss an opportunity to start your new year in Iceland. Icelandic New Year’s Eve is considered as the world’s most famous celebrations. The fireworks display on New Year’s Eve is unbelievable. Moreover, here you will find the sky with a brilliant show of massive and blazing colours.
Paying a visit at Christmas Garden
This garden is located near Akureyri in North Iceland. And you will find that this garden is open all year. And this place should always be present in your bucket list especially during December. Because after visiting into this garden you will find that you have stepped into a fairytale world. And in this place, you will find all the things related to Christmas which includes Christmas decorations, Christmas candy and some specific caves.
Less Crowded
During winters this place is considered as a paradise. And if you hate crowded places then visiting Iceland during the winter season is the best time. Because during this time you will find a limited number of tourists in Reykjavik. Plus this place will be less crowded and you can very easily enjoy every place with a limited number of people present.
Another benefit of travelling to Iceland in winters is that you will very easily find space in hotels and you don’t have to search for other hotels.
So, if you are thinking about the suitable time for visiting Iceland, then you should pay a visit during the winter season. As you can find several activities as mentioned above.
So, pack your bags and head towards Iceland now!
