Why Planning Matters at Christmas in Iceland
On 24 and 25 December, Reykjavik slows right down. Most shops and supermarkets close. Many restaurants do too. Locals gather at home for a long Christmas dinner.
Typically, families eat dishes like hangikjöt (smoked lamb), potatoes in white sauce, peas and crispy laufabrauð. Because of this strong home tradition, restaurant tables are limited. The few places that open can fill very quickly. Therefore, it is smart to book well in advance. Turning up at 18:00 on Christmas Eve and hoping for a free table is risky. Instead, decide early where you want to eat. Then contact the restaurant directly and confirm their opening hours for 24, 25, 26 and 31 December, plus 1 January.
Example Restaurants Open Over Christmas
The exact line-up changes each year, but here are some examples of places that, according to recent holiday listings, plan to open for part of the Christmas period. Always double-check their current hours and book directly.
Classic & Icelandic-inspired Dining
- Apótek – A stylish downtown restaurant in a former pharmacy, known for modern Scandinavian dishes and cocktails. In recent years they’ve opened on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve with evening service and festive menus.
- Geiri Smart – Creative, Nordic-style cuisine in a hotel setting, often open several key days over the holidays (24–26 December and 31 December / 1 January) with set seatings.
- Haust – A hotel restaurant that leans into fresh Icelandic produce and seasonal menus (“haust” = autumn), with a polished but warm atmosphere.
- Hjá Jóni – Elegantly styled restaurant by Austurvöllur, inside the Iceland Parliament Hotel. Modern Icelandic cooking, strong wine list and cocktails – very central if you’re staying downtown.
- Lóa – A relaxed spot on Laugavegur for dinner, drinks and easygoing Reykjavík vibes; Icelandic freshness meets a bit of Mediterranean warmth, great if you want something less formal but still quality.
These are good choices if you want Icelandic ingredients, atmosphere and a bit of a “treat yourself” feel for the big days.
International Comfort & Casual Vibes
Not everyone wants fine dining on Christmas – sometimes you just want good food and a relaxed table.
- Caruso – A cosy Italian spot in the city centre that has historically been one of the more generous restaurants with Christmas opening hours, often serving dinner on all the key dates: 24, 25, 26, 31 December and 1 January. Think pasta, pizzas and family-friendly comfort food.
- Bastard Brew & Food – A gastropub and microbrewery with burgers, bar snacks and house beer. Recent listings show them open throughout the holidays (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) and late on New Year’s Eve – ideal if you want something informal.
- Hard Rock Café Reykjavík – Global rock ’n’ roll vibes in the heart of downtown on Lækjargata, with American-style comfort food.
- Shanghai Restaurant – A long-running Chinese restaurant on Laugavegur, right in the heart of downtown Reykjavík, known for generous portions, classic Cantonese-style dishes and a cosy, no-fuss dining room.
- Snaps Bistro – A cosy French–Nordic bistro by Óðinstorg, loved by locals for its warm, glasshouse-like dining room, lively atmosphere and consistently good food – from moules and fish of the day to legendary brunch, wines and cocktails that make it as popular for dates and catch-ups as for a full dinner.
New Year’s Eve Specials
If you’re in Reykjavík for New Year’s Eve, you’ll find even more restaurants opening their doors with set menus and timed seatings. Guide lists regularly highlight places like Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar, Monkeys Food & Wine, Fjallkonan and Snaps Bistro, which focus heavily on December 31st dinners.
These evenings often work on fixed menus with specific arrival times – perfect if you want to enjoy a long dinner, then wander out to watch the fireworks and bonfires that explode across the city at midnight.
Practical Tips for Christmas Dining in Reykjavík
To keep your holiday as stress-free (and delicious) as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Book early – really early
Locals often book their Christmas and New Year’s dinners weeks or even months in advance. Once you’ve decided on your dates, secure your table before you fly. - Check the latest opening hours
Hours can change from year to year and even week to week. Use updated lists like the Iceland Highlights Christmas restaurant overview or the Restaurant Opening Hours by What’s On plus each restaurant’s own website or social media, to confirm current schedules. - Look for set menus
Many places offer special Christmas or New Year’s Eve menus instead of full á-la-carte. These often highlight seasonal dishes (lamb, seafood, game) and are priced per person. - Mention dietary requirements when you book
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavík are increasingly common, but they may need a heads-up when you reserve so the kitchen can plan. - Plan around shop and supermarket closures
On December 25th, grocery stores and most shops stay closed; on December 24th and 31st, they close early. If you’re self-catering, stock up in advance – and keep a restaurant reservation in your back pocket just in case.
Combine Your Christmas Meal with a Festive Walk
Reykjavík at Christmas isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about the atmosphere. Between meals, take time to wander the decorated streets, visit the ice rink and Christmas market at Ingólfstorg, and admire the lights around Austurvöllur and Hallgrímskirkja.
And if you’d like a local to guide you through the stories behind the lights, legends and Christmas traditions, you can always join a Reykjavík Christmas walking tour with a friendly local guide – a lovely way to work up an appetite before that big festive dinner.
Final Thoughts
Finding somewhere to eat in Reykjavík at Christmas is absolutely possible – it just takes a bit of advance planning. Decide what kind of experience you want (casual pub, Italian comfort, Icelandic fine dining or a big New Year’s celebration), check the latest holiday opening hours, and book your table early.
Then all that’s left is to sit back, raise a glass and enjoy a very Icelandic Gleðileg jól – Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
