Grocery Stores Open in Reykjavik During Christmas 2025: Complete Holiday Shopping Guide
🛒 8 Store Options | ⏱️ 12 min read | 📅 Updated: December 24, 2025
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Christmas Hours Overview • Store-by-Store Guide • New Year’s Hours • Where to Buy Alcohol • Shopping Tips • FAQ
Planning a Christmas trip to Iceland? One of the most important things to know before arriving is that grocery stores in Reykjavik have significantly reduced hours during the Christmas and New Year holidays—and most are completely closed on December 25th and January 1st.
As a Reykjavik-based tour company, we’ve helped thousands of visitors navigate Iceland’s holiday shopping schedules. This guide covers everything you need to know about grocery store opening hours during the Christmas period, including exact times for each major chain, where to find emergency supplies, and insider tips to avoid the last-minute rush.
The most important rule: Complete your grocery shopping by 2 PM on December 24th. After that, finding open stores becomes extremely difficult until December 26th.
🎄 Need Groceries on Christmas Day?
Almost every grocery store in Reykjavik is closed on December 25th. Your only real option is:
- Verslunin Álfheimar — Family-owned store open 10:00-23:00 on Christmas Day!
📍 Location: Álfheimum 2, 104 Reykjavík (about 10 min from downtown)
🎄 Christmas Holiday Hours Overview
Icelanders celebrate Christmas on the evening of December 24th, not December 25th. Families gather at 6 PM on Christmas Eve for a traditional dinner (often smoked lamb or hamborgarhryggur) and gift opening. This means the entire country essentially shuts down by early afternoon on the 24th.
Here’s what to expect throughout the holiday period:
December 21-23: Extended Pre-Christmas Hours
Good news for last-minute shoppers! In the days leading up to Christmas, most grocery stores extend their hours significantly. Many locations stay open until 10 PM or even 11 PM, and some Hagkaup stores remain open 24 hours. This is the best time to stock up on everything you’ll need for the holiday period.
December 24: Christmas Eve
Critical deadline: 2 PM. Most budget grocery stores (Bónus, Krónan) close between 2-3 PM. Hagkaup locations stay open until 4 PM (Skeifan, Garðabær) or 2 PM (mall locations). Costco closes at 1 PM. After these closures, your only options are 10-11 convenience stores (which typically close around 5 PM on Christmas Eve) and gas station shops.
December 25: Christmas Day
Plan for closures. Nearly all grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day, including Bónus, Krónan, Hagkaup, Nettó, and Costco. This is a family day in Iceland. Your only real option is Verslunin Álfheimar — a family-owned store in east Reykjavik that stays open throughout the Christmas period (10:00-23:00). We called them directly to confirm.
December 26: Boxing Day
Stores begin reopening, though with reduced hours. Many Bónus locations open 10 AM – 6 PM, Hagkaup Skeifan reopens at 10 AM and returns to 24-hour operation. Note: Costco and Hagkaup mall locations (Kringlan, Smáralind) remain CLOSED on Boxing Day.
🏪 Store-by-Store Christmas Hours Guide
🐷 Bónus (Budget Choice)
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers looking for the lowest prices in Iceland
Recognizable by: The bright pink pig logo
Christmas & New Year’s Hours 2025:
| Store Location | 21-23 Dec | 24 Dec | 25 Dec | 26 Dec | 30 Dec | 31 Dec | 1 Jan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📍 Reykjavik & Greater Reykjavik Area | |||||||
| Laugavegur ⭐ | 10-23 | 10-14 | Closed | 10-18 | 10-22 | 10-16 | Closed |
| Fiskislóð / Grandi | 10-23 | 10-14 | Closed | 10-18 | 10-21 | 10-16 | Closed |
| Skeifan | 10-23 | 10-14 | Closed | 10-18 | 10-21 | 10-16 | Closed |
📅 Source: bonus.is | Updated December 2025
🍎 Nettó (Extended Hours + 24-Hour Location)
Best for: Late-night shoppers and those needing household items
Recognizable by: White apple logo on blue background
⭐ Nettó Mjódd — 24-Hour Location (Great for New Year’s Day!)
