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!

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!

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.

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!

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):

1. Bónus – Lowest prices, basic selection
2. Krónan – Nearly as cheap, better selection including organic
3. Nettó – Slightly higher, good for household items
4. Costco – Good value for bulk items (membership required)
5. Hagkaup – Premium store, best quality and selection
6. 10-11 – Convenience store, 30-50% more expensive

For budget travelers, we recommend doing your main shopping at Bónus or Krónan.

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 ⭐

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!

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!