For many families, December brings chaos – school concerts, shopping for presents, baking cookies, holiday parties and hosting. And statistically it falls on the primary parent, leading to exhaustion from creating all the magic. While all the merriment can be fun, it’s also nice to get away and make meaningful memories together. There’s no better place to bond with your kids than Iceland in the winter. Yes, even with the volcano eruption!
Iceland truly becomes a winter wonderland in December. The days are short, but there are few better places in the world to experience the magic of the holidays. From watching the northern lights dance across the sky to experiencing beloved Christmas traditions in little fishing villages to playing in the snow under blankets of stars – Iceland offers adventure, natural beauty, and quality time with family.
A funny saying in Iceland is that there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. Be prepared, bring layers, and watch the weather anytime you leave the house, because the weather can change rapidly. But if you’re prepared, it can be so fun! See my Iceland packing essentials here.
For a fun Iceland travel guide for kids complete with checklists and a mini language lesson check out Honeybunny the Unipuppy Visits Iceland.
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Here are 5 of the top reasons you should consider Iceland for your next December family vacation (even during a volcanic eruption!):
5. See Dramatic Eruption Views
Join guided volcano tours in monster trucks to watch glowing lava snake across the valley. Or take a helicopter ride together for a birds-eye view of the epic eruption that kids will rave about forever!
4. Winter Adventures
From glacier hiking and snowmobiling across fresh powder to wandering sparkling ice caves – embrace epic outdoor adventures as a family. Or test drive an ice truck across Vatnajökull glacier before warming up with mugs of rich hot chocolate. Here’s the honest review of the amazing glacier hiking and ice cave exploring tours we took with Melrakki Adventures.
3. Reykjavik’s Christmas Charm
From Christmas markets to concerts featuring traditional Icelandic songs to the adorable Christmas villages populated by the 13 mischievous yuletide lads – Reykjavik goes all out. It’s picture-perfect way to delight kids and adults alike with holiday magic. See more about the Yule Lads in Honeybunny’s Holidays around the world video or in Honeybunny Visits Iceland.
2. See the Northern Lights
While catching the aurora borealis is never a guarantee, December offers prime viewing thanks to long nights and relatively clear skies. Kids will marvel at streaks of color flowing across the sky as you huddle together sipping hot cocoa. It’s a bucket-list memory in the making! And up North In areas like Akureyri, the winter sun barely sets below the horizon. The long hours of dim, golden light are perfect for late adventuring like snowshoeing across frozen lakes. Then relax as a family in geo-heated pools under a pink sunset at midnight!
1. Quality Family Time
Free from the distractions and stress of daily life back home, December visits foster valuable family bonding. Slow down to play in the snow, learn about Icelandic traditions, gaze at the night sky together, and share laughs over holiday meals.
The cold months show Iceland’s dramatic landscapes at their most staggeringly beautiful. December offers a far-away winter magic – full of glowing holiday cheer and endless hours of adventurous fun with those you love most. Start a new family tradition with an unforgettable trip to Iceland this December! For more on the ultimate Iceland itinerary see here.