Mjódd is Nettó’s only 24-hour location in the Reykjavik area. While it’s closed on Christmas Day (reopens late at 23:00), it’s a lifesaver on New Year’s Day when most stores are closed!
- December 24 (Christmas Eve): Closes at 17:00
- December 25 (Christmas Day): Closed until 23:00 (not useful for daytime shopping)
- December 26 onwards: Open 24 hours
- January 1 (New Year’s Day): Open 24 hours! ⭐
Location: Mjódd Bus Terminal, Breiðholt (about 10 min from downtown)
Complete Nettó Holiday Hours Table (December 20 – January 1):
| Location | 20 Dec Sat |
21 Dec Sun |
22 Dec Mon |
23 Dec Þorláksmessa |
24 Dec Christmas Eve |
25 Dec Christmas Day |
26 Dec Boxing Day |
27 Dec Sat |
31 Dec NYE |
1 Jan NY Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ísafjörður | 10-21 | 10-22 | 10-23 | 10-23 | 09-16 | Closed | 10-19 | 10-19 | 09-15 | Closed |
| Krossmóar | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | Closed | 10-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | 11-00 |
| Lágmúli | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | Closed | 09-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | 11-00 |
| Mjódd ⭐ 24H | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | 00-17 | 00-17 | Closed* | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours! ⭐ |
| Salavegur | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | Closed | 09-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | 11-00 |
| Austurvegur | 09-21 | 10-21 | 08-23 | 09-23 | 09-16 | Closed | 09-21 | 10-21 | 09-15 | Closed |
| Selhella | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | Closed | 09-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | 11-00 |
| Seljabraut | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | Closed | 09-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | 11-00 |
| Mosfellsbær | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | Closed | 09-00 | 07:30-00 | 07:30-16 | 11-00 |
| Eyrarvegur | 07:30-22 | 07:30-22 | 07:30-22 | 07:30-23 | 07:30-16 | Closed | 09-21 | 07:30-21 | 07:30-16 | 11-00 |
*Note: Mjódd technically reopens at 23:00 on Christmas Day, but that’s not useful for daytime shopping. For Christmas Day groceries, go to Verslunin Álfheimar instead. Mjódd is most helpful on New Year’s Day when it’s open 24 hours!
📅 Source: netto.is | Updated December 24, 2025
🏠 Verslunin Álfheimar (Family-Owned Local Store)
Best for: Emergency groceries during Christmas when everything else is closed!
What makes it special: This family-owned independent grocery store is one of the ONLY places open on December 24th, 25th, and 26th—a true lifesaver for visitors!
Christmas Hours (Confirmed):
- December 24 (Christmas Eve): ✅ OPEN
- December 25 (Christmas Day): ✅ OPEN (10:00-23:00)
- December 26 (Boxing Day): ✅ OPEN
Regular Hours:
Every day: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (including weekends)
Location: Álfheimum 2, 104 Reykjavík (Álfheimar neighborhood, east of downtown—about 10 min by car/bus from city center)
Contact: Tel: +354 571 5888
💡 Iceland Highlights Tip: We called this family-owned store directly to confirm their Christmas hours. While it’s not in the tourist center, it’s absolutely worth the trip if you need groceries on December 24th, 25th, or 26th when virtually everything else is closed. Support local family businesses!
🍷 Where to Buy Alcohol (Vínbúðin)
🏪 Vínbúðin Holiday Hours 2025/2026
| Date | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| December 23 (Þorláksmessa) | ✅ OPEN | Extended hours — Last chance to stock up! |
| December 24 (Christmas Eve) | ⚠️ LIMITED | Closes early afternoon (usually 12:00-14:00) |
| December 25 (Christmas Day) | ❌ CLOSED | All locations closed |
| December 26 (Boxing Day) | ❌ CLOSED | All locations closed |
| December 27-30 | ✅ OPEN | Normal hours — stock up for New Year’s! |
| December 31 (New Year’s Eve) | ⚠️ LIMITED | Closes early (usually around 18:00) |
| January 1 (New Year’s Day) | ❌ CLOSED | All locations closed |
💡 Pro Tip: Buy at the Airport Duty-Free!
The Vínbúðin at Keflavik Airport (in the arrivals hall) offers prices 30-50% cheaper than stores in town. Buy your wine, beer, and spirits right when you land!
