Top Places to Visit Around Mývatn During Christmas

Christmas is a lovely time to visit Mývatn in North Iceland. The region is known for its snowy landscapes and Icelandic Christmas traditions, with plenty to enjoy throughout the festive season.

Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or as a couple, there's something for everyone to enjoy. If you're looking for places to visit during Christmas, here are some of the best spots around Mývatn to include in your holiday plans.

Dimmuborgir: Meet the Icelandic Yule Lads

Dimmuborgir is one of the most magical places to visit in Mývatn during Christmas. According to Icelandic folklore, its unusual lava formations are home to the 13 Yule Lads. Unlike Santa Claus, Iceland's Yule Lads are mischievous characters, each with their own personality and habits. They traditionally visit children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts in shoes placed on windowsills.

Visitors can usually meet the Yule Lads at Dimmuborgir on selected dates in December, up until the 23rd. Head to Hallarflöt, where you'll find the Yule Lads' cave and watch them sing and dance with guests. Children can also take photos with them at their High Seat.

Children aged five and under can attend for free. Check tix.is for the latest event dates and admission details before visiting. Even outside these special appearances, Dimmuborgir is worth exploring for its snow-covered lava formations and winter walking trails.

Earth Lagoon Mývatn: Enjoy a Relaxing Holiday Soak

For a relaxing Christmas experience, visit Earth Lagoon Mývatn, formerly known as Mývatn Nature Baths. Its warm geothermal waters offer a welcome escape from the cold December weather. You can unwind in the outdoor pools while admiring the surrounding volcanic landscape, often covered in snow.

Earth Lagoon Mývatn offers another fun opportunity for families to meet the Icelandic Yule Lads. During the Yule Lads' annual bath in early December, children can join these mischievous characters in the warm geothermal waters. It's a unique Christmas experience, so be sure to book tickets in advance. Earth Lagoon Mývatn usually remains open during the Christmas holiday season, including 24–26 and 31 December, with reduced hours.

Skjólbrekka: Visit a Local Christmas Market

For a taste of local Christmas traditions, visit the annual Christmas market (Jólamarkaður) at Skjólbrekka, a community venue south of Lake Mývatn. The market brings together local makers and residents selling homemade baked goods, farm-fresh products, Christmas-themed crafts, and Icelandic design items. It's a great place to buy Christmas gifts, sample local treats, and enjoy the community's festive atmosphere.

The market usually takes place over two days on a weekend in early December. It also coincides with the Dimmuborgir Yule Lads' opening celebration and their annual bath at Earth Lagoon Mývatn later that day.

Local Hotel Restaurants: Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Buffet

One way to experience Icelandic Christmas traditions is by enjoying a festive buffet, known locally as jólahlaðborð. These gatherings bring families and friends together to enjoy traditional Christmas dishes.

Common favourites include smoked lamb (hangikjöt) with béchamel sauce, cured salmon (graflax), roast pork, and pickled herring. You may also find laufabrauð (traditional Icelandic leaf bread) and Sörur (Sara Bernhardt cookies).

For a festive family meal, check Sel-Hotel Mývatn for Christmas dining options and seasonal events. Other restaurants around Lake Mývatn, including Eldey and Mylla, are also worth checking for seasonal menus. Offerings and dates vary, so contact the restaurants directly before making plans.

Lake Mývatn: Admire the Winter Scenery

Lake Mývatn is beautiful throughout the year, but winter gives the landscape a completely different appearance. In December, snow often covers the surrounding lava fields, mountains, and lake shores, making it one of the best places to visit during Christmas.

Take time to admire the scenery from accessible viewpoints or take a winter sightseeing drive through the surrounding area. The Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters are another interesting stop, with distinctive volcanic formations overlooking the lake.

For a more active experience, there are several winter activities to enjoy around Mývatn:

• Dog sledding with Snow Dogs
• Winter horseback riding with Eyjardalsá
• Snowmobiling with Mývatn Snowmobile
• Cross-country skiing through local ski trails

After dark, look out for the Northern Lights. Mývatn's long December nights offer plenty of opportunities to spot the aurora when skies are clear and conditions are favourable.

