The Akureyri Christmas House, or Jolahusid, is a quirky tourist attraction near the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri. Craving Christmas in July? This specialty gift shop is full of Christmas spirit and welcomes visitors year-round.
The Akureyri Christmas House is one of the must-see destinations in North Iceland. It’s a shop that lives up to its name, specializing in Christmas goods.
Spread across its two floors, you'll find Christmas decorations, trinkets, treats, homeware, ornaments, music, books, and artwork—all dedicated to the festive spirit. Many of the items are sourced internationally, reflecting Christmas traditions from around the globe.
The Akureyri Christmas House makes for a fun stop for travelers of all ages exploring North Iceland. Read on to find out more and plan your visit.
Key Things To Know About the Akureyri Christmas House
-
The Christmas House is full of festive cheer all year, making it a perfect stop for Christmas lovers, even in summer.
-
Jolahusid showcases Icelandic Christmas traditions and folklore, featuring unique items like the Yule Lads and seasonal Icelandic decor.
-
The Christmas House grounds have other shops selling treats, sweets, and non-Christmas souvenirs and gifts.
-
The surrounding region has numerous notable attractions and nature landmarks, including Lake Myvatn, Godafoss Waterfall, Dettifoss Waterfall, and Akureyri.
Why Visit the Christmas House in Akureyri
The Akureyri Christmas House appeals to visitors with its Christmas-themed shop inventory and the opportunity to learn more about Christmas in Iceland specifically. Authentic local handicrafts make wonderful gifts, and the staff are experts in Icelandic Christmas folklore, eager to share stories and answer questions.
Icelandic Christmas traditions are interesting and, to many outsiders, unusual. Rather than having one jolly Santa Claus delivering presents and spreading joy, Iceland counts thirteen—the Yule Lads are all trolls with different personalities whose antics range from mischievous to malevolent.
The thirteen trolls' mother, Gryla, is a child-eating giantess. She has a pet, the Christmas Cat, who helps her hunt for children during the Christmas season. Look out for an impressive sculpture of Gryla in the cave on the ground floor and shop for curious souvenirs inspired by folklore on the main floors.
The House's owner dresses up as Santa Claus, and his convincing portrayal adds to the charm of the experience. Visitors can also send letters to Santa Claus from a special mailbox inside the store.
The Akureyri Christmas House Buildings and Shops
The Christmas House grounds include several buildings to visit in addition to the shop. The first one is a tower that could very well be the world's largest advent calendar—its windows are numbered from one to 25, reflecting the countdown to Christmas Day on December 25. Fairy-tale imagery by Icelandic artist Sunna Björk Hreiðarsdóttir adorns the tower walls.
Close by is the Apple Shed (Eplakofin), where you can buy sugar-glazed apples, a truly festive treat and a kids' favorite.
Find more sweets at The Black House (Svarta Husid), a shop dedicated to Nordic products, although only some of them are Christmas-themed.
The beautiful and festive Christmas Garden (Jolagardurinn) has a miniature replica of an Icelandic turf church, whose appearance represents the way buildings looked across the country before industrialization.
The Christmas House is also home to the Wishing Well of Unborn Children, where guests may make a wish for future generations. The tree with stars at the tips of its branches represents those yet to be born.
How To Get to the Akureyri Christmas House
The Christmas House is located 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of the capital of the North, Akureyri. Follow Route 821 out of town, and the shop will be to your right after about 10 minutes. If you reach the village of Hrafnagil, you’ve gone too far.
You can also reach Akureyri from Reykjavik following the Ring Road (Route 1) north. This is a much longer drive of about 250 miles (400 kilometers), but it can still be done as the road is maintained well and remains accessible throughout the year.
A short flight from the Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Akureyri will allow you to avoid a long drive.
From Akureyri Airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or book a private transfer to reach the Christmas House with ease.
Self-Drive Tours Near the Akureyri Christmas House
If you’re up for an adventure, we recommend adding the Christmas House as a stop on a self-drive tour of North Iceland or the Ring Road. Here are some of our recommendations:
-
10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road — Add a stop to the Christmas House on this journey around Iceland including North Iceland and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
-
6-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour Around Iceland — Plan a visit to the Christmas House as part of this summer Ring Road itinerary, which lets you explore Iceland’s top sights, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and hot springs.
-
10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road — Chase the northern lights and take a stop at the Akureyri Christmas House to complete your Icelandic winter experience.
-
1-Week Winter Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road and Golden Circle — Visit the Golden Circle sightseeing route, the spectacular South Coast, and the remote Eastfjords on this weeklong tour.
Things To Do Near the Akureyri Christmas House
Explore the wealth of attractions to the North alongside the Christmas House. The most well-known of these is Myvatn, a beautiful region of lakes, geological marvels, and volcanic activity. The area is also renowned for its waterfalls, such as the historic Godafoss Waterfall and the Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Other nearby attractions include the basalt rock formation of Hvitserkur and the magnificent horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi.
Several fantastic guided tours covering the region depart from the town of Akureyri, Iceland's second largest urban area:
-
6-Hour Lake Myvatn Minibus Shore Tour From Akureyri Port — Take a sightseeing tour in Iceland’s north region, including a visit to Godafoss Waterfall.
-
8-Hour 4x4 Tour of the North Coast — Visit top sights near Akureyri, including Dettifoss Waterfall and Lake Myvatn.
-
Lake Myvatn Sightseeing & Hot Springs Tour From Akureyri — Hop on this tour for a unique journey to Lake Myvatn, Godafoss Waterfall, the hot springs of Grjotagja, and the Namafjall Geohermal Area.
The Akureyri Christmas Shop FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to the Akureyri Christmas House:
What are the opening hours of the Christmas House?
The Akureyri Christmas House has seasonal opening hours, so it's best to check the latest schedule before your visit. Here's a breakdown by season:
-
June to August: 10 AM to 6 PM
-
September to December: noon to 6 PM
-
January to May: 2 PM to 6 PM
Is there a best time of year to visit the Christmas House?
The Akureyri Christimas House is a great experience year-round, but visiting in winter makes it even more magical with Iceland’s snowy landscape adding to the Christmas charm.
Can I take photos inside the Christmas House?
Yes—the Christmas House encourages photography. The beautifully decorated shop is perfect for festive pictures.
Is there an entrance fee for visiting the Christmas House?
No, it is free to visit the Akureyri Christmas House. There is no admission fee, and visitors are welcome to explore the enchanting displays and shop for holiday-themed items at their leisure. Since there’s no charge to enter, you won’t need to worry about purchasing Akureyri Christmas House tour tickets—just show up and enjoy the festive magic year-round!
If I send a letter from the Santa mailbox, will I get a reply?
It’s not guaranteed, but you never know—Santa has been known to respond to extra-special letters.
Make Your Icelandic Adventure Festive
The Akureyri Christmas House serves as a magic portal into the heart of Icelandic holiday traditions, where the warmth of the season lingers year-round. From handcrafted ornaments and traditional Icelandic holiday treats to unique gifts and festive decor, every corner of this enchanting destination inspires joy and nostalgia.
Spending time here fits easily into a broader exploration of the region, especially since many of the best things to do in Akureyri and nearby destinations are within a short drive. There’s plenty to complement the festive spirit, from nature and culture to cozy cafes.
No matter the time of year, this festive haven ensures that the magic of Christmas never fades. If Christmas is your favorite season, do not miss it—plan your North Iceland getaway today.