- Location: Arrivals hall, after customs
- Hours: Open for all arriving flights
- Payment: Cards accepted
- Tip: There’s no limit for personal use—stock up!
📍 Main Vínbúðin Locations in Reykjavík
- Austurstræti 10a — Downtown, near Ingólfur Square (most central)
- Kringlan Mall — Shopping center location
- Smáralind Mall — Kópavogur
- Dalvegur 10-14 — Kópavogur
- Skútuvogur 13 — Near Skeifan area
🍷 Looking for Quality Red Wines?
For wine enthusiasts seeking a curated selection of quality red wines, check out Vinos.is — a local Icelandic wine shop specializing in red wines from around the world.
Note: Check their website for holiday hours and availability.
📅 Check exact Vínbúðin hours at vinbudin.is
📊 Christmas Hours Comparison Table
| Store | Dec 23 | Dec 24 | Dec 25 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 1 | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bónus | 10-23 | 10-14 | CLOSED | 10-18* | 10-16 | CLOSED | 💰 |
| Krónan | 9-22 | 9-15 | CLOSED | 10-19* | 9-16 | CLOSED | 💰 |
| Nettó (most locations) | 7:30-00 | 7:30-16 | CLOSED | Opens 9 | 7:30-16 | 11-00 | 💰💰 |
| Nettó Mjódd (24h) | 24h | 00-17 | CLOSED* | 24h | 24h | 24h ⭐ | 💰💰 |
| Hagkaup (Skeifan) | 24h | Until 16 | CLOSED | 10→24h | Until 20 | 12→24h ⭐ | 💰💰💰 |
| Hagkaup (Kringlan) | 10-23 | 9-14 | CLOSED | CLOSED | 10-14 | CLOSED | 💰💰💰 |
| Costco | Regular | 9-13 | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | 💰💰 |
| 10-11 | 24h | Until ~17 | Limited* | Opens AM | Limited | Limited* | 💰💰💰💰 |
| Verslunin Álfheimar ⭐ | 10-23 | ✅ OPEN | ✅ OPEN ⭐ | ✅ OPEN | ✅ OPEN | ✅ OPEN | 💰💰 |
*Mjódd reopens at 23:00 on Dec 25 (not useful for daytime). Hours vary by location. ⭐ = Best options for that day!
🎄 Bottom Line: Where to Shop on Holidays
- Christmas Day (Dec 25): Verslunin Álfheimar is your ONLY real option (10:00-23:00)
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1): Hagkaup Skeifan (opens 12:00) or Nettó Mjódd (24 hours)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are grocery stores open on Christmas Day in Reykjavik?
Almost all major grocery stores in Reykjavik are closed on Christmas Day (December 25th). Your only real option is:
Verslunin Álfheimar (Álfheimum 2) – A family-owned store open 10:00-23:00 on Christmas Day! Located in east Reykjavik, about 10 min from downtown. We called them directly to confirm.
All major chains (Bónus, Krónan, Hagkaup, Nettó, Costco) are closed on Christmas Day. While Nettó Mjódd technically reopens at 23:00 on December 25th, that’s essentially midnight and not useful for daytime shopping.
Our advice: Stock up by December 23rd, or visit Verslunin Álfheimar on Christmas Day if you need something!
What time do stores close on Christmas Eve in Iceland?
On December 24th (Christmas Eve), stores close significantly earlier than normal:
- Bónus: Closes at 2 PM (10:00-14:00)
- Krónan: Closes at 3 PM (9:00-15:00)
- Nettó: Closes at 4 PM (most locations) or 5 PM (Mjódd)
- Hagkaup Skeifan/Garðabær: Closes at 4 PM (stays open latest!)
- Hagkaup mall locations: Close at 2 PM
- Costco: Closes at 1 PM (09:00-13:00)
- 10-11: Closes around 5 PM
Tip: Complete your shopping by noon on Christmas Eve to avoid crowds!
Which grocery store is open on New Year’s Day?
