❄️ Reykjavik in December: A 3-Day Family Escape That Feels Like a Fairytale

Reykjavik in December doesn’t just sparkle, it glows. Picture colourful houses draped in lights, steam rising from geothermal pools, the scent of cinnamon buns in cosy cafés, and the hush of a city wrapped in snow. Our family of six spent three magical nights soaking it all in, and if you’re dreaming of a winter getaway, here’s why Reykjavik should be your next trip.

🏨 Home Base: Grand Hotel Reykjavik (Modern Comfort, Nordic Charm)

We checked into Grand Hotel Reykjavik, a stylish, spacious hotel that felt like the perfect winter retreat.

✅ Check-in & Costs: Smooth and friendly. Large rooms ideal for families.

🍩 Wake-up Routine: A generous breakfast buffet was included, perfect for fuelling up before exploring.

🏙️ What It Feels Like: Warm, modern interiors with Nordic touches. After a day in the cold, stepping into a cosy room with hot showers felt blissful.

Why stay here? If you want comfort, space, and easy access to the city centre, Grand Hotel Reykjavik is a solid pick.

✈️ Getting There: Private Transfers

We booked private transfers from Keflavík Airport, and honestly, it was the best decision for a family of six. No waiting in the cold, no juggling luggage, just a comfortable, direct ride to the hotel in about 40–45 minutes.

Tip: For families or groups, private transfers are worth every penny for convenience and comfort, especially in winter.

🌟 Day 1: Land, Drop Bags, and Let Reykjavik Glow

Landing in Iceland in December feels magical, with the snowy mountains in the distance, crisp air, and that sense of adventure. After checking in, we wrapped up and headed out to explore Reykjavik’s colourful streets.

✨ Laugavegur Stroll: The main shopping street, full of quirky boutiques and cosy cafés.

🌈 Rainbow Street: Skólavörðustígur, painted in vibrant colours leading up to Hallgrímskirkja, perfect for photos!

☕ Hot Chocolate Stop: Icelandic hot chocolate is rich and creamy, a must-try!

⛪ Hallgrímskirkja at Dusk: Reykjavik’s iconic church glowing against the winter sky.

🎄 Festive Lights: Twinkling decorations make the city feel like a Christmas card.

How It Feels: Calm, colourful, and welcoming, the perfect start to our Nordic adventure.

🌌 Northern Lights Surprise: That night, we stepped outside and were greeted by green ribbons dancing across the sky. Seeing the aurora on our very first night was pure magic, a bucket-list moment we’ll never forget.

💫 Day 2 Morning: Pools for Some, City for Others

My partner and son started the day like locals, with a dip in a geothermal pool. Warm water, crisp air, and steam rising around you, it’s pure Icelandic magic.

💦 Where They Went: Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s largest pool with hot tubs and steam rooms.

The rest of us headed into the city for shopping and sightseeing:

🛍️ Local Shops: Icelandic wool sweaters and handmade crafts.

🌈 Rainbow Street Again: Because you can’t resist those colours against the snow!

🎨 Street Art: Reykjavik’s murals add charm to every corner.

💫 Day 2 Afternoon: Hallgrímskirkja Beauty

We all met up to explore Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s crown jewel.

⛪ The Architecture: Inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns, the church’s design is bold and dramatic, rising 74.5 meters into the sky.

🎶 Inside the Church: Minimalist and serene, with soaring white walls and a monumental pipe organ, 5,275 pipes stretching high above the altar.

📸 Tower Views: Take the elevator up for panoramic views of Reykjavik, colourful rooftops, the shimmering sea, and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

🌈 Rainbow Street Connection: Skólavörðustígur leads straight to the church, painted in vibrant rainbow colours, a perfect photo spot with Hallgrímskirkja rising in the background.

How It Feels: Standing inside, surrounded by silence and beauty, you feel the weight of Iceland’s history and the calm of its culture. Outside, the view from the tower is pure magic, especially in winter light.

🍽️ Dinner at ROX: After exploring, we headed to ROX, a stylish restaurant near Hallgrímskirkja.

The Vibe: Warm, modern interiors with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families.

The Food: Hearty Icelandic dishes with a twist, fresh fish, tender lamb, and comforting sides.

Why We Loved It: Great service, cosy setting, and flavours that felt like a true taste of Iceland.

🌌 Northern Lights Again: As if the day wasn’t magical enough, the aurora returned that night, dancing across the sky in shades of green and pink. Two nights in a row, unbelievable!

🔥 Day 3 Morning: Lava Show Thrills

Our final day started with something truly unique, the Icelandic Lava Show.

🌋 What Happens: Real molten lava (heated to 1,100°C) flows across the stage just metres away. You feel the heat on your face as experts explain Iceland’s volcanic power.

🎬 Why It’s Special: It’s the only show of its kind in the world, part science, part spectacle, and completely unforgettable.

👀 Sensory Moment: The glow of orange-red lava against the dark backdrop is hypnotic. You hear it crackle, smell the minerals, and feel the warmth; it’s raw Iceland.

🧊 Day 3 Afternoon: Ice Bar Fun

To finish the trip, we headed to the Ice Bar, a sub-zero wonderland where everything is carved from ice.

🍸 The Experience: Walls, sculptures, even your glass, made of ice. Staff give you a poncho and gloves so you can sip your drink in style.

📸 Photo Heaven: Blue lighting makes the ice sparkle; every corner is Instagram-worthy.

🎉 The Vibe: Fun, quirky, and the perfect way to toast an amazing adventure.

✅ Essential Tips for a December Reykjavik Trip

🧥 Dress for winter: Thermal layers, waterproof coat, insulated boots, hat, gloves.

🎟️ Book in advance: Lava Show, Ice Bar, and any excursions.

🕐 Plan for short daylight: Sunrise ~11:00 AM, sunset ~3:45 PM.

💦 Don’t skip the pools: They’re warm, relaxing, and part of Icelandic life.

💰 Budget notes: Food and drinks are pricey, plan for splurges and enjoy free moments like city walks.

❤️ Why Reykjavik in December Steals Your Heart

Because it’s contrast: steaming pools and icy air, quiet streets and glowing lights, ancient traditions, and modern design. It’s a city that turns short winter days into long-lasting memories, a lava show that feels like magic, a church that feels like art, and a sky that sometimes shimmers green.

If you’re dreaming of a winter escape, let this be the nudge: go. Pack layers, book your transfers, leave room for wonder, and let Reykjavik do the rest.

Claire x