Akureyri & Húsavík: Take a Festive Day Trip

Akureyri and Húsavík are both within driving distance of Mývatn and make festive stops on a family road trip in winter.

Akureyri, around an hour's drive away, offers Christmas tree lighting, a Christmas Cat display, decorated streets, and seasonal shopping. Visit Jólahúsið (the Christmas House) for Icelandic decorations and gifts, or enjoy ice skating at the town's indoor rink.

Húsavík, approximately 45 minutes from Mývatn, offers a quieter Christmas atmosphere. Explore its decorated town centre, attend Christmas concerts, or stop for a hot cocoa at a local café. Both towns make enjoyable additions to your Christmas holiday in Mývatn, provided road and weather conditions allow.

What to Know About Visiting Mývatn at Christmas

Planning to spend Christmas in Mývatn? Keep these practical tips in mind to make the most of your visit:

• Plan around Christmas events: Most festive activities take place during Advent, particularly in early December. Check the local event calendar for Christmas markets, Yule Lad appearances, and other celebrations.
• Check holiday opening hours: Some restaurants, shops, and attractions close or reduce their hours from 24–26 December and on New Year's Eve. Book accommodation and Christmas meals in advance, especially if you're visiting on Christmas Day.
• Make the most of winter daylight in Mývatn: The region has around three hours of daylight in late December. Schedule sightseeing and outdoor activities around midday, leaving evenings for dining, geothermal bathing, or Northern Lights viewing.
• Prepare for winter roads: Snow, ice, rain, and strong winds can affect driving conditions and cause road closures. Check road.is and vedur.is daily, and allow extra travel time between attractions.
• Dress for freezing temperatures: Wear thermal layers, a warm waterproof and windproof jacket, gloves, a hat, and insulated winter boots. Ice grips can also be useful on slippery paths and pavements. For a complete list, check our guide to what to pack for winter in Iceland.

Remember that Christmas Eve (24 December) is an important part of Icelandic Christmas celebrations. Many businesses close early as families gather for their traditional Christmas dinner.

Leave some flexibility in your plans, especially for outdoor activities and day trips. That way, you can adjust your Mývatn winter itinerary if the weather changes.

Spend Your Christmas in Mývatn

From meeting the Yule Lads to enjoying a traditional Christmas buffet, Mývatn offers plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays. You can also spend quieter days exploring the snowy landscape or relaxing in warm geothermal waters.

If you're looking for places to visit during Christmas in North Iceland, Mývatn is well worth adding to your itinerary. Check the local event calendar, plan around holiday opening hours, and leave some time to enjoy the region at your own pace.

FAQs

Is Mývatn a good place to spend Christmas with children?

Yes, Mývatn offers plenty of family-friendly activities, from meeting the Icelandic Yule Lads to exploring Christmas markets and enjoying geothermal bathing. It's a great place to visit during Christmas with children of all ages.

Does it snow in Mývatn during Christmas?

Yes, snow is common in Mývatn during December, and the surrounding landscapes are often covered in white. However, snowfall and snow cover vary from year to year.

How cold is Mývatn in December?

December temperatures in Mývatn are typically below freezing, often around 23–32°F (−5°C to 0°C). Wind can make it feel considerably colder, so dress in warm layers.

Is Lake Mývatn frozen in December?

Lake Mývatn often begins freezing in early winter and may be partly or largely frozen by Christmas. Some areas remain ice-free due to warmer groundwater, so never assume the ice is safe to walk on.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Mývatn at Christmas?

Yes, December's long, dark nights offer excellent opportunities to see the Northern Lights in Mývatn. Clear skies and suitable auroral activity are needed, so sightings aren't guaranteed.

Are attractions and restaurants in Mývatn open on Christmas Day?

Some attractions and restaurants may remain open, but many have reduced hours or close on 25 December. Check directly with each establishment and book dining arrangements in advance.

Is Earth Lagoon Mývatn open during Christmas?

Yes, Earth Lagoon Mývatn remains open during Christmas, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but with reduced hours. Check its official website for the latest holiday opening times before visiting.