Great news! You have TWO good options on New Year’s Day (January 1st):
1. Hagkaup Skeifan – Opens at 12:00 (noon) and returns to 24-hour operation.
2. Nettó Mjódd – Open 24 hours on New Year’s Day! This is the only Nettó location open.
Additionally, Verslunin Álfheimar (the family-owned store at Álfheimum 2) is open on New Year’s Day with regular hours (10:00-23:00).
Most other stores (Bónus, Krónan, Costco, mall locations) remain closed on January 1st.
Can I buy alcohol at grocery stores in Iceland?
No. Alcohol in Iceland is only sold at government-run stores called Vínbúðin. Grocery stores can only sell non-alcoholic beer or beer with less than 2.25% ABV.
Vínbúðin holiday schedule:
- December 23: Extended hours (last chance!)
- December 24: Limited hours, closes early afternoon
- December 25: CLOSED
- December 26: CLOSED
- December 31: Limited hours
- January 1: CLOSED
Pro tip: Buy alcohol at the duty-free Vínbúðin at Keflavik Airport when you arrive. Prices are 30-50% lower than in town!
What is the cheapest grocery store in Reykjavik?
Bónus (pink pig logo) is generally the cheapest grocery store in Iceland, followed closely by Krónan (yellow smiley face logo).
Price comparison (cheapest to most expensive):
- Bónus – Lowest prices, basic selection
- Krónan – Nearly as cheap, better selection including organic
- Nettó – Slightly higher, good for household items
- Costco – Good value for bulk items (membership required)
- Hagkaup – Premium store, best quality and selection
- 10-11 – Convenience store, 30-50% more expensive
For budget travelers, we recommend doing your main shopping at Bónus or Krónan.
Is there a 24-hour grocery store in Reykjavik?
Yes! Hagkaup Skeifan and Hagkaup Garðabær are open 24 hours during normal operation. Nettó Mjódd is also a 24-hour location.
However, during Christmas and New Year’s, even these stores have reduced hours:
Hagkaup Skeifan/Garðabær:
- December 24: Open until 4 PM
- December 25: CLOSED
- December 26: Opens 10 AM, then 24 hours
- December 31: Open until 8 PM (Skeifan) / 6 PM (Garðabær)
- January 1: Opens 12 PM, then 24 hours
Nettó Mjódd:
- December 24: Closes at 5 PM
- December 25: Closed (reopens 23:00 – not useful)
- December 26: 24 hours
- January 1: 24 hours ⭐
Where is the closest grocery store to downtown Reykjavik?
The most convenient grocery stores near downtown Reykjavik are:
Budget options:
- Bónus Laugavegur – Right on the main shopping street! (Laugavegur 59)
- Krónan Hallveigarstígur – Short walk from Laugavegur
Other nearby options:
- Bónus Fiskislóð/Grandi – In the harbor district, 15 min walk
- 10-11 Austurstræti – Central location, but expensive
For the best value downtown, go to Bónus on Laugavegur. It’s easy to find with the bright pink pig logo!
How do I find Verslunin Álfheimar (the store open on Christmas)?
Verslunin Álfheimar is a family-owned grocery store that stays open during Christmas when everything else is closed.
Address: Álfheimum 2, 104 Reykjavík
Getting there:
- By car: 10 min drive east from downtown. Free parking available.
- By bus: Bus routes 12 and 15 stop nearby
- By taxi: About 2,500-3,500 ISK from downtown
Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily (including Christmas!)
Contact: +354 571 5888
We called them directly to confirm they’re open December 24th, 25th, and 26th. A true lifesaver for visitors!
📞 Need Help Planning Your Iceland Trip?
Our Reykjavik-based team is here to help! Whether you need tour recommendations, have questions about Christmas activities in Iceland, or want to book a private tour, we’re happy to assist.
📧 Email: info@iceland-highlights.com
📱 Phone: +354 556 6868
💬 Response time: Usually within 2-4 hours
About Iceland Highlights: We’re a Reykjavik-based tour company specializing in private and small group tours across Iceland. Since 2016, we’ve helped thousands of visitors experience the best of Iceland with expert local guides.
Related guides:
Restaurants Open on Christmas |
Northern Lights Tours |
Golden Circle Tours
📅 Last updated: December 24, 2025
✅ Hours verified: Bónus, Hagkaup, Costco, Nettó official websites; Verslunin Álfheimar confirmed by phone